The car glided through the main avenues until it reached a neighborhood Lina had only seen in luxury magazines — gated condominiums, flawless gardens, silent streets lit by golden lamps. The kind of place where even the air seemed lighter.
She stared out the window, both amazed and nervous.
"You live… here?" she whispered.
"In one of the buildings," Adrian replied. "The tallest one."
She almost choked.
The building he pointed at was a sleek skyscraper, all black glass and metal. Imposing. Perfect. Cold, but fascinating. Just like him.
The car passed through the gate without being stopped — the guards only nodded.
Lina's eyes widened.
"They didn't even ask for identification…"
"My car, my license plate, my driver," Adrian said simply. "There's no need."
Of course.
Because in this world… he didn't need permission.
He was the permission.
---
The lobby was so big Lina felt small inside it. Everything gleamed: polished marble floors, modern chandeliers, LED panels showing digital art. There were huge plants in imported vases and even a soft fountain in the corner.
And still, the place felt quiet.
Private.
Exclusive.
As they crossed the lobby, several staff members bowed discreetly.
"Good evening, Mr. Luce."
"Good evening, Mr. Luce."
Adrian only nodded, already used to it — because this was his world. A world where everyone knew him, where every step he took generated a reaction.
Lina walked a bit behind him until Adrian stopped, turned… and gently took her hand.
Warm.
Steady.
"Stay close," he said.
Blushing was unavoidable.
---
The private elevator opened as soon as they approached. The interior looked like a hotel suite: dark wood walls, soft lighting, a minimalist panel.
"This elevator goes straight to my floor," Adrian explained.
"Your… floor?"
"Yes. The top one."
Lina took a deep breath.
It was luxury after luxury.
And she was still wearing the same wrinkled clothes from the night before.
When the doors opened, it felt like stepping into another world.
The entire floor was his apartment.
Double-height ceiling.
Floor-to-ceiling windows.
A panoramic view of the glowing city.
Modern, flawless furniture.
Black, white, and gray tones.
A sophistication so cold it almost felt like a museum.
"T-this place…" Lina barely breathed. "It's huge!"
Adrian set her luggage on the floor.
"It was designed to be functional."
Functional?
FUNCTIONAL???
An apartment that looked like a futuristic palace??
He was definitely from another planet.
Lina took two steps forward and froze.
The soft grass-like texture of the luxurious rug looked so expensive she was scared to step on it.
Adrian noticed.
"You're tense."
"I'm afraid to touch anything and… break it," she admitted.
"You won't break anything," he assured, walking toward her. "And even if you did, it wouldn't matter."
"But… everything here is so expensive…"
"Lina," he said calmly, "nothing here is more valuable than your peace of mind. Use the space however you want."
Her heart turned into pure chaos.
What did this man think he was?
---
Adrian walked to a side door.
"Come. I'll show you the bedroom."
Lina followed, half enchanted, half overwhelmed.
He opened the door.
She expected a simple guest room.
But what she saw…
Was a massive bedroom, with a king-size bed, automatic curtains, built-in lighting, plush rugs, and a balcony overlooking the city.
"This is my bedroom," Adrian said.
She froze.
"I—I… I can't stay here!"
"Why not?" he asked, genuinely confused.
"Because it's YOUR bedroom!"
"Yes. And?"
Lina blinked fast.
"And I don't sleep in the same room as… as… men! Much less cold, possessive CEOs I literally met yesterday!"
Adrian seemed to think for a moment, then simply said:
"There are two closets and a bed large enough. I don't see an issue."
"I do!" she protested, red.
"You may sleep on the left side," he offered, as if it were a perfectly reasonable compromise.
Lina covered her face.
"Adrian… you don't understand…"
"Then explain," he said, genuinely interested. "I can adapt."
Her chest nearly melted.
"I… just need a little… distance. Until I understand everything. Until I… trust more."
Adrian stayed silent for a few seconds.
Then turned toward the hallway.
"Come."
Lina followed him, tense and curious, until he opened a door on the other side of the apartment.
Inside was another beautiful bedroom — smaller, but still luxurious, with a comfortable bed, soft walls, and a view of the sea of buildings.
"This room will be yours," Adrian said. "For as long as you need."
Lina breathed deeply.
"And you… will stay in the other?"
"Naturally."
She bit her lip.
"Thank you."
Adrian only nodded.
"I'll have clothes, personal items, and anything else you want prepared. But for now… rest. You've been through a lot today."
His voice was lower.
Softer.
Almost… gentle.
Lina sat on the bed. The mattress molded perfectly to her shape.
"Adrian?"
He paused at the doorway.
"Yes?"
Lina studied him for a moment.
The perfect suit.
The flawless posture.
The controlled expression.
And yet…
"Why… are you being so… careful with me?"
Adrian went silent.
Completely.
At last, he answered:
"Because you're the only woman who doesn't hurt me… and the only one I don't want to hurt."
Lina lost her breath.
Adrian turned away.
"Good night, Lina."
He closed the door softly.
Lina fell onto the bed, hugging the pillow.
Her heart was racing wildly.
She was lost. Lost in this man. Lost in this madness.
But for the first time… she felt it might be the right kind of lost.