Stacks of papers lay scattered across the wooden desk as Mary methodically arranged the files, cursing him silently under her breath, her fingers moving with practice ease. The Orphanage office was quiet, the faint laughter of children echoing from outside.
Taylor sat on the edge of the desk, watching her with knowing eyes.
"You know why you hate him so much, right?" She said casually, tossing a stress ball in the air.
"Because he's controlling? Arrogant? A pain in my ass?"
Taylor smirked. "No, because you're in love with him."
The pen in Mary's hands slipped. "That's ridiculous."
"Is it? Because from where I'm sitting, you don't react like this to someone you hate."
She hated the conversation. Hated that Taylor had picked up on something she refused to admit.
"Why else would you hire a guy to get back at him?"
She didn't answer. Because if she did, she would lose her mind.
When she opened the door, she saw him, dressed in his usual black suit, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Across from him sat Daniel.
"Ah, Mary, join us."
Her fingers tightened around the report papers. "What is this?" she asked cautiously, glancing at Daniel for explanation, or secret gesture.
She wasn't prepared for this.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, gesturing toward the empty seat beside him. "Dinner. But more importantly..." his smirk deepened, dark amusement flickering in his blue eyes. "An overdue conversation. You see, I know all your secrets now."
Her heart dropped. The room suddenly felt smaller, suffocating. She sat, trying to suppress threatening heart attacks.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Adrian chuckled. A low, knowing sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "Don't pretend sweetheart. I know Daniel is a fake boyfriend."
Silence thickened between them.
Daniel stood and sighed. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have told him."
She shot him a sharp glare. "You're sorry?"
"Of course he is," Adrian answered for him, his eyes never leaving hers. "You think I'll let people into my house without knowing who they are? All it took was a few calls and, of course, money. He likes money."
Her throat tightened.
The pool shimmered under the glow of the evening light. Mary hesitated at the edge, arms folded tightly under her breast as she eyed the water and him.
He had told her he'll take her swimming lessons as an apology. And lectured something about scammers and intruders.
"You're stalling," Adrian murmured. He was already waist-deep in the pool, the water lapping his chiseled torso.
She exhaled sharply, forcing herself to step forward. When her toes touched the water, a shiver ran up her spine. Whether from the chill or the way his gaze followed her every movement, she wasn't sure.
Slowly, she descended into the pool. The water wrapped around her legs, then her waist. She tried not to focus on how close he was, how the water slicked over his toned arms, how his blue eyes roamed on her.
"Relax," he said, his voice softer now. "Swimming is about control. You panic, you sink."
Her body vibrated as his hands found her waist, steadying her. "Lean back," he instructed.
She hesitated. His hold on her waist wasn't helping.
"Trust me."
"Should I?"
She exhaled, letting herself lean back in the water. His grip was firm, guiding, and despite herself, she let him hold her afloat.
"Tell me, Mary...why did you lie about Daniel?"
Her body tensed, sending ripples through the water. "I had my reasons."
His fingers brushed over her skin beneath the water. "You can't keep secrets from me,"
She turned her head, meeting his gaze. "And what if I don't want you in my business?"
"Then you shouldn't have come to my world."
She tried to shift away, but his hands held her steady. "Stay still," he murmured. "Or you will drown."
"Let me go, you..."
"Chicken?" he said, smirking.
Before she could think twice, she lifted her hands and splashed a wave of water at him. The droplets hit his face and slicked through his dark hair. He blinked and grinned.
"That," he murmured, wiping his face. "Was a mistake."
With effortless grace, he retaliated, sending a wave of water straight at her. She gasped, wiping her face.
He laughed.
The sound startled her. It wasn't the usually dark, knowing chuckle he gave when he was plotting something. This was different. Lighter. Real.
And then, just as the laughter had come, his expression shifted.
The playfulness faded to something darker, more intense. His eyes locked into hers, undeniably certain.
Before she could move, he closed the distance between them in one swift motion. His hands found her waist beneath the water, his grip firm, possessive, as he pulled her against him.
"Mary." he murmured, his breath fanned her cheeks. "I shouldn't want you the way I do."
And then he kissed her.
Not soft, Not hesitant. But fierce, as if he had been holding back for far too long. His lips moved against hers.
Heat flooded through her, her fingers gripping his shoulders for balance. The water swayed around them but Adrian held her steady, as if she belonged there.
When he finally pulled back, his forehead resting against hers, his breathing was heavy, controlled. But his next words shattered every barrier between them.
"You're mine, Mary," he said, his voice deep with certainty. "You've always been mine."
And deep down, in the place she never admitted to herself, she knew.
She couldn't resist him. Without thinking, she jumped out of the water and ran.
The cold night air made her shiver as she sprinted through the empty streets, her breath coming in sharp gasps. Her heart pounded in her chest. The way he pulled her close made her feel like she belonged to him.
She shouldn't have let him get that close. She was meant to hate him. She turned the corner sharply, nearly slipping on the slick pavement, and bolted toward a familiar house. The porchlight was off, but she didn't care. She pounded on the door.
A few seconds later, Taylor stood at the door with a mismatched socks. "I hope there's an explanation because I had to run out of the bathroom."
"I need to stay here tonight." She whispered urgently, pushing past Taylor into the warmth of the house. She leaned against the wall, pressing a hand to her chest to calm her racing heart.
Taylor shut the door, arms crossed. "Spill. Do I need to summon my friends from hell? What did he do to you? And why are you wearing your swim suit?"
Mary let out a shuddering breath. "He kissed me."
Taylor's eyes widened. "Wait, what?"
"And the worst part? I think I wanted it." She sank onto the couch, burying her face in her hands. "I think I'm falling in love with him."
Taylor sat and hugged her.
"I couldn't stay there. We were supposed to hate each other."
"You don't have to figure it out tonight," Taylor murmured. "We'll deal with it in the morning."