I blush and unintentionally lift the corner of my mouth into a little embarrassed smile.
What do you mean? I just eye-fucked the camera, that’s all.
“I see,” Adrien smirks and keeps watching me as I stay silent.
I shake off the embarrassment, ignoring him as I go do my hygiene in the bathroom, hearing him leave.
“Adrien,” I yell at him from my bathroom while I wash my face. I step out of the bathroom, my makeup all grunge and not properly washed yet. “Please stay,” I say, with a hint of unintentional sentiment.
He doesn’t give me any answer but smiles to himself as he turns around and throws himself back on the sofa, kicking his combat boots on the coffee table and crossing his hands on his chest.
I’m going crazy from loneliness and I guess he’s all I got. The need for information is now bigger than any fear.
I quickly finish cleaning my face and teeth and head back to him.
“So I,” I start, slightly nervous, not sure why, “I think I get it and I won’t run.”
I wait for his answer, his face covered with surprise.
“What exactly did you get?” he asks, wanting me to elaborate.
“The Vermilion has put a target on my back. Kasien took me, saving my life, meaning this place is safe for me now,” I explain as he studies me. “So I won’t run,” I add.
“Okay?” He doesn’t understand where I’m going with this so I continue.
“I need you to let me out for a bit. I need fresh air and movement. You can trust me,” I explain, trying to sound nice and trustworthy.
He surprisingly doesn’t laugh or mock me Instead, he looks like he’s considering the idea.
“I’ll see what I can do. You’re clearly a bit bored here.”
He quickly glances at the empty wine bottles and walnuts all over the rug, then shamelessly checks me up. I’m still wearing my date outfit and heels.
“You mean you’ll ask Kasien,” I correct him.
“That’s right.” He nods.
“Is he your boss or something?”
I settle myself comfortably on the couch, crossing one leg over the other.
“No. We prefer partners,” he corrects me.
“Partners in crime or something else?” I tease him with a smirk and he gives me a huge smile.
“Depends on the situation.”
We don’t break eye contact for a long moment, as if trying who gives up first.
Okay, Kiara, stop fantasizing and get back to the interrogation now.
“Who is Lucien?” As soon as I say that name, his face instantly goes into serious mode. The expression I saw on him just once, three days ago in the lobby.
“Okay, Kiara, I’ll stop you right there.” He claps his hands together and rests his elbows on the knees.
I think this is the first time he said my name.
“For your own safety, all you need to know is that you got yourself into serious danger, and this place, like it or not, is the only place you’re safe right now,” he states, the sudden urgency of his voice spiking my pulse.
