Mia ran without looking back.
The city lights blurred into streaks of gold and white as she sprinted down the sidewalk, her heels slipping against the wet pavement. Her chest burned with each breath, and her mind raced faster than her feet.
She didn't know why she was so scared.
But she was.
She could feel the danger like a cold hand on her shoulder.
She finally stopped in front of a small café, panting and shaking.
She leaned against the wall, trying to calm herself, but the fear wouldn't leave.
She looked down at her phone.
No messages.
No missed calls.
She felt alone.
She didn't know what to do.
She had no one to turn to.
She had no one who would understand.
And the truth was... she was starting to realize she didn't even know Adrian.
Not really.
She only knew the way he made her feel.
And the way he kissed her.
Mia closed her eyes and tried to breathe.
She told herself it was over.
She told herself she'd never see him again.
She told herself she'd never fall for him.
But her heart didn't listen.
⸻
The Return
Two hours later, Mia was back at her apartment, sitting on her couch, staring at the door like it was a threat.
Her mind replayed the scene at the lounge over and over.
Elise's smile.
Adrian's tension.
The way he had blocked her path.
The way he had told her to leave.
It didn't make sense.
Who was Elise?
Why did she know Mia's name?
Why did she look at her like she was a problem?
Mia felt her phone buzz.
Her hands shook as she picked it up.
Unknown Number:
Are you safe?
Mia's heart skipped.
She stared at the message, her fingers trembling.
She typed back.
Mia:
Who is this?
Unknown Number:
Adrian.
Mia's eyes widened.
She didn't know if she should reply.
But she did.
Mia:
Why did you bring me there?
There was a long pause.
Then the message came.
Adrian:
Because I wanted to see you. Because I needed you.
Mia's heart raced.
She felt her cheeks burn.
But she didn't reply.
She couldn't.
She didn't know what to say.
A minute later, another message came.
Adrian:
Please don't be afraid. I didn't mean for her to scare you.
Mia stared at the message.
She didn't know what to feel.
She wanted to believe him.
She wanted to trust him.
But she didn't know if she could.
She sat there, staring at the phone, until she finally fell asleep.
⸻
The Next Day
Mia woke up with her heart still pounding.
She felt exhausted.
Her body felt heavy, like she had been carrying a weight for days.
She looked at her phone.
No new messages.
She sighed and got ready for work.
She didn't feel like going.
But she had no choice.
She couldn't stay locked in her apartment forever.
She arrived at the studio and tried to focus on her work, but her mind kept drifting back to Adrian.
She didn't know what to do.
She didn't know how to feel.
She just knew one thing:
She couldn't stop thinking about him.
⸻
The Unexpected Visitor
That afternoon, Mia heard a knock at her door.
Her heart raced.
She wasn't expecting anyone.
She slowly walked to the door and peeked through the peephole.
Adrian stood outside.
He looked calm.
He looked composed.
But Mia could see the worry in his eyes.
She opened the door.
"Adrian," she whispered.
He stepped inside without being invited.
"I'm sorry," he said immediately. "I didn't mean to scare you."
Mia crossed her arms. "Then why did you bring me there?"
Adrian looked down, his expression troubled.
"I wanted to protect you," he said.
Mia frowned. "Protect me from what?"
Adrian took a deep breath.
"There are people who don't want me to be happy," he said. "And they'll do anything to ruin me."
Mia's heart raced.
She stared at him.
"Are you in danger?" she asked.
Adrian nodded.
"Yes," he said. "And now you're involved."
Mia's eyes widened.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
Adrian looked at her with intensity.
"I mean you're part of my world now," he said. "And I can't let anything happen to you."
Mia's eyes filled with tears.
"I don't want to be part of your world," she whispered. "I just want to be normal."
Adrian's expression softened.
"I know," he said. "But you're not normal to me."
Mia swallowed.
She didn't know what to say.
Adrian moved closer.
His hand lifted to her face, gently brushing her cheek.
"You're the first person who's ever made me feel something real," he whispered. "And I'm not going to lose you."
Mia felt her heart tremble.
She wanted to believe him.
But she didn't know if she could.
She looked into his eyes.
"I don't want to get hurt again," she whispered.
Adrian's eyes softened.
"I won't let that happen," he said.
Mia felt tears slip down her cheeks.
She didn't know why she was crying.
But she couldn't stop.
Adrian pulled her into his arms and held her close.
She felt safe.
For the first time in a long time, she felt safe.
⸻
The Confession
They stayed like that for a long time.
Mia rested her head on Adrian's chest, listening to his heartbeat.
She felt her body relax.
She felt her fear fade.
She felt like she could finally breathe.
Adrian pulled back slightly and looked at her.
"Mia," he said softly. "I need to tell you something."
Mia looked up at him, her eyes red.
"What?" she asked.
Adrian's expression turned serious.
"I'm not just a businessman," he said. "I'm involved in things that are dangerous."
Mia's eyes widened.
"What kind of things?" she asked.
Adrian sighed.
"I can't tell you everything," he said. "Not yet."
Mia frowned. "Why not?"
Adrian looked down.
"Because I don't want to put you in danger," he said.
Mia stared at him.
"You already did," she whispered.
Adrian's expression softened.
"I know," he said. "And I'm sorry."
Mia wiped her tears.
She looked at him, her eyes filled with emotion.
"Why are you telling me this?" she asked.
Adrian's gaze held hers.
"Because I want you to know the truth," he said. "I don't want you to think I'm hiding things from you."
Mia felt her heart soften.
She didn't know why.
But she trusted him.
Even if she didn't want to.
Adrian leaned in and kissed her gently.
This kiss was different.
It was softer.
It was full of love.
Not just desire.
Mia felt her body respond.
She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer.
When they finally broke apart, Adrian looked at her with a serious expression.
"Mia," he said. "I need you to stay with me tonight."
Mia's eyes widened.
"Why?" she asked.
Adrian's voice was firm.
"Because I don't want you to be alone," he said. "And because I need to protect you."
Mia hesitated.
She didn't know if she should trust him.
But she wanted to.
She nodded.
"Okay," she whispered.
Adrian smiled softly.
He took her hand and led her to the bedroom.
⸻
The Night
That night, they lay together in Adrian's bed.
It wasn't just a physical closeness.
It was emotional.
Mia felt like she was finally being seen.
Adrian held her close, his arms wrapped around her like a shield.
Mia rested her head on his chest, feeling his heartbeat.
She felt safe.
She felt loved.
She felt like she belonged.
Adrian kissed her forehead.
"I'm not going to let anyone hurt you," he whispered.
Mia closed her eyes.
"I believe you," she whispered.
Adrian smiled.
"Good," he said. "Because I'm not going anywhere."
Mia drifted off to sleep in his arms, feeling warmth and peace she hadn't felt in years.