The night air outside Seven Oaks was crisp, carrying the faint scent of rain. Adrian's hand still rested lightly against Olivia's back as they stepped toward the waiting car.
"I can walk from here," she said, stopping just short of the open door.
His gaze dipped to hers, unreadable. "I wasn't offering you the choice."
She bit back a retort, but before either could speak again, the screech of tires shattered the calm.
A dark sedan shot past, too close to the curb. A splash of cold water from a pothole soaked her coat, and she stumbled back. Raymond's arm closed around her instantly, pulling her into the solid wall of his chest.
"You're freezing," he said, voice low but edged with something sharper—protectiveness, maybe.
"I'm fine," she muttered, though her pulse was anything but.
Without another word, he guided her into the car. The door shut, sealing them in with the soft hum of the engine. The leather seats smelled faintly of cedar and something darker—his scent.
"Where's your apartment?" he asked.
She hesitated. "Why?"
"So I can take you there. Unless you'd rather I take you to mine." His tone was calm, but the suggestion hung heavy in the air.
Her cheeks warmed despite herself. "I'll give you the address."
The car slid through the city, lights blurring against the windows. For a moment, neither spoke. She risked a glance at him—his jaw set, eyes fixed ahead. Not cold, but focused, like a man used to controlling every detail.
When they reached her building, he didn't let her leave immediately. His hand caught her wrist gently, holding her still.
"Olivia," he said, her name sounding different in his voice. "Whatever you think this is, you're not ready for me."
Her breath hitched. "Then stop chasing me."
He smiled faintly, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I told you, Miss Martins—I always get what I want."
He released her hand, letting her go. But as she stepped into the lobby, she knew with unsettling certainty that this wasn't the end—it was the beginning of a pull she might not be able to resist.
He released her slowly, almost reluctantly, before watching her walk into the building. She could feel his gaze on her back until the lobby doors closed between them.
Inside, Olivia leaned against the wall for a moment, her heart still unsteady. She wanted to believe she was strong enough to stay away from him.
But a quiet, dangerous part of her knew… she wasn't sure she even wanted to try.