The silent hallway felt like another world compared to the chaos of the mall.
Lina could still feel her hand trapped in Adrian's—not by force, but by need.
He held it as if he depended on it to breathe.
The allergic reaction had almost completely faded, yet the impact lingered in his eyes: a tense shine, a vulnerability he never showed.
— Adrian… — Lina began softly. — Are you okay?
He drew a slow breath, finally releasing it.
— I am — he answered, though his voice was slightly lower than usual. — It was just… unexpected.
Lina bit her lip.
— She shouldn't have touched you…
— She shouldn't have — he agreed, jaw tight. — But it happens. And I'm used to it.
She shook her head.
— I saw your arm turning red. It looked painful.
— It is — Adrian admitted without hesitation. — And it's irritating.
Lina stepped closer.
— But when you held my hand… it went away.
He looked at her. A deep look.
A look without masks, without the cold shield of an unshakable CEO.
— It always goes away — he said. — You… cancel everything.
Her breath faltered.
— Adrian…
— It's not just physical, Lina. — He leaned in, not touching her, but close enough to make her dizzy. — When you touch me… I feel calm. It's something I've never felt with anyone.
Her heart melted entirely.
— I… don't know how to respond to that — she murmured.
— Don't respond — he said, firm. — Just stay near me.
Lina tried to hide the blush burning her cheeks.
— You say things like they're simple…
He raised an eyebrow.
— To me, they are. You make me feel good. Therefore, you stay with me.
She almost laughed.
He said it like he was closing a business deal.
---
They walked for a while longer, still holding hands, until Lina noticed that Adrian seemed slightly… embarrassed. Almost imperceptible, but there.
— Were you embarrassed? — she asked, tilting her head.
— I don't get embarrassed — Adrian replied immediately.
Which, to Lina, was perfect confirmation that yes… he was embarrassed.
She smiled, amused.
— Adrian, you don't have to pretend with me. I saw the way you reacted when that woman touched you.
He sighed, looking away.
— I don't like being seen… vulnerable.
Lina softened her voice.
— There's nothing wrong with being human.
He met her eyes again.
— In my world, Lina, seeming human is dangerous.
She stopped walking.
So did he.
— Then let it stay between us — Lina said quietly. — You don't have to be invincible with me all the time.
Adrian remained silent for a few seconds.
And then, something rare happened:
He gave her a half-smile.
Small, subtle, discreet… but real.
— You talk like trusting is easy.
— And is it? — she asked.
— With you… it is — Adrian admitted.
Her heart melted all over again.
This man was going to destroy her.
---
When they resumed walking, Lina noticed something else.
Adrian hadn't let go of her hand.
Not once.
Even though he was completely recovered from the allergy.
Even when people walked by.
Even when no one was watching.
It was as if her touch was…
an anchor.
a relief.
a vice.
And Lina…
Lina liked it.
More than she should.
---
At the end of the hallway, he stopped in front of an elegant café.
— Let's take a break — Adrian said. — You need water and a moment to rest.
— I'm fine — Lina replied.
— Lina — he stared seriously — you went through emotional stress yesterday, slept in a new place, woke up early, came to the mall, tried on clothes, dealt with people… and still had to help me when I wasn't well. You need a break.
She blinked.
— You… paid attention to all that?
— Of course — Adrian said, as if it were obvious. — I pay attention to you all the time.
She froze.
Mouth open.
Breath gone.
— What? — he asked, genuinely confused.
She swallowed.
— Nothing… it's just… you don't realize the effect you cause when you say things like that.
Adrian tilted his head.
— What effect?
Lina turned her face away, blushing from head to toe.
— Forget it.
He gave a slight smile.
— No. Now I want to know.
— Adrian…!
— Lina.
They stayed like that for a few seconds—she blushing, he insisting—until Lina gave in.
— You… make my heart race — she confessed softly.
Silence.
And then…
Adrian lifted her chin gently and spoke in the softest voice he'd ever used with her:
— Good.
Because you make mine race too.
Lina lost her breath entirely.
He let her go slowly.
— Let's get something to drink — he said, returning to his usual serious tone as if he hadn't just emotionally destroyed her.
And she followed him, utterly incapable of denying anything at that moment.
Because her heart was beating so fast…
it felt like it was matching his.