Chapter 0106

Adrian arrives precisely when he said he would. The moment I step outside, I notice his restless energy as he jogs toward me, taking my bag without a word. His lips brush my nose in a featherlight kiss that sends heat rushing to my cheeks.

Romantic Adrian is dangerously addictive.

He opens the car door with effortless grace. Okay, I could definitely get used to Chivalrous Adrian too. Not that I'd ever admit how much I enjoy his undivided attention.

As we drive, he reminds me about my unanswered question. I don't understand why his answer matters so much, but the thought of him visiting my mother with me makes my pulse race. The intensity of my desire makes me hesitate, so I blurt out that he's free to refuse before even asking. I could swear I hear him stifle a laugh.

My fingers twist together nervously as I stare out the window, struggling to form the words. Then his hand covers mine, warm and steady. When I meet his gaze, those piercing eyes hold me captive. The question tumbles out before I can stop it.

Hearing him repeat it back with disbelief makes me cringe. It sounds ridiculous now. I immediately start backtracking, offering him every possible out.

His agreement brings instant relief—until he attaches a condition. A date.

Here's the problem. My entire existence has revolved around training and academics. Morning drills, school, evening practice, homework, sleep. Repeat. Weekends? More training. Dating has never been part of the equation. At nearly eighteen, I'm clueless about dating etiquette.

Unfamiliar insecurity claws at me. What if Adrian thinks I'm too inexperienced? What if I embarrass myself and he regrets wasting time on me? He claims it's just dinner, not a girlfriend outing. Dinner I can handle. We survived last night's family meal, right? How different could a restaurant be?

Lost in these thoughts, I barely notice we've reached school until Adrian clears his throat. 'Just say yes. It's only dinner,' Selene chimes in, deciding for me. His megawatt smile when I agree could power cities. Nothing compares to being the focus of that radiant expression. My heart does somersaults beneath my ribs.

His gratitude for accepting our date makes the piece of my heart he already owns expand. The quick kiss he steals leaves me breathless, so when his fingers intertwine with mine as we enter school, I don't protest.

Outside my classroom, he kisses me again. Though I'd said this was conditional on being his girlfriend, I'm growing addicted to this version of Adrian. He couldn't care less about spectators—his entire world seems to narrow to me alone. It's heady stuff.

The pattern continues all day. He escorts me between classes, stealing kisses at every doorway.

At lunch, Donovan's still trying to thaw Genevieve's icy demeanor. Her frosty attitude only seems to fuel his determination. Good luck with that.

After lunch, I decide to flip the script. Before he can initiate our usual goodbye kiss, I grab his collar and yank him down. This isn't some chaste peck—I pour everything into it. He responds instantly, pinning me against the hallway wall with bruising intensity. When my tongue traces his lips, he parts them without hesitation.

He reclaims control within seconds, the kiss turning possessive.

When we break apart, his eyes mirror my dazed expression. Smirking, I give him one last quick kiss before slipping free. "See you after class, Alpha," I murmur over my shoulder, sauntering into the classroom. The growl that follows sends delicious shivers down my spine.

After school, we collect our weekend assignments before heading to his car. At the trunk, he suddenly spins me against the passenger door, claiming my mouth in a kiss so fierce it steals my breath. Forehead pressed to mine, he rasps, "Consider that payback for driving me crazy in the middle of school, little guardian."

His smirk as he opens my door leaves me lightheaded. This man obliterates my senses with every kiss.