Chapter 0097

What an incredible night. Seeing my father so joyful, almost like he'd regained his youth, warmed my heart.

When Adrian inquired about his mother's pie, I couldn't resist inhaling deeply. The rich peanut butter aroma filled the air. Honestly, the entire room smelled like a decadent dessert between the pie and Adrian's intoxicating chocolate scent. My mouth watered uncontrollably. If noses could experience pleasure, mine would be in ecstasy. As he wrapped his arm around my waist to smell the pie, I nearly gave in to the urge to taste his neck. It was right there, so close...

Coffee! We definitely needed coffee. Thankfully, Adrian appeared far more composed than I felt. I busied myself washing dishes, trying to clear my mind while he prepared the coffee. Then suddenly, he was there, taking my hands and kissing me with an intensity I'd never experienced. The kiss was possessive yet tender, filled with so much promise that all I could do was clutch his shirt and surrender to the sensations - his mouth, his scent, everything about him overwhelming my senses.

I was so lost in the moment that I completely forgot our surroundings. Even when someone cleared their throat, I barely registered it. Adrian had me spellbound. Even after opening my eyes, I remained in his thrall, needing to shake my head slightly to regain my composure.

His question about my nickname surprised me. Dad, of course, proudly announced how I'd pinned Alistair in fifteen minutes flat.

I hadn't known my mother had achieved the same feat in her time. The revelation reminded me I needed to visit her memorial. Maybe Adrian would accompany me. Though this was usually his night with his mother, perhaps I could persuade him to join me this weekend.

The biggest shock came when I learned my nickname originated from my father. Looking back, it made sense - the older warriors had started calling me that intentionally. At the time, I hadn't understood, but now I wore the name with pride. Being compared to my father was the highest compliment imaginable.

After dinner, Adrian helped me clear the table again. When we finished, I met his gaze.

"Want to see something?"

His face lit up like I'd just handed him a winning lottery ticket. "Absolutely."

Taking his hand, I led him toward my room. "Dad, Alistair, we're going upstairs. Alistair, if I don't see you before you leave, have a good week."

They both stopped talking and stared at me like I'd grown a second head. Dad's eyes zeroed in on our joined hands. "Keep the door open, Evelyn."

"Dad! Really?"

"Door. Open." This time he directed the command at Adrian, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Fine." Rolling my eyes, I tugged Adrian along, grabbing my flowers on the way up. I wanted them back in their rightful place.

In my room, I released Adrian's hand to return the flowers to their spot. As I cleaned up the fallen petals from my desk, I noticed Adrian studying my space. His brows furrowed slightly at the sight of my new bearskin rug. Then he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. I sniffed but detected nothing unusual - I washed my sheets weekly. When he turned back, his radiant smile told me he'd found something pleasing. Maybe my room carried the lingering scent of his candles?

I gestured to the window seat where I often watched him train. "Sit there."

As he settled in, I retrieved The History of the Guardian from my desk drawer. Few knew I possessed this book, and I preferred to keep it that way.

Having read certain passages, I wanted to share my discoveries with Adrian. It seemed fitting, since he'd gifted me the book in the first place.

Carrying the massive tome to the window seat, I sat beside him, balancing the book across our laps. His arm encircled my shoulders, his warmth seeping into me. That irresistible chocolate scent enveloped me again, and I found myself nuzzling into his chest. I tried to be subtle, but of course, he noticed.