CHAPTER 45: WHY DID YOU KISS ME?

Adrian lifted his right hand and began tracing Bianca’s face—starting from her brows, then her eyes, her nose, and finally stopping at her lips. He touched her so gently, as if she were something precious and fragile.

"What are you doing?" Bianca asked again, feeling flustered.

As she spoke, her lips unintentionally brushed against Adrian’s thumb. That small contact only added more fuel to the fire burning inside him.

Goddamnit. This is your fault, Bianca, Adrian cursed inwardly.

He pulled his hand away from her lips, then gently tilted her chin and leaned in to kiss her.

Bianca let out a small gasp, surprised, and tried to move back. But Adrian didn’t let her. His hand held her head firmly, keeping her from escaping his lips. With gentle pressure, he took her lower lip between his and slowly, softly sucked on it. His free hand moved to cup her cheek, caressing it tenderly.

Adrian’s sensual kisses sent a tingling sensation through Bianca’s body. Without even realizing it, she was starting to get addicted to the way he kissed her. Just as Bianca was about to return the kiss, Adrian pulled away from her lips and began placing soft kisses on her cheek instead. Moments later, he moved down to her neck.

While kissing her neck, Adrian occasionally nibbled and sucked gently on her skin, making Bianca let out an unconscious moan.

The sound of her soft moan made Adrian lift his face from her neck and kiss her lips again—and this time, Bianca responded. Feeling her finally give in, Adrian deepened the kiss with desire. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and began playing with hers.

As the kiss grew more intense, Adrian let out a low groan. He could already feel his body reacting, and he knew that if they kept going, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself. His breath grew heavier.

"Bianca, we need to stop," he said between kisses. his voice rough and strained with effort.

Bianca didn’t answer him. She didn’t hear what Adrian said. She was too caught up in the kiss to notice that he was saying something—her heart was racing, her thoughts a blur, lost in the warmth of his lips and the way he tasted.

"If we don’t stop, I won’t be able to hold back anymore." his chest rising and falling as he fought to control himself.

Panting, Adrian pulled his face away from hers and cupped her cheeks in both hands. "We have to stop because I know you’re not ready for this." He pressed a soft kiss on Bianca’s forehead, then gently pulled her into his arms, guiding her to lie down with him on the bed.

"Shhhh. It’s okay," Adrian said gently, his thumb brushing over her cheek, trying not to scare her with what had just happened.

Since he hadn’t slept much, Adrian felt drowsy. He pulled Bianca into his arms and held her tightly, then closed his eyes. The warmth of her body next to his gave him an unexpected sense of peace.

"Adrian, what are you doing?"

"I’m still sleepy. Just for a bit. Go back to sleep. Keep me company."

Bianca bit her lower lip—something she always did when she was anxious or frustrated. She let out a heavy sigh, then slowly closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around him.

***

The sun was already high in the sky when Adrian finally opened his eyes again. Seeing Bianca still fast asleep and cuddled up against him, a small smile tugged at his lips. He leaned in and kissed the top of her head, then quietly studied her face.

Lately, Adrian hadn’t even realized how often a genuine smile had found its way onto his usually cold expression, making his face look warmer. And it was all because of the woman lying peacefully in his arms.

As he watched her, Bianca slowly began to stir, her eyes fluttering open.

"Morning. Oops... I mean, afternoon," Adrian greeted her, correcting himself with a small grin tugging at the corner of his lips.

Bianca, now fully awake, suddenly remembered what had happened earlier that morning.

Her lips and Adrian’s... oh God...

Flustered, she shut her eyes again, not daring to look at him. Her face grew hot as the memory rushed back. She wanted to hide somewhere. She couldn’t look at him.

Adrian, amused by her reaction, couldn’t help teasing her. "Your face and ears are all red. Is it because you were hugging me so tightly you overheated?" he whispered, trying to hold back a laugh.

"Y-you..." she stammered and immediately pulled herself away from him, flustered.

But as she moved, she winced—her sprained ankle flaring up again. Adrian frowned, noticing the sudden change in her expression.

"Hey, what is it? Your foot still hurts?" he asked, concern filling his voice as he leaned in closer.

"This is all your fault," Bianca mumbled, unintentionally pouting as she avoided his eyes.

Adrian’s heart clenched with guilt. "I’m sorry," he said quietly. "Is it still that bad?"

"I think it’s more swollen now," Bianca said, glancing at her sprained ankle with a slight grimace.

"More swollen?" Adrian quickly sat up and gently took her foot into his hands to examine it.

Sure enough, it was more swollen than before. His brows furrowed deeply. Then it hit him—people with sprains weren’t supposed to drink alcohol. Damn it. He had completely forgotten.

Looking at Bianca with deep regret in his eyes, he muttered, "I’m so sorry. The wine from last night probably made it worse."

"It’s okay, Adrian. The swelling will go down soon," Bianca replied softly.

"Mm." Adrian exhaled, still visibly troubled. "Still, be careful when you move around later, okay?" he added, his thumb brushing lightly against her ankle in an almost apologetic gesture.

Bianca gave a small nod. "You..." she trailed off, biting her lower lip, clearly nervous.

Adrian turned his gaze toward her, brows lifting slightly. "What about me?"

"Why did you kiss me?" Bianca blurted out, finally working up the courage.

"Why did I kiss you?" Adrian paused, his expression unreadable at first, as if seriously weighing her question. Then, slowly, a familiar smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, soft but confident.

"Because I wanted to,"

***