EIRA'S POV
What was I thinking?? He was helping me, and I acted so hostile. He risked himself for me, and I still doubted him. I shouldn't have been so rude… I should have understood.
"I'm sorry…" I whispered, my voice low, almost breaking.
He didn't say a word. He didn't even glance at me. The silence between us was louder than any scream, pressing heavy on my chest. After what felt like hours, the car finally stopped.
I stepped out—and froze.
Oh. My. God.
The place in front of me wasn't a house—it was a palace. A sprawling mansion with tall pillars, glittering windows, and lights that shimmered like stars. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
"W–Whose palace is this?" I murmured, stunned."Yours?" I almost wanted to ask, but swallowed it down.
I knew Adrain was rich… but this rich? Was he secretly a king or something?
"We're going inside from the back door," he said curtly, snapping me back to reality.
I followed him, my mouth still half-open. The inside was even worse—no, better. Every corner screamed power and elegance. My eyes kept drifting, soaking in every detail. I was so lost in admiration that I didn't notice my hand brushing against a flower vase until it almost tipped.
My heart stopped. I shut my eyes tight, covering my ears, waiting for the crash.
But… silence.
Slowly, I opened one eye. He was standing there, holding the vase in one hand, glaring at me like I'd just committed a crime.
How—how did he even reach so fast?
I forced a shaky smile. "Th-thank you…"
He didn't reply, just set it back and walked ahead. My legs moved quickly to catch up.
We entered his room. Unlike the mansion, his room was simple—no posters, no mess, just sleek furniture and a mature design. It didn't feel like a college boy's room at all.
"Don't touch anything," he warned sharply.
I flinched. "I wasn't planning to," I muttered under my breath.
He grabbed his nightwear and disappeared into the washroom. A minute later, he came out, hair slightly damp. He didn't look at me.
"You'll sleep on the bed. I'll take the couch."
I blinked. "No, this is your house. You should sleep in the bed. I'll take the couch."
His eyes cut to mine, sharp, warning. "I said, just sleep on the bed."
Something in his tone made my chest tighten. I didn't argue anymore. I slipped under the blanket quietly. The exhaustion of the night dragged me down, and I drifted off…
I woke with a dry throat. Water. I needed water.
The jug by the bed was empty. I glanced at Adrain—he was asleep. His face looked softer in the dim light, almost peaceful. My chest ached. I shook my head quickly. No. Not thinking that.
I crept out of the room, shutting the door gently. The mansion was a maze. After a while, I finally found the kitchen, drank some water, and started heading back.
Then it happened.
Something soft brushed against my leg. I jumped, panicking, and in the process, hit a piece of art. It crashed to the floor with a loud thud.
My heart stopped. My blood turned cold.
Shit. Shit. Shit!
A door creaked open down the hall. My body froze, terror rooting me in place.
Suddenly, a hand clamped over my mouth, another around my waist. I gasped, struggling—
"Sshh… It's me," a low whisper brushed my ear. "Adrain."
Relief flooded me so fast my knees almost buckled.
He dragged me back into his room. Once inside, he shut the door and turned on me, eyes blazing.
"What the hell were you doing outside?" he hissed.
"I–I just went to drink water," I stammered.
He grabbed my shoulders, his grip rough. It hurt. His face was inches from mine, furious, dangerous.
"Do you have any idea how risky—"
But before he could finish, footsteps echoed toward the room.
His eyes widened. Then, without warning, he yanked me, pushing me onto his bed. I barely had time to gasp before he lay down, pulling me into his arms, covering me with his blanket. His chest pressed against my face, his arm locked around me, hiding me completely.
I froze. My entire body stiffened against him. My heart hammered against my ribs like it wanted to escape.
A knock came.
"Adrain? Are you alright?" A soft, feminine voice. His mother.
I wanted to cry. What if she found me here? What would she think of me?
"Yes," he answered calmly, his voice steady. "Why?"
"I thought I heard something."
"It must have been the cat. I'm tired, Mom. Can we talk tomorrow?"
A pause. Then, "Alright. Good night."
"Good night."
The door shut.
I didn't move. I couldn't. His arm was still around me, his heartbeat thudding in my ear. I couldn't breathe properly, not with the heat crawling up my face. Out of fear—out of something else—I hugged him tighter. And… he hugged me back.
When I dared to lift my head, he was already looking at me.
Why, Adrain? Why do you protect me, yet push me away? Why do you act like you don't care when your actions scream that you do? I can't understand you.
We stared at each other until he abruptly looked away, breaking the spell. I jerked back, my face burning.
"I–I'll sleep on the couch," I muttered nervously, standing up.
"No. Sleep here. If Mom comes again, it'll cause more trouble." His hand shot out, holding my wrist. The warmth of his touch sent sparks up my arm.
When I looked at his hand, he let go quickly, lying down on the far side of the bed. I turned my back to him, clutching the blanket.
"Thank you," I whispered. "For helping me."
"I'm not helping you," his cold voice replied. "I just don't want Andy in trouble because of you."
The words sliced through me. Why did they hurt so much?
I turned away, biting my lip, and eventually, sleep pulled me under.
Morning.
I stirred awake, my head rising and falling with steady breathing. Confused, I looked up—
Oh. My. God.
My head was on Adrain's chest. His arm was wrapped around my waist. My fingers were clenched in his shirt.
Heat exploded across my face. I jerked back, moving slowly so he wouldn't wake. I glanced at him—eyes closed. Thank God. I eased his hand off me and stood.
Relief… until I turned back.
His eyes were open. Watching me.
Shit.
He didn't say a word. Just grabbed his clothes and disappeared into the washroom. A few minutes later, he emerged, water dripping from his hair. He looked… No! No, not handsome. Definitely not. Just—arrogant Blake.
I rushed into the washroom, staring at my reflection. Messy hair, tired eyes. I looked like I'd fought aliens all night. Perfect.
When I came back, he was on the couch, scrolling his phone.
"I should go now," I said quickly. "See you at college."
"I'm coming with you."
"No, really, I can manage—"
"Eira." His tone snapped like a whip. "I'll take you."
"I said I can manage!"
"Why can't you listen just once?" His irritation flared.
"I'll return Andy's dress. Don't worry," I shot back, turning toward the door.
Before I could take a step, his hand closed around my wrist, pulling me sharply back.
I stumbled, ending up face to face with him, so close I could feel his breath. His eyes were fierce, blazing into mine.
"Stop it," he growled. "You're not safe. You're coming with me, whether you like it or not. With your will… or I'll drag you."
My heart slammed against my ribs. His grip was firm, unyielding.
I swallowed hard, lowering my gaze. "Fine…"
"Let's go. We're getting late."
I followed quietly, my mind a storm.
Why does he keep saying he doesn't care… yet never lets me go?
Is he… bipolar? Or am I the crazy one?