Seraphina's POV
Friend?
I blinked, confused. Who could possibly be visiting me?
Adrian's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Male or female?"
Albert maintained his perfectly neutral expression. "It's a young lady, Master. Her name is Hazel."
My heart leaped. "Hazel is here?"
Joy exploded through me like fireworks. Without thinking, I jumped down from the bed, ready to sprint downstairs. I made it exactly two steps before Adrian appeared beside me and swept me up into his arms.
Oh no.
Realizing what he was about to do, my face flushed hot. "No!" I yelled, squirming in his hold. "Put me down! Put me down right now!"
He frowned, looking genuinely confused. "Why?"
"What do you mean 'why'? My friend is here and I don't want her to see you—"
"Why can't she see me?" he interrupted, his tone sharp. "Am I a mistress that you're hiding me?"
I froze. "What? No! That's not—"
"Then what is it?"
My face burned hotter. "I don't want her to see you carrying me like this..."
