Claimed by His Stepbrother

Chapter 06-Adrian Evelyn Hartwell was pressed against me, her breath slowing, those hazel eyes snapping up to mine. I didn't let go. Not right away. Again. God, she was devastating up close. Her lashes trembled, her lips parted slightly, gloss shining under the dim light. She looked like royalty wrapped in silk, but the heat radiating off her skin pulled me somewhere darker, somewhere far from polished elegance. She has no idea what she does to me. I let go slowly, dragging my fingers against hers just enough to feel her warmth before stepping back. She smoothed her gown without meeting my eyes, pretending she wasn't shaken. Pretending I hadn't just disturbed her. Good. Let her pretend. I like that. "Apologies." I said, voice low, the edge of amusement slipping through. "Paris has a strange way of throwing us together, doesn't it?" She cleared her throat, clutching her phone like it was armor. "I-I should call for help." "Already done." I slid my phone from my pocket, tilting the screen so she could see. The message thread to Julian, my PA, was already sent with orders to drag maintenance out of bed if he had to. We wouldn't be stuck long. But long enough. The elevator hummed faintly, lights blinking red. Evelyn leaned against the mirrored wall, sighing heavily,shoulders tight, her breathing uneven. I moved to the opposite side, giving her distance, but I didn't stop watching. My gaze lingered, deliberate. She felt it, I saw the shiver when she tucked her hair back, the sweep of her fingers exposing her neck. I could have her here. Pinned against this wall, whispering my name until it broke in her throat. Adrian-fuck. I smothered the thought with a chuckle. "You don't like small spaces?" Her eyes flashed. "I don't like... this." "This?" I played dumb. Her chin lifted. "You." The word hit like a blow and a gift all at once. I laughed, unbothered. "Then it's mutual." Her brows pulled tight. "Mutual?" Confused. Oh, cute rabbit. "Yes." I leaned back on the railing, eyes roaming her body with no apology. "You throw me off balance, Evelyn. I don't like being thrown off balance." She opened her mouth, but nothing came. The pulse hammering at her throat betrayed her more than words could. The air thickened. I pushed off the railing, closing the space slowly, unhurried, at a predator's pace. She didn't move, though her back pressed harder into the mirrored glass as I neared. Close enough to feel her breath warm against my jaw. "Tell me," I murmured, lowering my voice, "what exactly did Paul say about me before you came?" Her eyes widened. "I-he-" "Let me guess." My mouth brushed the air beside her ear. "Don't trust me? Said I was a liar? A pretender?" She flinched, guilt flickering across her face. So he did. I leaned even closer, not touching, my words brushing her skin. "He's not wrong about me. But he's not entirely right either." Her breath hitched, shaky, pulling me deeper in. Then the elevator groaned, a harsh clank echoing from above. She was startled. Instinct drove me forward, one hand braced beside her head, my body caging hers. She stiffened, then melted back against the glass. "You should step back," she whispered. "Should..." I repeated, almost laughing. "But do you want me to?" I asked her while holding her gaze. Her eyes gave the answer her lips refused. Fuck. This woman. My gaze dipped to her mouth- looking soft, parted just enough. I could taste her if I wanted. I could ruin her in a single kiss. Make her forget Paul ever existed. My jaw locked, heat burning low in my gut as I tilted even closer, my lips almost brushing hers without closing the distance. Her eyes fluttered shut. The elevator jolted, lights flickering, gears grinding back to life. I froze, I was definitely a breath away from rewriting everything. Her lashes lifted, confusion and hunger swirling in her stare. I let the moment stretch, savoring it, before pulling back with a smile that promised trouble. I bent close, my mouth grazing her ear. "Not yet," I whispered. The doors slid open with a cheerful ding. I straightened, smoothing my shirt, every trace of control snapping back into place. She stood frozen, chest heaving, clutching her phone like a lifeline. I gestured to the open doors. "After you." She swept past me, the silk of her gown brushing my leg. She didn't look back, but her silence screamed louder than words. I waited for a beat, then followed. Because now I knew, she wanted me. And whether it was desire, rebellion, or just weakness, I didn't give a damn! That woman was temptation wrapped in silk. And I'd never been the kind of man who gave in to temptation. Not this one.