Tempting-Red Lips, Truthful Lies $ Seductive Touch

Celeste’s POV

"Careful, Adrian," I say softly, my fingertips running over the buttons of his shirt. You sound almost dangerously close to saying you want me.

He grips more firmly. Indeed, I. His voice becomes hoarse and heated. Desiring something and believing it are quite different, though.

I grin. Which one triumphs?

He leans forward, his lips hardly a breath away from mine. It depends.

Based on what?

Your ability to deceive me.

I feel a knot in my gut. He's pushing me. Driving me. And darn it, he's too good at it.

But I keep going.

Trailing my fingers along the cloth, I can feel his body's heat. Perhaps I enjoy keeping you on edge, I say.

His eyes get darker. Perhaps I enjoy forcing you to plead.

Though I hide it with a gradual, playful grin, the words set off a bolt of heat in me. You would have to put a lot more effort into it, sweetheart.

His laugh is low, dark. Don't tease me.

But I already do.

His fingers slide into my hair, tilting my head just enough to leave me gasping, and the air crackles. For a second, I believe he is going to kiss me. That he will destroy the thin line separating us and close the distance.

Rather, he retreats.

Curse him.

Frustrated and in pain in ways I don't want to acknowledge, I breathe out. Adrian, is this your practice? Play with ladies as if they were chess pieces?

His countenance changes to one that is inscrutable behind his eyes. Just the ones I can't solve.

I chuckle quietly and shake my head. You don't usually lose control, do you?

Slow and careful, his hand runs down my arm. I never lose.

A falsehood.

Eventually, everyone loses.

Then I suppose we'll know who falls first, I say.

He grins. We shall.

The tension grows, throbbing between us like a live wire. This is a risky game. Of power and passion, of truths hidden under layers of falsehood.

And I don't know who will break first.

A phone buzzes on the table before I can utter another word. Adrian looks at it; his grin fades and his face stiffens.

The atmosphere changes.

Peril.

Turning away, he responds to the summons with sharp efficiency. Talk.

Quiet. His jaw tightens then.

Look for him. His voice is deadly. At this time.

I saw my heart racing.

Whom is he seeking?

And why does it seem that, whatever it is…

It simply altered everything?

"You think I don’t see what you’re doing?"

Adrian's voice is deep and menacing, but it also has something else in it that makes me shudder.

I don't wince. I won't give up. Rather, I rest against the cold marble of the bar of his apartment, slowly and carefully swirling the amber liquid in my glass.

I murmur gently, lifting the glass to my lips, "You'll have to be more particular, darling."

Adrian's gaze pierces me. You're pushing me.

I grin. So?

He runs quickly. One moment he is at the window; the next he is in front of me, caging me against the bar. Though my face stays calm, my breath catches. I cannot let him know how much he influences me.

Intoxicating, his aroma wraps about me like black spice and premium whiskey. Slow, teasing, yet forceful, his fingers follow up my arm.

"Keep pushing, Celeste," he says softly, his lips only inches from me. Find out where it takes you.

My pulse beats in my throat. Perhaps I enjoy pushing you.

His fingers tighten on my wrist, not enough to harm but enough to send a warning. His speech was a lethal whisper, his lips grazing the shell of my ear.

Perhaps I enjoy seeing you shatter.

Curse him.

I swallow hard and cover my response with a gentle laugh. You believe you can destroy me?

His hand slides over my throat's exposed flesh, fingers brushing it to send fire racing through me. I know I am able.

Our eyes meet, the air between us charged with something I cannot identify. Desire. Strength. A fight none of us wishes to lose.

I tilt my head and say, "Then try," my lips just touching his.

For a minute, I believe he will. That he'll finally eliminate the tension choking us since the minute we met by closing the distance.

Rather, he retreats.

Frustration coiling in my belly, I breathe out. "Coward."

His sneer is slow, menacing. Not at all, darling. I only like taking my time.

I swallow the last of my drink and set the glass down, rolling my eyes. Adrian, what is it this time then? A further test? Another match?

He grows more somber. No games. Only responses.

I raise an eyebrow. Answers to what?

His eyes get keener. "Who the hell are you, actually?"

I feel a knot in my gut. What sort of inquiry is that?

The sort I don't ask twice.

He moves, grabbing a document from his desk and throwing it upon the bar separating us. Though it lands softly, its weight seems intolerable.

I make myself see it. Printed in large characters on the front, my name—Lila Carter—

Damn.

I maintain a neutral expression. I didn't think you were the sort to search through a woman's history.

His voice is a deep growl as he leans forward. Your history is not that, is it?

I hold the bar's edge. Are you suggesting what specifically?

His blue eyes pierce me. You are a liar, Celeste.

I draw in a breath.

He is aware.

Not everything—not yet—but enough to put me dangerously near being exposed.

I tilt my head and try to smile. You make it sound negative.

His jaw clenches. You're playing a risky game.

I give a shrug. You are, too.

For a minute, none of us talked. The only sound is the gentle buzz of the city outside; the tension between us like a live wire ready to break.

Then, gradually, he raises the folder and opens it. He pushes one picture my way.

I look down and stop.

It's a photo of my brother.

Or more accurately, the brother meant to be dead.

I hold the bar tighter. Where did you find this?

Adrian looks at me closely. You tell me.

My thoughts are racing as I take a deep breath. Damien Living. That's not doable. It must be.

I make my voice remain constant. That means nothing to me.

Adrian shakes his head and tsk-tsks. Sweetheart, lie better.

I look into his eyes, my heart racing. What makes you care?

His face becomes more serious. Whoever this guy is, he wants you. Should he locate you before I do... He wanders off, obviously intending...

My belly knots. Why would he search for me?

Adrian says, his voice almost dangerously low, "You tell me."

Gripping the bar, my head whirls. Damien's existence alters everything should he be searching for me.

It also indicates that time is running out for me.

Adrian moves further closer, his presence so overwhelming that I cannot answer.

His fingertips touching my cheek, deceptively light, he whispers, "You're going to tell me everything." Should you deceive me once more, Celeste... He holds on more firmly.

I gulp. Pardon?

His lips brush my jaw, a phantom touch that ignites my blood. Then I'll ensure you regret it.

A test. A caution.

And I don't know which one frightens me more.