Tempting-Red Lips, Truthful Lies $ Seductive Touch

Adrian’s POV

"Who sent this?"

Though Celeste knows me well enough to detect the tempest below it, my voice is deadly calm.

Staring at her phone as though the screen may burst, she swallows hard. I—I have no idea.

Deceiver.

I move closer and grab the phone from her shaking hands. The message is brief, exact, and unsettling.

We are aware of your location.

Who the heck is us?

I look at Celeste; her breathing is irregular and her face is white. She is really afraid.

Well.

Fear motivates survival.

On the other hand, fear drives individuals to act foolishly.

Such as running.

I raise her chin to make her look at me. Speak, Celeste.

She declines. I don't know who—

Don't deceive me.

Her lips apart, but no words emerge.

Since she is aware.

That really annoys me.

I hold her waist and draw her nearer. I can save you. But not if you lie to me.

Her gaze flits away. I—

The phone vibrates once more.

One more note.

A picture this time.

A dim alleyway. One streetlight throwing shadows.

And at the center—Damien.

Covered in blood. Kneeling. A rifle aimed at his head.

Come by yourself, Celeste. Otherwise he passes away.

Her breathing catches.

I stay still.

I don't close my eyes.

But within?

I see crimson.

Celeste takes the call. I must leave.

Before she can move, I grab her wrist. You are kidding.

Adrian, let go. Not me.

Since I already know her thoughts.

She will dash directly into the flames.

And she intends to do it absent me.

Leaning down, my voice a deadly whisper. Run, Celeste, and I'll pursue you.

She trembles. I must save him.

What occurs then if you step into their trap? When will they take you instead?

She winces.

Knowing I'm correct.

Still, she is rather obstinate.

She pulls her wrist loose. I can't simply sit back!

Who claimed I was idle?

Her eyes get wide. "You can't simply..."

See me.

I take out my own phone and call Theo.

He picks up on the first ring. Chief.

There's an issue.

Where are you?

I look at Celeste. I'm texting you the location right now. Prepare the squad. I want to see everywhere.

Understood.

I pocket my phone and hang up.

Celeste folds her arms. You were warned to keep out of this.

I grin. You said to me?

She scowls. You didn't start this.

Incorrect. I go closer, my breath fanning her lips. Anything that calls for your involvement? My battle is

Her neck bobs up and down. Adrian, I tilt her face up and cup it. You wish to save Damien? Okay. But you're not traveling by yourself.

Her lashes quiver. You don't get to choose that.

I grin. I do when your life is on the line.

She exhales unsteadily. I loathe you.

Falsehood.

I give her a kiss.

Strongly.

Intense.

Claiming her back.

She gasps, her body melting into mine, her nails clawing into my arms.

I draw back only enough to say, "Stay near. Follow my example. And don't—fucking—run.

She agrees. Hardly.

Satisfactory.

I take my gun and put it in my holster. Let's go on.

The alley is darker than in the picture.

Quiet.

Too quiet.

I look around. Nothing is moving. No noise.

But I sense it.

Someone is watching us.

Celeste holds my arm. Something is amiss.

I keep her behind me as I move on. Stay nearby.

She doesn't dispute.

That by itself indicates to me how terrified she is.

We round the corner—

Blood runs down his face. His hands are bound behind him and his shirt is ripped.

He raises his head to see Celeste. You should not have arrived.

A slow clap reverberates along the alley.

Then he emerges from the shadows.

Viktor Langley

Grinning like the devil himself.

Celeste tightens. You.

Victor turns his head. Disappointed, darling?

I go forward to protect her. Let him free.

Victor laughs. Adrian, dear. So always demanding.

I grasp my weapon tighter. I will not repeat it.

Victor pretends to be bored and sighs. Alright, alright. First, though…

He clicks his fingers.

From the shadows two guys with rifles drawn show up.

Aimed at Celeste.

My blood freezes.

Victor grins. Now, let's discuss the company.

"If you move, I’ll put a bullet in her head."

The icy, harsh voice makes me shiver.

I dare not to breathe.

Steady and unchanging, the rifle rests on my head.

A few steps away, Adrian stands with a stone-carved visage but his blue eyes—those lethal, glacial eyes—are on fire.

He seems eager to murder.

Adrian responds, his voice flat, "Lower the gun." Regulated. But I know better. He's moments away from snapping.

Victor Langley grins. Why should I now?

Still on his knees, blood running down his face, Damien moans. Celeste, please don't...

The man clutching me drives the barrel farther into my flesh.

Adrian's jaw tightens. God, I swear

Hush. Victor lifts a hand. Let's not be too hasty. Watching me, he tilts his head. Speak to me, Celeste. Tell me, Celeste. "How does it feel to have both men willing to die for you?"

I scowl. Go to hell.

He chuckles, entertained. Spirited. That's good.

Adrian moves forward. Let her. Let. Her. Leave.

Victor exhales. Adrian, you are no fun. He gestures to the guy keeping me. Lay down the gun.

Relief floods through me, but it doesn't last.

Then Victor draws his pistol.

Then aims it at Adrian.

Not at all.

No, no.

Celeste, let's play a game. Victor smiles. Whom would you like to save? Your brother… or your lover?

I feel queasy.

Pick.

I nod my head. I—

You have five seconds left.

I can hear my heart thumping.

I look at Damien. His emerald eyes—so much like my own—plead with me.

Three.

I look at Adrian. He is observing me, unflinching. Sturdy. Quiet.

I inhale.

I cannot decide.

But should I not— One.

I do what only I can.

I take the knife concealed in my sleeve and attack the guy holding me.

He screams as the pistol falls from his hands. I wriggle free, hiding as a gun fires— Adrian shifts.

Quick.

Excessively quick.

Gunfire breaks out.

Damien lunges to take down Victor. Fists flying, they struck the ground.

Adrian seizes me and drags me behind him. Remain down.

"Like hell!" Grabbing the dropped pistol, I point it at the second guy rushing us.

Bang!

He falls.

Adrian grins. You have practiced.

Shoot and shut up.

More rounds fired. More bodies drop.

Victor swears and pushes Damien away. Though his suit is stained with blood, he smiles.

Celeste, you really are full of surprises. He licks his lips clean. This only became more enjoyable.

I point my pistol toward his head. Not for you.

He grins more broadly. That remains to be seen.

Then—

My eyes are stinging and I cough.

Celeste!

Adrian's tone. Uneven. Near.

A hand grips my own—strong, warm.

I hang on.

Victor vanishes as the smoke clears.

Yet he left something.

One playing card.

Spades' Ace.

Adrian snatches it up, his jaw clenched. It isn't finished.

Not at all.

It's only starting.