Leading Us

3. The Garden

Chapter Three: The Garden

The moment stretched out between them, thick with tension. Maya felt the cool breeze against her skin, but it did nothing to soothe the heat building inside her. Adrian’s thumb brushed lightly over her jawline, a touch that was both possessive and tender. The world outside the garden terrace seemed far away, a distant hum beneath the pulse of her heartbeat.

“Maya,” Adrian murmured, her name rolling off his tongue like a promise. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

She swallowed hard, her thoughts swirling in a chaotic mix of desire, fear, and curiosity. She had never met a man who unsettled her so completely, who could unravel her with just a look, a touch. Part of her wanted to push him away, to regain control of herself. But another part, a part she barely recognized, wanted to fall into whatever this was—this dangerous attraction that pulled her towards him.

“I’m thinking that I shouldn’t be here,” she finally whispered, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

Adrian’s gaze darkened, his hand sliding down her neck to rest on her shoulder. “But you are here,” he said, his voice low and insistent. “And you’re here because you want to be.”

Maya closed her eyes, trying to steady herself. She was playing with fire, and she knew it. But there was something about Adrian that drew her in, something irresistible that made her want to take the risk. She opened her eyes and met his intense gaze, feeling the pull between them tighten.

“What do you want from me, Adrian?” she asked, her voice steadying as she searched his face for answers.

A slow, wicked smile curved his lips, and he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her cheek. “I want you, Maya,” he whispered, his lips barely grazing her skin. “All of you.”

Her breath hitched, and she felt her resolve crumble. There was no mistaking his meaning—he wanted her in every way, and he wasn’t going to be satisfied with anything less. But even as her body reacted to his nearness, her mind screamed at her to be careful. She barely knew this man, and yet she was standing on the edge of something that could consume her completely.

Adrian’s hand slipped to the small of her back, pulling her against him in one smooth motion. The heat of his body seared through the thin fabric of her dress, and Maya felt her last shred of resistance melt away. His other hand cupped the back of her neck, tilting her head up as his lips finally claimed hers.

The kiss was everything she had feared and everything she had craved—intense, consuming, and utterly overwhelming. Adrian didn’t just kiss; he dominated, his lips moving against hers with a hunger that left her breathless. Maya’s hands clutched at his shoulders, trying to steady herself as the world spun around her.

She had never been kissed like this, with such raw passion and need. Adrian’s lips parted hers, his tongue teasing, exploring, and she responded instinctively, giving in to the fire that raged between them. Every touch, every caress, was a promise of what was to come, and Maya felt herself slipping deeper and deeper into the storm.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing heavily. Adrian’s eyes were dark with desire, his hand still tangled in her hair. Maya’s heart pounded in her chest, her mind struggling to keep up with the whirlwind of emotions.

“Now you know,” Adrian whispered, his voice rough with need. “This is what I want. What I’ve wanted since the moment I saw you.”

Maya could barely think straight. Every nerve in her body was alight with the memory of his touch, his kiss. But even as she stood there, trembling in his arms, a tiny voice in the back of her mind reminded her of the danger she was in. Adrian was a man who took what he wanted, and she wasn’t sure if she could survive being one of his conquests.

“I don’t know if I can do this,” she said softly, pulling back slightly, though her body screamed at her to stay close.

Adrian’s expression softened, a rare vulnerability flickering in his eyes. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumb brushing gently over her cheek. “You can, Maya. Because this isn’t just about desire. It’s about something more, something that could be extraordinary—if you’re willing to take the leap.”

She stared into his eyes, searching for the truth in his words. Could this really be more than just a fleeting attraction? Was there something deeper between them, something worth risking everything for?

Maya’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. She quickly stepped back, her heart racing as she realized they were no longer alone. Adrian’s expression darkened with frustration, but he released her, his gaze lingering on her as if he were reluctant to let her go.

“Maya,” a familiar voice called out, and she turned to see Victor Hayes, a well-known art critic, approaching them with a smile. “I’ve been looking for you. I have to say, your latest work is truly remarkable.”

Maya forced a smile, trying to compose herself. “Thank you, Victor. I’m glad you think so.”

Victor’s eyes flicked between her and Adrian, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I didn’t mean to interrupt,” he said, his tone amused. “But I’ve been dying to talk to you about your upcoming exhibit.”

Adrian’s gaze never left Maya’s, and she felt the tension between them crackling like electricity. But Victor’s interruption had given her the out she desperately needed. She couldn’t think clearly with Adrian so close, with his words still echoing in her mind.

“I’d love to discuss it,” Maya said, stepping away from Adrian and toward Victor. She glanced back at Adrian, her heart twisting at the intensity in his eyes. “Perhaps we can continue this conversation later.”

Adrian nodded, his expression unreadable. “Of course. I’ll be waiting.”

As Victor led her back into the ballroom, Maya couldn’t shake the feeling that she had just walked away from something she might never find again. But as much as she was drawn to Adrian, she knew she needed to take a step back to think things through before she got in too deep.

Because if she let herself fall for Adrian Blackwood, there would be no turning back.