Shadowed desires- Adrian thorn

Chapter 17: A Haven in the Storm

The gunfire had ceased, and the screams of the dying faded into a haunting silence. Adrian stood amidst the wreckage, his breathing heavy, his gaze focused entirely on Eva. She had been strong, defiant even, but now she was slipping into unconsciousness, her body finally succumbing to the strain of the ordeal. Without a moment's hesitation, he moved to her side and gently scooped her into his arms.

For a man known for his ruthless demeanor, the way he held her was surprisingly tender. He cradled her close, his face a mask of concern as he made his way to his car, his men parting to let him pass. The night air was thick with tension, but all Adrian cared about was getting Eva to safety.

"Get the car ready," he ordered, his voice cold and commanding. His men snapped to attention, rushing to prepare the vehicle.

As they drove back to his penthouse, Adrian's mind raced with thoughts of what had just transpired. Victor's men were nothing but a small taste of the storm brewing on the horizon. But the sight of Eva, unconscious and vulnerable in his arms, fueled a rage deep within him. He had vowed to protect her, and now she was his to save, no matter the cost.

Adrian's Penthouse:

Eva woke slowly, her body aching and her mind clouded with pain and confusion. As she blinked against the dim light of the room, she realized she was lying in a large, luxurious bed. The sheets were soft against her skin, and the scent of cedar and something distinctly masculine filled her senses. She turned her head and saw Adrian sitting beside her, his intense gaze fixed on her with a mix of concern and something else—something she couldn't quite place.

Tears welled up in her eyes as the events of the past day flooded back to her. Her shoulders trembled, and a sob broke free from her lips. Adrian's face softened, and he moved closer, his large hand resting on her back, rubbing slow, comforting circles.

"Hey," he murmured, his voice unexpectedly gentle. "You're safe now, Eva. I've got you."

Eva couldn't stop the tears from flowing. "Why did you come for me, Adrian? You knew it was a trap. It could have been a danger for you."

Adrian's lips curled into a dangerous smile, a glint of something dark flashing in his eyes. "Danger?" he repeated, his voice a low growl. "I am the danger, Eva. No motherfucker can touch what's mine."

His words sent a shiver down her spine, but it wasn't entirely from fear. There was a raw intensity in the way he spoke, a possessiveness that stirred something deep within her. She didn't know whether to be frightened or comforted by it.

Swallowing hard, Eva took a deep breath and began to recount everything Victor had told her. Adrian listened intently, his eyes never leaving her face, his fingers gently tracing over the bruises on her wrists. She flinched at his touch, but he was careful, his touch almost soothing.

When she finished speaking, Adrian didn't respond immediately. Instead, he pulled out his phone and called his personal doctor. "I need you here. Now," he barked. "Make sure she's taken care of. Every bruise, every cut. Fix it."

Hanging up, Adrian turned back to her, his expression softer now. "I've told you before, Eva, I'm not the man you think I am. Yes, I have a business—a very large one, as you've seen. But there's another side to it. The side where I protect those who can't protect themselves."

Eva's brow furrowed in confusion. "Protect? You mean like... Mia?"

Adrian nodded. "Mia got caught in this because one of my closest men, someone I trust, was dating her. The people after me thought she might know something about my operations. They took her to use as leverage."

Her eyes widened as the pieces of the puzzle began to click into place. "And the files... the ones on the flash drive Greg gave me?"

"All part of our investigation," Adrian explained. "Greg's betrayal wasn't just out of fear. Victor threatened his family, forced his hand. Those files were meant to keep you in the dark, to confuse you, make you think I was the enemy."

Eva felt a mix of anger and relief. She had been chasing shadows, deceived at every turn. But at the same time, a weight was lifting off her shoulders. "So you're not... you didn't..." she stammered.

"No," Adrian said firmly. "Not in the way you thought. My business deals with darker sides, but it's to take down people like Victor. To stop the ones who prey on the innocent."

Eva looked down, her emotions swirling within her. "Thank you... for saving me," she whispered.

Adrian's gaze softened, a rare warmth touching his eyes. "I saved what's mine," he said, his voice low and possessive. He saw the faint blush coloring her cheeks, but he didn't comment on it. Instead, he reached for her hand, holding it gently. "And I intend to keep it safe."

She tried to pull her hand away, but his grip was firm yet careful, his thumb stroking over the marks left by the ropes. She found herself trapped in his gaze, unable to look away.

"Will you help me find Mia?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Adrian nodded. "That's what I've been doing all along. But now, you're in this too. And it's not safe for you to be out there."

Eva opened her mouth to protest, but Adrian cut her off. "You'll stay here, in the penthouse. My home is the safest place for you right now. I've already instructed the staff to prepare a room for you. You'll have everything you need."

"But—" Eva began, but Adrian shook his head.

"No arguments," he said, his tone leaving no room for discussion. "If you want my help finding Mia, you stay here. We'll work together, and you'll be under my protection."

There was a finality in his voice that made her realize he wasn't going to change his mind. And a part of her, the part that was tired of running, of being alone, didn't want to argue. She nodded, finally accepting his terms.

"Good," Adrian said, leaning back slightly, his gaze never wavering from hers. "But understand this, Eva—it's not just about Mia. There are countless others out there. Women, girls, even children. Helpless, hopeless, trapped in a nightmare. I've been working to save them too. And if you're with me, you'll be part of that fight."

Eva felt a sense of resolve settling within her. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she wasn't fighting alone. She met Adrian's gaze, her eyes hardening with determination. "Then let's bring them down," she said. "All of them."

Adrian's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile. "Welcome to my world, Eva," he murmured. "Now, let's tear theirs apart."

And for the first time, amidst the darkness, Eva felt a flicker of hope.