Uncharted Territory

Chapter 16 : First of Many

Adrian woke slowly, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. His arm was draped protectively over Clara, her body nestled against his. For a moment, he allowed himself to simply enjoy the sight of her. She looked so peaceful, her chest rising and falling steadily with each breath. He never wanted to leave her side, not even for a second. But there were matters to attend to—unfinished business that couldn't wait.

Reluctantly, Adrian slipped out of bed, careful not to wake her. He moved quietly through the apartment, his thoughts already shifting to the call he needed to make. He had promised Clara safety, and he would see to it that Max understood his place—and that Clara's past was thoroughly dealt with.

Once in the kitchen, Adrian reached for his phone. His voice was low, almost a growl, as he spoke into the receiver. "Is the job done?"

A pause, then the response: "Yes, boss."

"Good," Adrian said, his tone sharp with finality. "Now check on her family background. I need details on everyone who made her suffer. I want names, addresses, everything. Handle it."

As he ended the call, his mind was already formulating a plan. Clara had been through enough. He wouldn't allow anyone from her past to resurface or harm her again. But just as he put the phone down, he heard soft footsteps approaching.

Clara, still half-asleep, appeared in the doorway, her hair tousled, wearing one of Adrian's shirts that was far too big for her. She rubbed her eyes, blinking at him as she asked, "What are you doing?"

Adrian's gaze softened, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Making breakfast," he said, crossing the kitchen towards her. His hand found her waist, pulling her gently against him as he added in a teasing tone, "But if you keep looking at me like that, I might have to change my plans."

Clara chuckled softly, still sleepy but already feeling the warmth of his presence. "Is that so?" she teased back.

Adrian's smile turned wicked, his eyes darkening with mischief as he leaned closer, his breath warm against Clara's ear. "You know," he began, his voice a low, husky murmur, "we don't have to rush today. I already cleared our schedules. We have the whole day off..."

Clara blinked up at him, still groggy, but the intensity in his gaze had her fully awake now. "Really?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Mm-hmm," Adrian hummed, his fingers tracing slow, deliberate circles at her waist. "So, we can do anything we want today... and I have a few ideas to start." He pressed a soft kiss to the side of her neck, his lips lingering just long enough to send a shiver down her spine.

Clara swallowed, her breath hitching as she felt the heat between them building with each word.

"Maybe," Adrian continued, his voice dropping lower, "we should start with something... that involves a bed. Or a couch. I'm not picky." His lips curved into a smirk as he pulled back slightly to meet her eyes. "What do you think?"

Clara's heart pounded as she fought to keep her composure, but the teasing glint in his eyes made it impossible. She let out a soft, exasperated laugh, trying to ignore the heat creeping up her cheeks. 

"You're impossible," she muttered, though her body betrayed her with every subtle movement closer to him.

Adrian chuckled, his grip on her waist tightening as he playfully nudged her towards the bedroom. "I prefer irresistible."

Clara, feeling her knees weaken under Adrian's teasing, quickly tried to regain her composure. She took a small step back, swallowing the lump in her throat as she cleared her mind.