Beyond The Lie

Chapter 48: Stolen Away

Adeline.

I buried my face in Eryx's chest, inhaling his intoxicating scent. "Right, he's right. We're so beyond the lie," I thought, my hands roaming over his toned back. I'd die to stay like this.

Just as I was getting cozy, a knock at the door shattered the moment. "Who's in there?" a voice asked from outside.

Eryx and I broke apart, our faces flushed. He gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's fine!" he called out, opening the door to reveal a security guard.

The guard's eyes darted between us, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Oh, sir, it was you! I'm sorry!" he said quickly, stepping back.

I blushed, imagining what must be running through his mind. Oh, they were definitely doing something dirty in there... I glanced up at Eryx, who was trying to stifle a grin.

His hand was still wrapped around mine, sending shivers down my spine. As our eyes met, he raised an eyebrow, his expression saying, "Busted."

I rolled my eyes, laughing. "I think we've been caught," I whispered.

Eryx chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Just a little," he whispered back, his voice sending shivers down my spine.

The security guard cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "Sorry again, sir. Carry on."

Eryx nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "Thanks. We will."

As the guard walked away, I smiled, my cheeks still flushed. "I'll, uh, go freshen up," I said, blushing even more as memories of our steamy moment flooded my mind.

Eryx nodded, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Washroom's that way," he said, pointing down the hall.

As I started to move away, our hands still clasped together, I felt a pang of reluctance. Our arms stretched out like rubber bands, and I giggled at the absurdity of it all.

Eryx chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Then, in a swift move, he pulled me back in, planting a soft kiss on my neck that sent shivers down my spine. His lips grazed mine, leaving me breathless.

"Okay!" I squeaked, giggling.

Eryx grinned, his eyes glinting with desire. "Hurry back," he whispered, releasing me.

I walked towards the washroom, my heart still racing, while Eryx headed in the opposite direction, a sly smile playing on his lips.

***

Eryx.

I came back to Asher, who was grinning like a fool. I raised an eyebrow, curious.

"What's so funny?" I asked, trying to keep a straight face.

Asher's smile grew even wider, but he avoided eye contact. I wasn't buying it.

"U good?" I asked, feeling a bit annoyed.

Asher's gaze snapped back to mine, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Where were you, big bro?" he teased.

I hesitated for a moment before responding, "Wanted some air."

Asher snorted. "Yeah... Right."

I shot him a dry look. "Hey, it's a legit excuse."

Asher's grin returned, wider than ever. "Dad told me you were taking 'air,'" he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself.

I looked at him, alarm creeping in. No, Dad didn't. Did he? Did he see us...? Oh shit...

Asher's smile morphed into a teasing grin. "You sneaking off to get some 'air' from a certain someone?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I felt my face heat up. "Shut up!" I said, trying to play it cool.

Asher leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Dad saw the sparks flying between you and Kristoff... and he came to investigate. But bad luck for him. He expected a blowout fight, but instead, he caught something way more interesting... and juicy!"

I rolled my eyes, laughing awkwardly. "It's not like that, Asher."

Asher chuckled, holding up his hands. "Save it, bro! I don't need the deets. But seriously, Dad's got a sixth sense for this stuff. You're busted!"

I scanned the room, searching for Dad. I spotted him chatting with friends. He caught my eye and smiled, giving me that 'Dad-knows-best' look. I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me.

I let out a sigh, shaking my head. Close call.

I checked my watch, my eyes drifting towards the exit. Where was she? The thought sent my mind racing back to our kiss. I could almost feel her lips on mine, her body pressed against me. My hands had roamed her curves, and she'd kissed me back with a passion that left me breathless.

I was getting hard just thinking about it. But where was she now?

"Already missing her?" Asher teased, snapping me back to reality.

I forced a casual tone. "I'll be right back!" I said, excusing myself to search for her.

I made my way to the restroom area, scanning the crowd for a glimpse of her green gown. A lady who looked vaguely familiar - maybe a cousin? - was standing outside. I asked her to check if the lady in green was inside.

She nodded and disappeared into the restroom. A moment later, she returned, shaking her head. "No one's wearing a green gown in there."

My gut twisted with worry. She's not inside? I quickly walked out and checked the back exit, my eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of her. Was she outside making a call?

But there was no one.

My heart began to pound, and a sense of unease crept over me. Something didn't feel right.

I rushed inside and told Asher, "She's gone." Even though he could be a pain sometimes, he knew when to get serious.

We both searched everywhere, but there was no sign of Adeline. I tried calling her phone, but it kept ringing, unanswered.

Asher appeared beside me, holding up Adeline's clutch. "It was lying on the floor!" he exclaimed.

I felt a surge of anger. "Fuck," I muttered, scanning the area.

Just then, my phone rang. Unknown number. I answered, waiting for the other person to speak.

"Hey, big boy!" a female voice chimed in. I recognized Lena's voice instantly - my ex, Grant's CEO's daughter. Our past was more of a toxic relationship than a romance.

"Don't worry, she's in good hands," Lena said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

My blood boiled, and my fist clenched. "What have you done, Lena?" I demanded.

Asher's face turned shocked and angry beside me.

"She's having a lovely time with me," Lena said, her voice sugary sweet. "We're getting to know each other."

I seethed, trying to keep my cool. "You're using her as leverage. That's low, even for you."

Lena's response was icy. "You're the one who's been playing games, big boy. Now it's my turn."

I gritted my teeth. "You're going to regret this, Lena."

Lena's voice was venomous. "I doubt that. You see, I have something you want. And I'm not giving it back until you pay the price."

My anger flared. "What do you want from me?"

"Come and get her," Lena said, her voice dripping with malice. "Let's see how much you're willing to risk for her... how much you're willing to sacrifice."

My response was deadly. "Hurt her, and you'll never walk away from this."

Lena hung up.

I turned to Asher, my eyes blazing. "Let's go."

We didn't bother telling Dad, we just drove away. Ryker made it look effortless, pinpointing the location within seconds. It was like he was drawing a straight line to the answer. His skills made things move fast. The car's GPS led us to the location Ryker sent, and we found ourselves in front of yet another warehouse on the outskirts of Ravenswood.