Wish you were mine

24. Unloved

PENELOPE

My heart pounded harder with each step as I closed in on the sleek black Mercedes, my fists tight with anger. His piercing gray eyes watched me through the tinted windows, even though I couldn't see them, I could feel the weight of his gaze. The window rolled down slowly, revealing his chiseled face and unreadable expression.

"Get in," he murmured, his voice low and commanding.

I knew it was reckless, probably the worst idea in the world, but I wasn't in the mood to be sensible. Any rational person would walk away, but I was far from rational right now. Without a word, I yanked the door open and slid into the leather seat beside him. His eyes raked over me from head to toe, the intensity of his stare unsettling, but I leaned back, trying to hide my frustration with a laugh.

"What am I, a five-year-old kid who needs constant monitoring?" I shot back, trying to match his cool exterior with my own.

His lips curled into a half-smirk. "More like a rebellious kid who needs to be kept under watch," he replied, his tone dripping with superiority.

I narrowed my eyes at him, crossing my arms defensively. "What are you even doing here?" I demanded.

"Obviously, keeping an eye on you." He leaned back, his smirk widening as if this was all some game to him.

"Why?" I snapped. "Shouldn't you be signing million-dollar deals instead of stalking me?"

He let out a deep sigh, his amusement fading. "After everything that happened last night, I thought you would've learned something. But no, instead you come here, to meet Adrian." His voice was laced with disappointment, almost like he was scolding me.

"You might think you're clever, Penelope, but let me tell you, you're not. You're a naive girl who can be fooled by anyone." His words struck like daggers, making my blood boil.

Is that really how he sees me? I clenched my fists, fighting the sting of tears threatening to spill. I would not cry in front of him.

"That's none of your business," I muttered, my voice cracking slightly despite my best effort to stay strong.

"It is my business, because I saved your life last night." His voice was sharp, like he was reminding me of some debt I owed.

I met his gaze, my eyes burning with defiance. "And for that, I'm grateful. But that doesn't give you the right to control me or speak to me like this." My words came out firmer this time, anger replacing the tremor in my voice. "And for the record, stalking is a crime. So stop following me, Mr. Anderson, and mind your own damn business."

I reached for the door handle, ready to escape this suffocating conversation, but before I could pull it open, his hand shot out, grabbing my wrist. The sudden touch sent an electric shock through me, my breath catching in my throat. His hand was warm, firm, and his grip was gentle but unyielding.

My heart raced, betraying my resolve as his presence overwhelmed me. His touch ignited something dangerous, something I didn't want to admit.

"We're leaving for Italy on Monday," he said, his voice a low murmur, the words brushing against my skin like a warning. "I hope this time you'll actually listen to your boss, because you have a habit of doing the opposite." His tone was mocking, daring me to defy him again.

I took a steadying breath, willing my racing heart to calm. Without meeting his gaze, I nodded in acknowledgment, unable to trust my voice at that moment. He let go of me, his hand lingering for a moment longer than necessary. I wasted no time pushing the door open and stepping out, slamming it behind me with all the force my frustration could muster.