The Shadow Kingdom

Chapter 16ii

For the last month, my life has been perfect. Alex is now in the loop, and she is safely back in Pittsburgh, and Adrian and I have officially moved in together. Though technically, I've already been living in his house for months. And I am now an accomplished small business owner at the tender age of eighteen.

It is almost Christmas time, and I am trying to decide what present to get for Adrian. Anything I get him will no doubt pale in comparison to whatever he has in mind for me. I won't be surprised if there's a new Audi waiting for me in the parking lot.

I am at Manhattan Mall, looking for something that would please a man who already has everything. I wander around for a while when I stop at the Victoria's Secret Store. Hmm... this gives me some ideas. The Chantilly Lace and Satin Gown immediately catches my eye. This is perfect – a present that we can both enjoy!

I drive home, eager to surprise Adrian. He is on the phone when I arrive, so I just smile at him provocatively, drop the bags on the coffee table, and wait for him to finish his call. "Hey," he hangs up the phone. "Welcome home."

I prowl towards him like a she-wolf and shove him onto the sofa. My winter coat is discarded, and I kneel astride him with my arms wrapped around his neck and my fingers stroking his silky, smooth hair. "Who was that?" I ask as my soft kisses dance across his neck.

"That was Diana; she just arrived from Shanghai." He leans back on the couch, and it's clear that he's happy to see me. "She's here to speak to you."

"You know what it's about?"

"No. But she said she brought you a present."

"Oh, really? I got one for you too." I reach for the bag and remove the gown. I hold it over myself, and Adrian's eyes burst wide open. "Do you like it?"

His black eyes shine with uncontained lust. "I think I'll like it better tonight when it's on you."

My finger runs down my cleavage, and his eyes longingly follow. "Who says we have to wait until tonight?"

I begin to push Adrian's shirt off his body, but he grabs my wrists to stop me. "Circumstances force us to show some patience, unfortunately. Diana will be here soon. And you know how much I love to take my time with you."

Indeed, I do. I get off the couch and do some errands, preparing for Diana's arrival. I practically jump out of my seat when I hear the doorbell.

"Diana!" I greet her at the door. She is carrying another one of those large, metal attaché cases.

I give her a warm embrace, which she initially resists but ultimately gives in. "Good to see you too, Ashcroft Highness." She smiles.

"Ok, as far as nicknames go, I'll take warrior princess any day." I retort.

She comes inside and kisses Adrian on the cheek. "How I've missed you, big brother." The sincerity in her voice is unmistakable.

"Me too. What are you doing in the city?" Adrian asks.

Diana turns to face me. Her countenance is not overjoyed. "Scarlett, I have a present for you." We go into the dinning room, and she places the metal case on the table. She opens it to reveal a brand new FN F2000.

"You got me an assault rifle?" I furrow my eyes in confusion. "You know that we have plenty of these downstairs, right?"

"This one is special." Diana replies. "It's been modified to be completely waterproof." I turn to Adrian who is just as confused as I am. "I have news from Shanghai. Augustus is calling in his favour."