The hostess left and Adrian watched her wearing a lopsided smile. Sitting right across from him made her acutely aware that she couldn’t escape his gaze. The look in his eyes told her he found her embarrassment slightly amusing. Her cheeks still felt warm from the hostess’s comment, and they only became hotter the longer he watched her. She took that time to stare at him as well. His dark hair was short but long enough that he pulled off the slightly messy look. Maybe he didn’t like being the one under examination, because a moment later he brought his attention to his menu.
Clearing her throat she let her attention fall to her menu. Everything sounded incredible, and although she had never been to this restaurant, she knew that the reviews raved about this “hidden gem.” Their waitress came by and took their orders. Adrian ordered a bottle of Moscato, and despite knowing she shouldn’t drink alcohol, she couldn’t help but sample some of the sweet liquid with her dessert. The conversation stayed fairly safe, with them talking about current events and the weather. To sum it up, they didn’t talk about anything personal which led Brea to believe that maybe Adrian had a few of his own secrets.
“So, how did you start fighting in the underground?” Voice pitched low so no one but him would hear, she cast a glance at Adrian. Brea had been contemplating sticking to neutral subjects, but her curiosity had gotten the better of her. Despite all her internal admonishments to keep her distance, she found herself wanting to know more about him. The fork that he was bringing to his mouth stopped before it got to its destination and he lifted his eyes to hers. When he cleared his throat and set his fork down, she couldn’t help but feel like she had maybe crossed the line. “I’m sorry, that really isn’t any of my business.” Everyone had their own reasons for doing things, especially her, and his silence told her she might have just asked the wrong question. Maybe he fights because of his past? It wasn’t an implausible concept. She assumed a lot of the fighters had pent-up aggression that they released in the cage.
“No, you didn’t say anything wrong. It’s just—” He took a sip of his wine before looking at her again. “I started fighting because I lost someone very important to me a long time ago.”
Oh. She should have known there was an ex. She had her own issues with an ex so she knew exactly where he as coming from, but she doubted his ex was anything like Cameron. Maybe she cheated on him and he kicked people’s asses while imagining it was the guy his girlfriend had fucked? That might be the reason, but she sure as hell wasn’t going to ask to confirm it.
“Well, I know all about exes.” She could have slapped herself right then and there. Why had she said anything? Closing her eyes and dropping her head, she needed to remind herself that it didn’t matter how sweet Adrian was and how much she liked him. Nothing could ever start between them.
Chapter Six
The way she looked dejected pulled at Adrian’s heart. “Hey now, don’t close up on me now.” He moved out of his seat and slid into hers. She visibly stiffened, but when he didn’t make a move to touch her she relaxed and looked up at him. His breath stalled at the hopelessness reflected in her gaze. What the hell happened to her that would make her look so lost? A large lump formed in his throat and he swallowed it, forcing it down. He lifted his hand, moving it slowly toward her face so he didn’t spook her, and brushed a lock of hair off her forehead. Her eyes looked impossibly big and blue on her face, and her creamy skin glowed under the soft lighting. The urge to kiss her was stronger than anything he had ever felt before. The question was, would she let him or would his actions scare her away?
He wasn’t sure any longer because what his brain was telling him he should do and what his heart was telling him he needed to do were throwing fists at each other. He leaned in slowly as he held her eyes and stopped right before his lips touched hers. She hadn’t pulled away and her breathing had changed to short, quick pants. Everything inside of him roared out at the knowledge that she was just as affected as he was.
“Brea, I want to kiss you.” He could feel her warm breath sweep across his lips. She smelled like the chocolate cake she had just eaten, and damn if he didn’t like chocolate. “I want to know it’s okay to kiss you,” he whispered against her mouth, needing her to say it was okay before he went any further. He heard her swallow, and when she whispered “yes,” he didn’t waste another moment.
When his lips finally pressed against hers he groaned. They were just as soft as they looked and tasted better than his imagination had conjured up. As her mouth opened for him, he slipped his tongue inside and brought his hands up to frame her face. God, she tastes so fucking good. Her tongue against his was hesitant at first, which was okay because he could take control until she was ready to take the reins.