Three Thousand Miles(136)

“Taking that bullet for you was the best decision of my life. I will always be your friend Alanna,” I stare at him as a gentle tear drips from my eye.

“Kiss me,” I whisper. I close my eyes as I await his lips and there they are. His full, soft lips are on mine and they feel amazing. His hand is on my hair and I tightly grip onto his back. I squeeze him, as our lips remain connected. Michael pulls back from me and I gently open my eyes.

“That was the perfect way to say goodbye!” He says as he strokes my hair, I smile at him and then I hear shouting.

“Alanna!” I hear a husky voice say, as I break free from Michael. My heart drops as I see Adrian heading over in our direction. My heart races as I realise how that must have looked. Adrian is striding over with plenty pace and his eyes are raging. He is dressed in a black Armani suit and a mask to match. I cannot breathe as he stands before me. I realise that I need to explain and fast.

“Adrian that wasn’t what it looked it,” I try to reassure him but he remains furious.

“Don’t Alanna!” He shouts. I crumble and I cannot hold back my tears.

“Michael please tell him!” I say through my broken voice. Adrian shakes his head as he lunges towards Michael.

“Save it, Alanna come with me!” He snaps. I wipe away my tears as I look up at him. Adrian turns to walk away and glare at Michael. He looks at me and he says.

“Go Alanna,” I press a smile from my dry lips and then I turn to Adrian. He takes me firmly by the arm and he leads me out of the building. I turn back for one last look at Michael but I notice that he is no longer there. Michael has gone and I pray that he remains faithful to his promise.

Adrian loosens my arm as we pour out of the building.

“Alanna I cannot believe what I have just seen!” He shouts. I try to compose myself as I need him to understand.

“Adrian you need to let me explain,” he rolls his eyes at me as he lunges towards me.

“You have one minute before I run in there and rip off his head!” I frown at him and I can tell that my reaction has only annoyed him more.

“What you saw was a goodbye kiss. Michael has told me that he no longer wants to come in between us. He is moving on from me and he is happy with your sister. Adrian I promise you that it was nothing more, I love you.”

“Do you expect me to believe that?”

“Yes, because it is truth. He wants me to be happy and he knows that you are the only person who can make me happy. Please Adrian you have to believe me!” Adrian shakes his head as he nervously runs his fingers through his hair.

“You kissed him!” He shouts as he takes me firmly in his hands. He is trembling and his eyes are bolting. I try to break free from him but his grip is too tight.

“Adrian you are hurting me!” I snap. He instantly loosens me and he takes a deep breath.

“You have to see it from my point of view Alanna. You do not know what I went through to get to you tonight and when I finally arrived, I saw you, with him. For months now, I have been ignoring your affection towards him but I cannot do it any longer. I did not fly three thousand miles to have this jealousy.”

“Adrian please you know that I love you and I am sorry that you had to witness that but it was only a goodbye kiss.”

“How can I be sure?” Adrian snarls at me. I walk over to him and I grip onto his arms.

“I need you to remember last night. Remember the way it felt and remember my touch. Adrian those memories are all the proof that you need!” Adrian looks at me and then he slides his arm out of my grip. He gently places his finger onto my chin and then he leans in and kisses me. I breathe a sigh of relief and then I am nervous again when he pulls back. He reaches into his jacket pocket and he takes out a red box. He takes a few steps back from me and he throws me the box. I catch it and my heart races as I open it. The square cut diamond ring that is inside is spectacular. I cannot catch my breath as I look at the ring. Adrian breaks the silence.

“Marry me!” He says firmly. I look at the ring and then I look at him. I shake my head and he rushes over to me.

“If you love me then you will marry me. Michael is no longer fighting for your affections so you don’t have to choose.” I stare at him and I cannot breathe. I do not know what to say. I love him but I cannot shake off my fears of him leaving me. If I say yes then I will live with that fear forever, if I say no then I will lose him. I take in his stunning beauty as we stand in the starlight of Manhattan. The air is surprisingly crisp for June and the traffic buzzes by. The music is loud from my party that goes on without me and I search deep in my soul as I let go of Adrian’s hand. I take a deep breath as I tell him my answer.