“I am going away for a few days; will you be okay here alone?” I ask.
Sophie smiles at me. “Yes I will be fine, go and have fun and I will see you when you get back.” I beam at her and I take Adrian’s arm. He escorts me down the stairs and he ushers me into the black Rolls Royce. I sit peacefully as the car the pulls away. Adrian reaches over and takes out a bottle of Cristal, he elegantly pours me a glass and I sip slowly as I take in my surroundings. Adrian’s phone rings and he quickly answers the call. I lean back in the luxurious seat as I listen to him speak.
“Hello mate, how’s it going over there?” I smile at his accent and a cool shiver runs up my spine at the sound. Adrian nods and rolls his eyes as he takes in his conversation. I shift the weight from my feet and I clear my throat briefly. Adrian turns to look at me and I flash him an awkward smile. My face flushes slightly hot and I gently fan the heat away. I glance out the window and I take in the sight of Manhattan. The streets are busy and are layered in snow and there are people queuing at the coffee carts that line the street. I gaze out at the wonderful city and then I turn to look at Adrian.
“Jeff, I need you to stop worrying I will be back soon. Listen mate I need you to email me the spreadsheets that I need for tomorrow.” Adrian pauses then he says, “Okay Jeff, thanks mate.” He ends his call and he slips the phone into his jacket pocket. He runs his hand along his hair and he turns to me.
“Did I tell you that you look amazing?” I smile at his words and I reach over and place my hand onto his. He gently lifts my hand and he kisses it softly. He places my hand back onto the armrest and he again turns to face me. He widens his eyes and I feel that he has something on his mind. I slightly twitch my legs and he notices my actions.
“Are you okay baby?” He asks looking concerned. I clear my throat and I say.
“Yes I am fine, are you okay?” I turn the question back to him. He smirks as he twiddles my fingers in his.
“I am good. I sensed tension between you and Sophie is there anything wrong?” My face again flushes hot and I do not want to respond.
“What do you mean?” I ask, playing dumb.
“Today in the room I felt as if you two were having words before I came in. You would tell me if anything was wrong, wouldn’t you?” He asks sounding sure. I feel my heart pick up pace and I gaze into those green eyes. I cannot lie to him but I do not want to tell him the truth.
“Sophie was telling me about Katharine, she is going through a rough time right now and I guess I am mostly to blame for that.” I admit. Adrian processes what I say and it takes him a few moments to respond. His grip on my hand loosens and he wrinkles his forehead at me.
“Why would you be to blame for her being upset?” He asks firmly. His voice was loud and it took me by surprise.
“I am to blame because of how Michael feels.” I confess. I gaze at Adrian and his expression has changed. His eyes look angry and I can see that he is gritting his teeth. I gently lean over and I place my hand onto his cheek. He closes his eyes at my touch and whispers.
“Alanna, please don’t mention him again.” I pull my hand from his cheek and he immediately opens his eyes.
“What’s wrong? He asks. I narrow my eyes at him and I slightly shake my head.
“Adrian I thought that all this arguing with Michael was over?” I protest.
“It is but I don’t want to hear how he feels about you. It is hard enough to think it without you saying it. I will not bicker with him, he is my brother and I still want a relationship with him. But I don’t really want to know how he feels about my girlfriend.” I lightly smile at him and I feel a little relieved to hear his words. I was worried that this would anger him more than it did and I feared that is reaction would be worse. I want Adrian and Michael to have the relationship that they used to. I do not want to come in between the two brothers and I know that if I had to choose it would be Adrian every time, But at the same I do not want to give up Michael. He means a lot to me and I know that I would be less happy if he were not in my life. It is hard to think of him not being there and I know that for the best I should stay away from him. However, I feel too selfish and I will not give him up just yet.
The car comes to a stop and Adrian and I quickly get out of the car. The driver opens the trunk of the car and takes out several Louis Vuitton suitcases. Adrian smiles at me as he slides his hand around my waist. We follow the driver into the crowded airport and a member of staff greets us.
“Mr Black, please follow me.” The tall, thin, airport worker says. Adrian nods at the man and he smiles down at me. Adrian walks swiftly behind the man until we come to a glass elevator. The worker signals us to get in and we do as he says. I glance up at Adrian