Page 39 of Company Ink

I look up at the sign on the wall. We're only on the 7th floor? Are you freaking kidding me? "I won't fall. I have excellent balance and stamina. You should see videos of me on the balance beam from high school. I was a natural."

"You did gymnastics?" Adrian grins, a devious look capturing his eyes. "That means you're flexible."

I scowl at him. "You really have a one-track mind, don't you?"

"Me?" Adrian grips his chest. "I'm merely stating facts."

"Mhmm." I roll my eyes, choosing to tap out of this conversation, partly because I'm having a hard time walking and talking, but also because I know where this topic will lead. "Let's go with that."

"You seem irritated," Adrian observes lightly.

Iglare at him. "Well, some might say that being chased up a staircase at 7:55 in the morning is reasonable grounds for irritation!"

"I was only chasing you because you were running," Adrian notes flatly. "Why is that by the way?"

"As I said—I missed my workout," I reply calmly, keeping my eyes affixed on the floor in front of me and not on the man that has infiltrated all my dreams.

We continue up the stairs in silence for several flights until Adrian places a hand on my shoulder, stopping us.

"Cassie," he says softly, his strikingly dark eyes meeting mine.

I let out an exhausted sigh, secretly grateful for this mini break. "What?"

"You know what." He examines me intently for a second before stating, with obvious annoyance, "We need to talk about this. I'm getting quite tired of all these games. You need to tell me what you want because this whole back and forth is getting old."

I sigh. For once, I have no clever rebuttal. No witty remark. Nothing. Because he's right. I need to decide. What do I want? Is he worth the risk? If it's just for sex, then no, he's not. If it's something more than that then... maybe? I don't know why, but the thought of just being a fling is causing my heart so much unease. It's never bothered me before but now, the idea makes my stomach churn.

"You don't do relationships," I state in a hushed tone. "Right?"

Adrian's intensely expressive eyes burrow into mine, his hand finding its way to my face, cupping it, almost tenderly.

"No, Cariño, I don't," he whispers. "But you knew that."

"Why not?" I mutter, closing my eyes, trying to pretend that his presence isn't affecting me in ways I've never felt before.

"It's complicated, Cassie," Adrian says in a low tone.

I open my eyes and stare at him with frustration. "It'scomplicated? That's your answer? Seriously?"There's a non-answer if I ever heard one.

"There are things that are beyond my control," he says, a hint of pain in his voice. "That's all I can say."

A dozen questions dance around my mind. What does he mean? Out of his control? This man is a walking contradiction. How can something be out ofAdrian Cavallero'scontrol? I bite my lip and lean into his touch, conflict radiating off my body.

"In that case—" I take in a sharp breath, fighting against every instinct. "I'm not willing to risk my job for you."

Adrian's jaw tightens but he continues to caress my cheek. "Is that your only hesitation?"

"Yes," I lie. Or half-lie. I'm not even sure anymore. There's a definite physical connection between us but I don't like the idea that there's no room for that to grow into an emotional one, which is something I never thought I'd feel.I'm losing it.I swallow away the lump forming in my throat. "I can't afford to lose this job. I have too much going on right now."

"I see." Adrian slowly drops his hand and takes a step back. "You realize that your position is temporary, right? You're only here for six months."

I narrow my eyes. "What are you implying?"

Adrian smirks. "I can wait."

I cock my head to the side, raising an inquisitive brow. "Really? You seemed to have shown no restraint at the club." I tap a finger against my lips. "If I recall correctly, you said something to me about patience and then a week later you said fuck it. Doesn't seem like 'waiting' is your forte."

Adrian's eyes darken. "Trust me, Cassie. That was me holding back. If I had no restraint, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now."

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