Page 121 of The Dark Side

"I couldn't even call Helina. Larger things are going on than us. I don't have time for it."

"Then, maybe I should leave."

He turned from her with a scoff, cursing in Russian. There were too many things happening, and on top of it, he was starting a new relationship, one that needed proper attention, but how was he supposed to stretch his time? This was why he never dated, and he hated himself for doing it during one of the most crucial moments in his career.

"I'm not an afterthought, Adrik."

He faced her with knitted brows. "Is that what you think?"

"What am I supposed to think? You are barely around to begin with. You show up whenever you want, and I'm supposed to be waiting around for you, hoping you remember to stop by. It sucks."

"I'm running an empire, Jolie. This is not a nine-to-five, Monday-Friday type of job. I don't get to go to every birthday. I don't get to go to every dinner. My success is based on what I put into it."

"That sounds sad."

Adrik slipped his hands into his pockets. "That's funny coming from someone broke their whole life."

"Oh, now you want to attackmylifestyle?"

This was getting out of his control. He wanted to make up with her, not make it worse, yet here he was, going down a slippery slope. But backing down from an argument wasn't a talent Adrik possessed. "When have you ever worked hard in your life? Too busy watching sunrises and babysitting. But it's money that makes this world, and I mean to have plenty of it."

Jolie shook her head. "And all this money, will it be holding your hand if you get sick?"

"I won't need anyone to hold my hand. I'll have the best doctors in the world and survive."

"Then, why am I here? If you have all this money that can take care of you, you certainly don't need me." Jolie spun to go, but Adrik latched onto her wrist.

She fought it, but he caught her eyes, keeping her still. "I don't need you," Adrik affirmed.

The words were painful to hear, and Jolie nearly cracked, but Adrik brushed his fingers through her hair. "I want you. And I hope you appreciate the difference."

"What's the difference?" She wiped a tear from her cheek.

Adrik stepped before her. "Needing someone means there's no choice. It's a miserable thing not being able to pick who is by your side for life. But wanting someone"—Adrik touched her cheek—"means out of every woman I've ever met, I chose you." She dropped her head and tears flowed down her cheeks. He hoped it was because of relief and latched onto this moment of vulnerability with eagerness. "Be honest with yourself, baby; you don't need me either. You can take care of yourself. You could go on and do amazing things without me. But here you are, enduring, struggling, accepting this life, because you are choosing me."

Jolie kept her head down, staring at his chest. The tattoos were vibrant, some more dull, some with color. Her fingers rested on his pectoral, over his heart. The touch was a soothing balm on his temper. He swallowed it down, allowing her to bring out the softness in his voice.

"My time is sparse. But know that any second I have free, I come to you because you are where I want to be. So, enjoy today with me. You can hate me tomorrow."

A smile teased her lips. "I don't hate you."

"No? Even though you think I'm a misogynist?"

A giggle breached her throat. "I can fix that."

"I'll let you try." Adrik stepped forward, and the walls that separated them burned to ashes. Her hand spread on his chest, and he wondered if she could feel the heavy beat of his heart. He leaned down and kissed her. Softly, hesitantly.

Jolie broke from his lips and hugged him. He sighed into her touch. A silly hug wasn't sexual, but it was everything he wanted from her.

"Is everything better now? Are you back for good?" she wondered.

Adrik didn't want to tell her he had been back in town for three days. He stayed an hour away at a hideaway house. He had too much on his plate, and he knew that going back home with Jolie there would only distract him.

"No. I only have today, and then I have to return tomorrow."

"Is it because of Zinof?"

Her interest pleased him. Adrik wanted her to be curious about his life. One day, he could get her opinion on matters, and they could be a team, like his father and mother in their younger years. But he wouldn't mess it up like his father had. He'd be faithful, for one.

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