Page 3 of My Bloody Valentine

“Ah yes, your integrity.” Adrian’s fingers trace my arm lightly. “One of your more... appealing qualities.”

“I’m sure we’ll meet again, Mr. Vale.” I take a step back, needing distance from his magnetic pull.

“Adrian,” he corrects, his smile sharp as a razor’s edge. “And yes, we most certainly will. After all, you still need to explore what I can create.”

The way he says it sends a chill down my spine—not entirely unpleasant, but warning bells ring in my head. There’s something in his eyes, something that doesn’t quite match his polished exterior. Like looking at one of his chocolates—beautiful on the surface but hollow inside. Or maybe not hollow… Maybe hiding something else entirely.

“Your Valentine’s collection launches next week, doesn’t it?” I keep my voice professional despite the heat rising in my cheeks.

“Indeed. Though I’m creating something special for the launch. Something that might interest your unique palate.” He steps closer again, and I catch that intoxicating scent—cocoa and amber. “I do hope you’ll attend.”

I hate how my body responds to his presence, the way I want to lean into that dangerous energy radiating off him. Everything about Adrian Vale screams “warning,” yet I’m drawn to him like a magnet to metal.

“We’ll see.” I turn to leave, but his voice stops me.

“The chocolate you just consumed,” Adrian’s voice pierces the air, “contains a unique blend.”

I freeze mid-step, my hand clutching my purse tighter. The aftertaste of the chocolate lingers on my tongue—that lingering desire and something else I can’t quite place.

“What do you mean?” I turn back to face him.

“Let’s just say the emotional resonance you experienced wasn’t accidental.” He closes the space separating us. “I had to ensure you’d taste something memorable.”

My heart speeds up as the chocolate’s flavor shifts on my tongue. The initial notes deepen into something carnal.

“What did you put in it?”

“Nothing illegal, I assure you.” His fingers graze my wrist. “Though the ingredient can be rather addictive. The effect tends to intensify over time.”

“That’s not possible.” But even as I say it, heat spreads through my chest, and the flavors on my tongue become more pronounced.

“Isn’t it?” Adrian’s smile holds secrets. “You, of all people, should know that taste is more than just chemical reactions. It’s emotion, memory...” His thumb dances in circles on my wrist. “Desire.”

I jerk my hand away. Whatever is in that chocolate already spreads through my system, making everything feel more intense and alive.

“I need to go.”

“Of course.” He steps back, but his eyes never leave mine. “Though I suspect you’ll be calling me soon enough. That chocolate has a way of... lingering.”

I make my way to my car, but my hands are unsteady as I try to unlock it. The taste in my mouth has evolved—something masculine, almost...

My cheeks flush hot as the realization hits. That unique blend Adrian mentioned. The way it’s affecting me. Could he have actually...?

I grip the steering wheel, attempting to calm my nerves. The flavors dance on my tongue—dark chocolate, but something saltier and earthier underneath that. My synesthesia allows me to taste lust and raw male euphoria.

“Oh God.” I press my thighs together, mortified at how my body’s responding. He put his... he made me...

The chocolate box sits accusingly on the passenger seat. One bite was all it took for him to mark me, to make me consume a part of him. And worse—my gift means I can taste every emotion he poured into it. Every ounce of desire.

My phone vibrates with a message from an unknown number.

Now you understand the emotion I’m capable of creating.

I should be disgusted. Should report him. Instead, I run my tongue over my lips, chasing the last traces of his cum and the decadent chocolate. The combination is intoxicating, and my body burns with need.

What kind of person am I that this turns me on instead of repulsing me?

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