Page 13 of Cruel Hero

I want to devour her, claim her as mine, and erase every thought of this other man from her mind.

“I would never betray Lucas,” Tiffany says, not understanding how close I am to losing control at the mere mention of his name.

“Being unfaithful implies that there is a relationship in the first place, angel.”

“You’re horrible! He’s perfect, he’s kind and respectful. He’s…”

“And yet, instead of being with him, you’re here clinging to me. You’re wasting your time with someone who can’t give you the happiness you deserve while making that poor man believe he has a chance.”

“What about you? Why are you even here? You have an empire to lead, a world to dominate,” Tiffany argues as if she isn’t clinging to me with all her might, as hungry for my touch as I am for hers.

“I’m in the city for business.” My lips brush against the sensitive skin of her neck, and she moans softly. “And I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to attend the most exclusive fundraiser of the year.”

As if I care about rubbing elbows with the wealthy and famous. Hell would freeze over before I would attend a social event just because it’s the place to be seen.

“Are you saying you have a sudden change of heart and are now interested in charity?” Tiffany turns her head, giving me better access to her neck. I press my lips against her skin, leaving small bites and kisses along her collarbone.

“Don’t be foolish, love. I’ve never had a heart.”

“I know that.” Her fingers tangle in my hair, and she pulls me closer until our lips are almost touching. “What game are you playing, Adrien? Are you not satisfied with how badly you’ve already messed me up? Don’t tell me you’re still obsessed with revenge.”

I want to laugh at the thought.

Revenge.

I wish it was the thoughts of revenge that consumed me. It would make things so much easier.

“I’m here because we had fun together. Because I want you,” I say, inhaling her intoxicating scent of wildflowers and honey.

Tiffany’s hands still.

The air between us is tense, thick, and electric.

“I want you too,” she confesses, and my heart skips a beat. But then she steps back. “But we can’t do this. I have my life back. I’ve met someone with whom I can see a future. I can’t risk getting involved with you, Adrien. You’ll take all I have to give and leave nothing behind.”

She’s right, of course.

I should leave her alone, let her live her life, and find her happiness without me. But I can’t bear the idea of losing her, of never seeing her again.

“Careful, love,” I warn her, taking her face in my hands, my fingers tracing the delicate contours of her cheeks. “You almost sound like you care.”

“It’s a result of Stockholm syndrome.” Tiffany avoids my gaze. “I was stuck with you for two weeks. It’s not surprising that I was brainwashed.”

“Is that what you think? You just don’t want to admit to yourself that you like being in my company.”

“Perhaps. But that changes nothing. I’m not yours, Adrien. I never was, and I never will be.”

A bitter laugh escapes my lips. “That’s exactly the problem, isn’t it?” I release her face from my grip. “You’re not mine, and yet, I can’t seem to let you go.”

She takes a shaky breath and runs her fingers through my hair, pulling me closer and crushing her lips onto mine.

This kiss is different from any we’ve shared before—a mix of longing, anger, and desperation. Her hands grip my shirt, and her tongue slides against my lips, a plea for something more than what we can have.

But it’s also a farewell.

As the kiss deepens, I taste the saltiness of her tears, pain, and frustration. She pulls away, wiping the remnants of our kiss from her lips.

“Adrien, I’m sorry,” she breathes out. “But I can’t be a part of your fucked up world. We both know that this is a dead end. You’re chaos, and I’m trying to build something stable—something real. It’s not just about me anymore. It’s about Olivia, about the company, about the life I’m trying to carve out for myself. I can’t let you drag me back into the darkness. Please, let me go.”

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