Page 22 of Cruel Hero

“Call me Luis. Let’s keep this quick, Miss Carter. We don’t want to draw unnecessary attention.”

I glance around the lobby, suddenly hyper-aware of the curious stares from the employees milling about.

Luis motions toward the exit, with the rest of the security team falling into step around me as we move through the lobby. The sleek black SUV is waiting at the curb, its tinted windows mirroring the city lights. Luis opens the door for me, and I slide in, my hands slightly shaking as I grip the edge of the leather seat. As we exit the garage, I notice two identical SUVs forming a convoy—one in front and one behind. Adrien is not taking any risks with my safety.

The drive to my apartment is silent, save for the low hum of the engine. I stare out the window, watching the city blur past in a haze of neon and shadows. I can sense Luis’s eyes on me in the rearview mirror, assessing me. When we arrive, he accompanies me inside while the other guards maintain a perimeter around the building.

“Please gather whatever you need quickly, Miss Carter. We shouldn’t linger here long.”

As I gather the boxes of my uncle’s papers and pack an overnight bag, Luis’s watchful gaze follows my every move. His presence is both reassuring and unnerving—I’m grateful for the protection, but his stoic demeanor makes me uneasy.

“Is this everything, Miss Carter?”

I gesture to the stack of boxes. “Yes, this should be all of it.”

Luis calls in two other members of the security team to help carry the boxes down to the SUV. As we exit my apartment, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m leaving behind a part of my life—the normalcy and simplicity that once defined it.

Reaching the towering skyscraper that houses Adrien’s penthouse takes five minutes. The building is as imposing as its owner, its glass facade reflecting the setting sun in a dazzling display of colors.

“This way, please.” Luis guides me towards a private elevator, which requires both a key card and a fingerprint to operate.

The elevator ride to the top is swift, the numbers on the display climbing higher and higher until we reach the penthouse level. The doors slide open silently, revealing a sprawling space that is both luxurious and intimidating. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of Empire Heights, the city lights twinkling like stars against the darkening sky.

Luis steps aside, allowing me to enter first. The apartment could be described as a typical bachelor pad—modern, but devoid of any personal touches. It feels more like a display home than a place where someone lives. A large black leather couch dominates the space, placed in front of a modern glass coffee table and a piano nestled in the corner. The only sign that someone lives here is a few books casually strewn across a table.

“Adrien will be here shortly. Please, make yourself comfortable. The security will stand outside, just in case anyone tries to enter.”

“Is this standard procedure? Do you always have armed guards protecting the women Adrien brings back to his place?”

Luis chuckles. “Adrien takes security very seriously, Miss Carter. Especially when it comes to protecting those he cares about.”

The implication hangs in the air, heavy and undeniable. I feel a flush creep up my neck, but I don’t press further. Instead, I walk over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, my fingers brushing against the cool glass as I gaze out at the sprawling city below. Empire Heights looks almost serene from this height, the chaos and danger masked by the glittering lights.

I hear the soft click of the door closing behind Luis as he exits, leaving me alone in the vast penthouse. I place my overnight bag on the coffee table and decide to look around the penthouse while I wait for Adrien to arrive.

The kitchen is all sleek stainless steel and black marble, looking barely used. I open a few cupboards, finding them stocked with expensive liquor and fine china, but little in the way of actual food.

Moving on, I discover a home office with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes. A large mahogany desk dominates the room, its surface clear except for a single laptop. I resist the urge to snoop further, knowing Adrien would not appreciate me prying into his private space.

As I continue my exploration, I come across a closed door at the end of a hallway. Curiosity piqued, I turn the handle. To my surprise, it’s unlocked.

The room beyond is dark, illuminated only by the city lights. As my eyes adjust, I realize I’m standing in Adrien’s bedroom.

The bedroom is spacious and elegant, dominated by a large king-sized bed with crisp white sheets. The room exudes a sense of masculine luxury, with dark wood furniture and muted tones.

As I take a step further into the room, my eyes are drawn to a set of French doors on the far wall. They’re slightly ajar, revealing a glimpse of what appears to be a private terrace beyond. Unable to resist, I move closer, pushing the doors open wider.

The terrace is breathtaking. It stretches the length of the bedroom, offering a view of city lights twinkling below. One corner features a sleek outdoor lounge set; the other, a hot tub.

I lean against the railing, letting the cool night air wash over me. For a moment, I forget about the danger, the uncertainty, and the complications that have brought me here. I simply exist at this moment, suspended above the city I call home.

“Enjoying the view?”

Adrien’s deep voice startles me out of my reverie. I whirl around to find him leaning against the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest. He’s shed his suit jacket and tie, the top buttons of his shirt undone, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of tanned skin. His eyes are dark and intense as they roam over me, sending a shiver down my spine.

“I’m sorry,” I stammer. “I was just exploring and—”

“No need to apologize,” Adrien interrupts, pushing off the doorframe and stepping onto the terrace. His presence fills the space, commanding attention without effort. My eyes meet his, and a thrill of anticipation runs down my back. “I told you to make yourself comfortable, didn’t I?”

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