Chapter 44

CHLOE’S POV

Adam was the very definition of cute. No — scratch that — he was dangerously gorgeous. Like trouble wrapped in a perfect jawline and golden-brown eyes that gleamed like melted honey in the sunlight.

“I’m actually very good with art as well, love,” he said in that silky voice of his, laced with some delicious British charm. “Maybe I could teach you a thing or two… at my place?”

Oh. My. God. Was he inviting me over?

I smiled, twirling a strand of hair around my finger like I wasn’t about to combust from excitement. “Are you inviting me to your house, Adam?”

He grinned, slow and devilish. “Yes.”

I had made a pact with the girls. No fraternizing with the dark and mysterious  family. It was rule number one after everything went sideways with Damon. But guess what? It looked like I was the only one actually sticking to the rules. I saw the way Elizabeth looked at Damon when she thought nobody was watching. She was so into him. And sure, she had Nick, but the moment I showed a little interest in Damon, she swooped in like it was some kind of competition.

Well, she could have him. Adam was just as hot — no, hotter — and actually way more my type. He was flirty, charming, and mysterious, sure, but he didn’t walk around like the world owed him something. Plus, he was into charity and art and all the things my mom’s council would totally eat up.

“I don’t know,” I said, pretending to hesitate even though my heart was pounding. “Maybe.”

And then I saw them. Elizabeth and Vanessa. Marching toward us with the same look of suspicion they’d worn since the day I said hi to Adam. Ugh. Couldn’t a girl have a little fun without being judged?

I flashed them a dazzling smile and grabbed Adam’s hand, leaning in a little too close as I whispered, “Let’s go.”

His fingers curled around mine like it was second nature, and I didn’t miss the smirk he threw their way as we walked off. I knew it would drive them crazy. Honestly, that was half the fun.

“Did you just use me to piss off your friends?” he asked, holding the car door open for me like a gentleman… a very wicked gentleman.

“Maybe,” I said with a giggle, climbing into his fancy black Chevrolet. “But you didn’t seem to mind.”

“Oh, not at all,” he replied, sliding into the driver’s seat. “I quite enjoyed it.”

“I don’t usually skip school,” I said as we drove. “Like, ever. I’ve never even faked sick before.”

“Then today’s your first,” Adam said with a smirk, glancing at me sideways. “Come on, live a little. You’re with me now.”

I laughed nervously. “I don’t know, Adam. What if someone notices?”

He turned to me, eyes locking with mine. “Chloe,” he said smoothly, “look at me.”

I did.

“Let it go. You want to skip today. You want to come to my house.”

“I want to skip today,” I repeated, my voice sounding far away. “I want to come to your house.”

His smirk widened. “There we go, love. Much better.”

His house — no, estate — looked like it belonged in a history book. Tall gothic archways, stone columns, ivy climbing the walls. Inside was just as breathtaking. Paintings I didn’t recognize hung on the walls, old and priceless looking, and there was this thick, intoxicating smell of incense and aged books.

“This place is like a museum,” I whispered as I followed him in. “A really sexy museum.”

“I like to preserve beauty,” Adam said casually, leading me through a long corridor. “History is full of it — if you know where to look.”

I blushed. Was that a compliment?

“Your room’s in this part of the house?” I asked as we walked deeper into the estate. “Isn’t it creepy being so far from everyone?”

“I enjoy the quiet,” he replied, pushing open a door. “Plus, my brothers can be… loud.”

His room was even more impressive. Dark wood furniture, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, an antique desk, and massive windows draped with velvet. A painting hung above his bed — some ancient battle scene with monsters and men clashing swords.

“So… you like art and war?” I joked, wandering toward a shelf of creepy-looking daggers.

“I like the stories behind both,” he said, watching me. “Every piece has a truth buried under the surface.”

I plopped down onto the bed, kicking off my heels. “You’re so deep. No wonder Liz was into your brother.”

Adam’s gaze sharpened slightly. “You noticed that, did you?”

“Of course. You think I’m blind?” I rolled my eyes. “She’s totally into him. They’ve been acting all secretive lately, like they’re in some elite little club and I didn’t get an invite.”

“Sounds lonely,” he murmured, sitting beside me.

“It is,” I admitted, voice softer now. “They’ve been shutting me out. I know I can be a little… extra, but I’m still their friend. Or I thought I was.”

There was a beat of silence. Then, “Have you ever heard of mates?”

I blinked. “Like… soulmates?”

“In a way,” he said, his voice lower now, almost hypnotic. “For my brothers kind— mates are rare. It’s deeper than love. It’s need. Destiny. An impossible bond that can’t be broken. My brother thinks he found his.”

“Elizabeth,” I whispered.

He nodded once. “She’ll ruin him. But he’ll let her.”

I frowned. “That’s… kind of romantic?”

Adam gave a humorless laugh. “Romantic until it kills you.”

He leaned closer, and my heart sped up. Was he going to kiss me?

But instead, his hand brushed my hair back gently, and his lips moved to my neck.

“Don’t be afraid,” he whispered.

“Why would I—”

The sharp pain was sudden, yet soft — like being pinched by the cold. I gasped as I felt his teeth sink in, the pressure blooming into something hot and dizzying. My fingers curled into his shirt, not pulling away but holding on.

He drank slowly, carefully, as if savoring it. And just as I started to feel like I was floating, he pulled back. His lips were stained red, but his eyes were still warm.

“You’re okay,” he murmured, wiping a drop from my neck. “You were amazing.”

I collapsed onto the bed, dizzy and light-headed, my limbs heavy.

“How many council members do your parents associate with?” he asked casually.

“Ten,” I said weakly. “Maybe more.”

“And the next event?”

“Dinner… next week. Formal. At the manor.”

“Perfect,” he said with a satisfied smirk. “You’ll get me in.”

I nodded dreamily.

He ordered me a taxi. Then he bent down, eyes glowing again, voice velvet-smooth. “You’ll forget all of this. We looked at art. We had a good time. You loved it. And we have another date soon.”

When I got home, I felt… weird. Weak. But happy? I couldn’t explain it.

There was a beautiful lace scarf around my neck. Where had I gotten it?

I tried to take it off. It didn’t budge. Like it was glued to me.

I shrugged and lay back on my bed, staring at the ceiling. Adam.

I couldn’t wait to see him again.

We had such a great time looking at art today.

My phone buzzed. A message from Elizabeth.

“Where did you go? Are you okay?”

And one from Vanessa.

“Call me. Please.”

I rolled my eyes. So dramatic. I was fine.

I held my phone close and grinned, thinking about Adam’s golden eyes. He was so dreamy.

They’d understand eventually. I was just… happy. Happier than I’d been in a long time.