Chapter 69 Adrian's Overstep
In the next second, Adrian's handsome face started to move closer, pressing towards Victoria.
"Oh, oh, oh!" Strange cries and cheers erupted all around them.
"Bang!"
Out of nowhere, all the lights in the bar went out!
The bright light was swallowed by darkness, the music abruptly stopped, and only intermittent screams and curses filled the air.
Simultaneously, a gentle touch landed on her lips.
Victoria's eyes widened, her mind going blank.
The noise around her seemed to fade, leaving only the unsettling sensation on her lips.
"What the heck? Power outage?"
"Damn! Who bumped into me?"
In the midst of the chaos, Victoria felt a warm hand wrap around her waist, pulling her closer.
What was a brief kiss moments ago now felt aggressive.
Adrian's other hand held the back of her head, not allowing her to pull away, his tongue pushing into her mouth forcefully.
It wasn't a kiss; it felt more like an invasion.
Victoria shuddered, coming back to reality.
Anger surged within her, overpowering her rational thoughts. Without hesitation, she raised her hand and slapped him across the face!
In her right mind, she would never dare to slap him, considering Adrian's status.
But her wrist was caught mid-air.
Adrian's strength was impressive, effortlessly holding her hands behind her back with just one hand.
His kiss intensified, showing dominance and madness, a stark contrast to his usual refined self.
Victoria struggled, like a butterfly trapped in a spider's web, the more she fought, the tighter his hold became.
The darkness was her only comfort; at least no one witnessed the scene.
If Nathaniel caught wind of this, she'd be in deep trouble.
Soon, someone switched on their phone flashlight, dimly lighting up the bar once more.
Victoria pushed and shoved at Adrian's chest frantically, but he stood firm, unmoved.
Her breath was taken away as his tongue explored her mouth.
With determination, Victoria bit down on Adrian's lip, tasting the metallic tang of blood instantly.
Adrian finally let her go, wiping the blood from his lip with his finger.
"Bit for a kiss, fair trade," he remarked.
Victoria scowled, "Adrian, you're such a scoundrel."
"No one's ever told me that," Adrian said, leaning in closer. "You make it more challenging than anyone else. A snap of my fingers and other women come running."
"You're crazy," Victoria replied, turning to walk away.
Unnoticed in the shadows near their booth, a pair of malicious eyes watched them intently.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Gunshots rang out sharply through the chaos of the bar!
"Ah!"
After a moment of silence, the crowd's screams grew even louder than during the blackout.
The bar turned into a chaotic scene of overturned tables, breaking glass, and people crying and pushing to escape.
Adrian grabbed Victoria.
"Don't move!" He quickly pushed the still-dazed Victoria to the ground, shielding her with his body.
Heart racing, Victoria lay on the cold floor, unsure if it was from the recent kiss or the sudden gunfire.
"Don't be scared! I'm here," Adrian reassured her in a hushed tone.
Victoria regained her composure, no longer afraid.
"Let me go, I'm not scared."
She had been through enough to not be frightened by a typical gunfight.
"Fair enough."
Adrian realized Victoria was no fragile woman; he had protected her instinctively earlier.
In the darkness, she could hear heavy footsteps approaching, along with muffled panting and sporadic gunshots.
Bullets whizzed past them, hitting the walls and sparking before quickly dying out.
"Damn, where are they? Search the place!" A gruff male voice echoed nearby.
"The circuit breaker's messed up, get your flashlights!"
Several blinding beams pierced the darkness like death's eyes.
"Let's head over there." Victoria motioned towards the back door, using the booths and bar as cover, quietly making their way in that direction with Adrian.
"Aw, crap, I left my gun." Adrian instinctively reached behind him, coming up empty-handed.
A sleek, delicate handgun materialized in Victoria's hand. She whispered, "I've got one."
Ever since Nathaniel gave her the gun, she carried it everywhere.
"Stay behind me." Victoria stepped forward, positioning Adrian behind her.
Adrian, towering over her, looked down at her under the flickering flashlight, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
He never thought he'd be shielded by a woman, but it didn't feel too bad.
Victoria held the gun cautiously, not seeking trouble, only prepared for self-defense.
It was clear the mobsters weren't after them, as the gunfire and pursuit outside gradually faded with their fleeing targets.
After a few minutes, even the last bit of chaos subsided.
The bar descended into an eerie silence, filled only with subdued cries and heavy breathing.
The emergency lights flickered on at last, casting a dim glow over the disordered hall.
Adrian leaned in close to Victoria's ear, his warm breath teasing her cheek as he said, "You saved me, how about I offer myself to you as thanks?"
Victoria wrinkled her nose in disgust, pushing Adrian away abruptly and rising from the floor.
Without a word, she cleared the debris blocking her path and strode purposefully towards the exit.
"Victoria!" Adrian hurriedly caught up, grabbing her wrist at the bar's entrance.
The cold night wind brushed against Victoria's face, snapping her back to reality. She forcefully shook off his hand, spun around, her eyes blazing with anger.
"Adrian Cross," she spat out his full name, her voice tinged with fury, "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Adrian met her gaze, composed and collected. He straightened his slightly rumpled collar, returning to his polished demeanor.
"I'm pursuing you, can't you tell? It's pretty obvious by now."
"Adrian!" Victoria cut him off, her voice sharp and rising, "Are you crazy? Do you not grasp my position?"
"I get it!" Adrian's faint smile remained, almost imperceptible, "But with my uncle, you'll always be a hidden mistress. With me, you'll be openly part of the Cross family..."
Victoria interrupted him coldly, "Stop those inappropriate thoughts. If this happens again, we'll have no respect left between us."
It was only because Nathaniel had given his consent that Victoria dared to interact with Adrian.
She needed the resources he controlled, and they would inevitably cross paths often in the future.
But if Adrian persisted in bothering her like this, it would only bring her trouble. If things escalated one day, the fallout would outweigh any benefits.
Victoria was torn.
"Or do you want me to keep avoiding you like I used to?" Her words carried weight.
Seeing the resolve in her eyes, Adrian realized she was genuinely upset and not in the mood for jokes.
His previously casual demeanor softened, raising his hands in surrender, coaxing her, "Okay, okay! I overstepped. I'll behave from now on, I promise."
"Is that good enough, Victoria?"
Victoria shot Adrian a fierce glare, cutting off any further interaction, and turned to stride away.
Adrian quickly caught up.
As the two walked off, a pair of malevolent eyes bore into their backs.
Hatred seethed from those eyes.