Carmel’s heart skipped several beats as Adrian’s icy gaze landed on her.
Who was this guy? He looked oddly familiar.
She’d just gotten off the plane–how had she already run into someone who seemed to hate her?
Meanwhile, Daph whizzed across the glossy airport tiles, effortlessly steering the luggage cart their way.
Startled by Adrian’s glare, Carmel instinctively ducked behind Selene.
She’d always been shy, uncomfortable around new people, and especially disliked being stared at by men.
Ever since she’d chopped her hair short and adopted a more androgynous style, those lingering looks from men had all but vanished. If anyone did look her way, it was usually because they found her striking, and their attention was good–natured.
Luke Holloway gave Carmel a cool nod. “Long time no see.”
Carmel returned the nod, considering that more than enough greeting.
Selene’s brother didn’t leave much of an impression on her, aside from being tall and broad–shouldered.
Selene turned to Carmel, introducing, “This is Adrian–the owner of Luna Racing
Club.”
Carmel looked genuinely surprised. Leaning in to whisper close to Selene’s ear, she murmured, “I always thought the owner of Luna Racing Club would be some sleazy
old man.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened so hard he nearly cracked a tooth.
The nerve of this pretty boy! Whispering sweet nothings into Selene’s ear right in front of him–was this some kind of power play?
Adrian’s frosty stare could have frozen water. He reached out a hand, voice clipped and cold. “Nice to meet you.”
Carmel, still clinging to Selene’s arm, made no move to take Adrian’s hand. She simply nodded back, polite but distant.
Adrian’s eyes were dark–like a frozen lake, sealed over with ice.
1/3
19:49
Chapter 219
“She’s just shy,” Selene explained quickly. “She isn’t comfortable with physical contact, especially with men.”
Even before Selene finished, the tension coming off Adrian was so intense that Carmel shrank back further, pressing herself behind Selene and looping her arms around Selene’s waist for reassurance.
With Selene in her arms, Carmel felt safe.
Whatever composure Adrian had left was shattered in an instant. He was dying to call one of his less savory friends for advice: which of this brat’s hands should I break first, the left or the right?
Selene, for her part, didn’t seem to mind Carmel’s closeness at all.
So this is Selene’s type? Sweet–faced, soft–spoken little puppies?
Adrian took a deep breath.
Born unfortunate, aren’t I? he thought bitterly.
So that’s his game–act all helpless and vulnerable to trigger Selene’s protective
instincts.
Adrian began recalculating his own chances with Selene.
Carmel watched as the hostility in Adrian’s eyes slowly morphed into something more calculating–a glint of mischief bubbling up, like a spring of bad intentions.
“I see,” Adrian said coolly. “No wonder Mr. Howard here looks like he’s still on baby formula. Tell me, Mr. Howard, which hotel are you staying at? I’d be happy to hire a few female bodyguards to keep you safe.”
Both Carmel and Selene looked puzzled at Adrian’s sudden use of “Mr. Howard.”
Luke Holloway, arms folded, struggled to contain a laugh.
He turned to Adrian. “Carmel isn’t staying at a hotel. She’s staying with Selene.”
A visible cloud of bad energy seemed to pour off Adrian.
He was clearly on the verge of losing it. “Selene’s place only has two bedrooms.”
He forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Guess Daph will have to make do. Mr. Howard’s just the right size for the kid’s bed.”
“Carmel’s sharing with me,” Selene blurted out.
Luke, ever the instigator, piled on, “Selene’s bed is king–size. They’ve always shared
2/3
19:49
Chapter 219
anyway. Mr. Shaw, maybe worry about your own business?”
Chapter 220
