Chapter 4

“Oh dear, you're here! I was about to call him.

Dear? I turned to Adrian, who was watching me with interest. I gave him a dirty look, knowing what was going on in the gutter of his mind.

“Don't even think I…” I hissed and he pulled me closer to him.

'Think of what?' He said it so loudly that his mother's face turned to us. I blushed and looked at Adrian. He really knew how to test my nerves.

- Mother. Adonis said in a fawning voice as he hugged Marie.

He took one look at us, then his gaze traveled to where Adrian's arm was around my waist. Instinctively, I approached Adrian making him look at me questioningly. I shook my head, giving him a small smile. Marie released her son when she got tired of hugging him. She turned to us afterwards.

— Oh! she exclaimed. — How rude I am! Pierre, honey, this is Jennifer, Adrian's girlfriend. Jennifer, this is Pierre, Adrian's older brother.

I gave Pierre a small smile as Adrian moved his hand away from my waist and hugged his brother.

- How are you? Pierre asked Adrian.

Adrian smiled and I saw the reverence he had for his brother, making me wonder why he had that kind of reverence.

- I am doing great! Is that you?

He came back and put his hand on my waist again.

- Perfect! I see you have a girlfriend. How long have you been going out?

- Six months. Adrian announced.

- That's nice. Pierre said, but his tone of voice showed that this was not good at all. Then he turned to me. "So how long before you run off with his money?"

What I did surprised me. My hand hit his face so fast he looked absolutely stunned.

“I don't give a damn about Adrian's money. I hissed angrily. “I don't know what you think of women, but let me assure you, I wouldn't take a dime from Adrian if we ever had an end.

I left the house, fuming. I couldn't believe how casually he asked me the question. Like he was talking about the fucking time! I didn't know where I was going, but I knew I wouldn't be staying in a house where everyone thought I was laundering foam. I heard Adrian call after me and, even though I didn't mean to, I stopped.

I didn't. Adrian stood in front of me, panting. He looked at me apologetically. “I'm so sorry Jenny! Pierre overreacted, I know. He's not normally like that.

“I can't believe he asked me if…” I gasped. “Answer me, Adrian Lawrence. Do I look like a fucking woman who would date someone just for the money?

Adrian sighed. He knew how sensitive the topic was for me.

“You're strong and you can handle anything. You're not such a bitch.

I could feel my insides breaking.

- Then why...?

Adrian gave me a sad smile.

“You have to understand, Jenny. When people have money, there are other people who go down to any level to take at least some of the money.

- Women. I stated categorically and he agreed.

“If you want to go, I can understand. I'll book the next flight and we can stay at a hotel until then.

I shook my head.

- I'm not going away. This is your family and I can't let you interrupt a visit because of me. You were looking forward to this and I'm not going to spoil it for a stupid comment.

- Right. Adrian sighed as if searching for the right words. “Just stay away from Pierre, okay?

I laughed. - Don't worry. I was planning this. And I'm sorry for leaving like that.

Adrian pulled me into a hug and kissed my hair.

“It's okay, I honestly didn't expect you to stay. You are the best friend a person could ask for.

I pulled away and smiled at him.

“Of course I am, I'm absolutely amazing.

He shook his head at my comment and took my hand as we walked into the house again. I froze when we entered the house. Pierre was there with Marie, and there wasn't even a hint of remorse on his face. His mother pushed him away and he frowned. Adrian squeezed my hand and I looked at him, assuring him with my eyes that everything was fine.

- I'm sorry. Pierre apologized, but he didn't seem to be sorry. “I crossed the line.

I shook my head.

“I'm sorry about the slap. “Now that I think about it, I really shouldn't have. I know he crossed the line, but I wasn't normally a violent person. He gave me a dark look. I knew he wasn't all he appeared to be. He looked so focused and… dangerous. I really wouldn't want to know the bad side of this man.

- Dear. - Marie said. "Are you and Jennifer going to be in the same room?"

Before Adrian could respond, I said, “Only if it's okay with you, ma'am…” I stopped when she shot me a look, “I mean Marie. We really don't mind not being in the same room.

— Speak for yourself. Adrian muttered aloud. I gave him a sideways glance and the playful census in his eyes made me want to laugh.

"You're not going to be in the same room." - Pierre said and I resisted the urge to send him to hell. He certainly deserved it. Marie looked at him in surprise, and it seemed that a silent conversation had taken place between them.

She nodded. - He is right. Adrian's father wouldn't like it very much.

I gave him a warm smile. “It's okay, Marie. It's only two weeks.

“I've already had the team pack your bags upstairs, Adrian dear, go and show Jenny her room. You can go freshen up and we'll meet for tea in two hours. - She said and, without waiting for an answer, she left.

Adrian started up the stairs, my hand still in his. I could feel he was crazy. Why, I didn't know. Was it because of his brother?

'Why are you angry?' I asked and Adrian shot me a look that told me he'd tell me everything later.

We walk into a hallway, with doors covering either side. There seemed to be a lot of rooms here for a small family like this. He opened the second door on our right and I gasped. The room was amazing.