Chapter Four : Unspoken Boundaries

Leila woke up with a start.

For a split second, she didn’t know where she was.

The sheets beneath her felt too soft, the mattress too luxurious, and the air carried the faintest scent of something dark and expensive. Then it all came rushing back—Adrian. The penthouse. The fake engagement.

And the fact that she had fallen asleep in his bed.

Her heart hammered as she turned her head.

Adrian Blackwell was still asleep beside her.

It was disorienting, seeing him like this—at rest, quiet, unguarded. He was always so controlled, so untouchable, but now, with the early morning light casting soft shadows over his face, he looked almost… human.

She hated that she noticed.

Leila cautiously sat up, observing the distance between them.

Last night, she had been very careful to be as far away from the bed as possible, on her side. But she must have moved closer while she was sleeping.

His arm was casually extended as though he had grabbed for something or someone, and his body was angled slightly in her direction.

Her spine began to heat up.

No. Not happening.

She wasn't going to obsess over the sleeping patterns of the most vicious billionaire in New York.

Leila discreetly slipped out of bed by swinging her legs over the edge. But the moment her feet touched the floor, a deep voice broke the silence.

“You’re awake early."

She froze.

She turned slowly to see Adrian observing her with keen, dark eyes. The entire while, he had been aware.

Of course, he had.

She raised her chin.

"I was unaware that there were regulations regarding my wake-up time."

Adrian sat up, leaning one arm on the headboard, his lips quivering. Relaxed. "There aren't. I simply didn't think you would be that keen to get away.

Leila's arms were crossed. "I wasn't running away."

Adrian hummed, evidently not believing her.

She picked up a change of clothes from her bag and headed for the toilet, ignoring the way his eyes followed her every move.

I'm taking a shower,” she announced, not waiting for a response before shutting the door behind her.

Breakfast and Battle Lines

Adrian was already in the kitchen when Leila entered, drinking black coffee as if he had taken over the morning.

On the marble island was a platter of thoughtfully prepared breakfast, undoubtedly prepared by the live-in chef.

However, she was surprised by the second plate.

She frowned. "You had breakfast prepared for me?"

Adrian remained engrossed in his coffee. "You reside here. You eat.

Leila's eyes narrowed. "When did you start caring if I eat?"

His gaze lifted, dark and unreadable.

"I don't."

Liar.

Leila reached for a piece of toast and took a slow bite while maintaining eye contact.

Adrian grinned. "Well done, girl."

She almost choked. She scowled at him and put down the toast.

"Don't."

His laughter only grew. "Don't what?"

"You know what?"

Adrian was having fun as he reclined in his chair. "You're going to struggle to maintain appearances, sweetheart if you can't handle a pet name."

He had a point, which Leila detested.

It was expected that they would be engaged. Selling the deception was necessary to persuade the world.

Still, that didn't mean she would make things easy for him.

She smiled slowly and sweetly at him as she cocked her head. "Oh, don't be concerned. I can handle anything you throw at me, darling."

Adrian's expression wavered—just a little bit—for a second.

Leila won.

A fresh voice interrupted him before he could respond.

"Well, this is unexpected."

Leila turned to find Ethan Graves smirking as he absorbed the image in the doorway.

Adrian's right-hand man.

Ethan, dressed in his fine suit as usual, exuded a polished sense of amusement. He appeared to be the only one who could get away with teasing Adrian without being killed.

"I didn't know you had guests this morning," Ethan remarked, glaring at Leila.

Leila grinned. "Get used to it."

Ethan's eyebrows raised a little. "Oh, I plan to." He looked across at Adrian. "About that, are you certain about the security changes?"

Adrian's mouth tensed a little. "Yes."

Leila frowned. "Adjustments for security?"

Ethan paused and looked at Adrian.

"She ought to be aware," Adrian stated plainly.

Ethan let out a sigh. "All right. The security detail surrounding the penthouse is being increased. After the attempted breach last night—

"Attempted what?" Leila felt sick to her stomach.

Eventually, Adrian turned to face her. "My private elevator was attempted to be used by someone."

A chilly shiver ran down her spine.

"Who?" She made a demand.

Ethan acknowledged, "We don't know yet." "But we're taking care of it,"

Adrian spoke firmly. "There's no need to be concerned."

Leila gazed intently at him.

"There is nothing to be concerned about?"

He was behaving as though it were just another business transaction, even though someone had attempted to break into his house—their house now?

Her heart raced.

It was more than just their arrangement. Adrian wasn't telling her everything, and there was an external threat.

He had another surprise in store for him, though, if he had assumed she would just relax and play the submissive fiancée.

She looked up into his eyes and raised her chin.

"All right," she said. "Then I would like to get involved."

Adrian's face grew serious. "No."

Leila gave a charming smile. "Then I'll discover it on my own."

Adrian tightened his jaw.

Ethan took a sensible step back.

There would be a storm.

Neither of them was prepared to compromise.