Chapter 01

Anna's POV

"I love you, Anna. We were good together. Whatever I did wrong, I can fix it." Zack's desperate voice echoed in the dimly lit hallway of my apartment building.

"Stop." I thrust the folder at him, my hand steady despite my racing heart. "Look at these."

His face went pale as he flipped through the pages. "You had no right to dig into my private—"

"Private?" I laughed bitterly. "Like how you've been privately stalking multiple women? This isn't love, Zack. It's stalking. It's controlling. And it ends now."

I stepped back, creating distance between us. "Jennifer's filing a police report. Sarah's lawyer will be contacting you. If you ever come near me again, I'm going straight to the police."

His face darkened. "You wouldn't."

"Try me. The SFPD already has copies of everything."

I turned and walked away, my steps firm even as my hands shook. The moment I was around the corner, I called Faith.

"You need a drink," she declared after hearing everything. "And maybe someone new to help you forget that jerk Zack. I'm not taking no for an answer."

The high-end bar Faith chose was packed. I was nursing my martini, trying to ignore Faith's not-so-subtle attempts to point out eligible men, when I noticed him. Dark hair, sharp jawline, completely absorbed in his phone at the bar. Something about his quiet intensity stood out in the noisy crowd.

"He looks nothing like Zack," Faith observed. "Perfect."

"I'm not interested in—"

"Just go talk to him. Worst case, you have one conversation and never see him again."

I rolled my eyes at her persistence, but found myself walking over anyway. He didn't look up as I took the seat next to him.

"Rough day?" I ventured.

Nothing. Not even a glance.

"Right. Sorry to bother you." I started to stand.

"Wait." His voice was deep, but he still didn't look up from his phone. "Let me finish this email."

I waited a moment, then: "You know, most people would just say they're not interested."

That got his attention. Striking blue eyes finally met mine, a hint of amusement in them. "Most people would take the hint."

"I'm not most people."

"Clearly." He set his phone down. "Though persistence isn't always attractive."

Before I could respond, someone bumped into me from behind, spilling their drink down my back.

"Hey beautiful," a drunk voice slurred. "Let me help you clean that up."

"No thanks." I tried to move away, but he grabbed my arm.

"Don't be like that—"

"She said no." The blue-eyed stranger was suddenly standing, his presence commanding. "Walk away."

"Mind your own business, man. Me and her were just—"

"Security!" The stranger's voice cut through the noise. Two bouncers appeared instantly. "This gentleman was just leaving."

As the drunk guy was escorted out, I turned to my unexpected defender. "I could have handled that."

"I'm sure you could have." He signaled the bartender. "But your dress couldn't."

I looked down at my ruined silk dress and laughed despite myself. "Fair point."

"I'm Adrian."

"Anna." I studied him. "So you do know how to be nice."

"When properly motivated." His eyes traveled over me slowly. "Though nice isn't usually what I'm aiming for."

Just then, Faith rushed over. "Anna! My grandfather just had a heart attack. I have to go."

"Oh no! Do you need me to come with you?"

"No, my mom says it's under control. Stay and enjoy yourself," Faith said, her eyes darting between the man and me before she left.

"Looks like you could use a new drinking partner," he said with a grin, then turned to the bartender. "I'll have a Gibson, please."

I tilted my head. "Change it. I don't like the taste of small onions."

Propping my chin on my hand, I let my raven-black waves cascade down my back. My red lips parted slightly, my eyes locked onto his, the desire in my gaze unmistakable.

A few seconds later, Adrian chuckled. "Changed. Same as yours."

The air grew thick with tension, the heat of the room turning into something more charged. I watched the bartender's fluid movements as he poured the drinks, the sound of ice clinking in the shaker crisp and satisfying.

Caught off guard by my lingering gaze, Adrian's heartbeat seemed to quicken. I could tell he both hoped and feared that things were heading in the direction he suspected.

Two cocktails garnished with fresh mint were placed before us. I leaned in, inhaling the aroma before taking a sip. The drink was cool, sweet, with a lingering bitterness that left me craving more.

For a moment, neither of us spoke. The simple act of sharing a drink had taken on a different meaning.

Adrian hesitated. "Is this what I think it is?"

"Probably."

As a woman who had seen her fair share of films, I couldn't help but notice the prominent bulge beneath Adrian's loose sportswear. My eyes lingered there, unashamed.

Swaying my glass, I leaned in closer, my voice low and teasing. "So, Adrian, you're not the type to forget your wallet, are you?"

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Why? Worried I can't cover the tab?"

I laughed softly. "Not the tab. Just making sure you're prepared for… whatever comes next."

The photo on his ID, when he pulled it out, looked rougher than the man before me—a white T-shirt, a buzz cut, his features sharp, his skin darker. But there was nothing boyish about him. He exuded a raw, untamed energy.

I raised an eyebrow. "How old are you?"

"Thirty-two."

"Not that." My gaze flicked downward to his legs.

Adrian glanced down, then smirked. "Sixteen. Enough?"

I handed back his phone. "Plenty."

He countered, "And you?"

I replied coolly, "34D. Think you can handle it?"

The half-meter between us felt like a chasm. Adrian, provoked by my teasing tone, narrowed his eyes, his gaze darkening like a wolf's in the night.

"Want to find out?"

He was impossible to resist.

After finishing half my cocktail, I leaned in, my arm resting on Adrian's shoulder. My lips brushed his ear as I whispered, "Is this your first time?"