Chapter Nine

Adrian rolls his head back, trying to hide his grin as he sighs. It would seem that he likes playing with me as much as I like playing with him. "Yes, it is... Do you need help unpacking?"

As fun as it is to flirt with him, I'm grateful that Adrian changes the subject. Even without my layers, the fireplace has warmed the bedroom enough to tinge my cheeks pink. I use the coolness of the floor against my bare feet to ground me, relishing the cold of the stone. "Why? You aren't planning to snoop through my underwear, are you Adrian?"

He laughs, filling the room with the sound despite the reddenong of his neck. "I'd hate to get myself fired so soon," His eyes meet mine again, but they're replaced with playfulness now. "I'll leave you alone for a while, then. But first, let me turn down the heat for you. You seem a bit flushed."

I match Adrian's grin, gesturing to his exposed throat. "I could say the same about you. Give me a few hours to get settled, and then you can let yourself back in. I have your contact saved if I need you," I remind him with a wink.

He turns to the fireplace, turning the dial down and dimming the flames considerably. "Alright," he says with surprising resolve. I'd expected him to be somewhat reserved about leaving me alone, considering that we were being tailed not too long ago. He seems confident in the security of my new home, though, so I trust his demeanor.

As if reading my mind, he straightens and turns towards me, coming to stand closer than before. "Don't worry," He says, voice settling into a more serious tone. He begins to lift his hand as if to touch my face, but thinks better of it and redirects his touch to the back of his own neck. "Everyone in the community is like a family, we all look out for each other. We have a gate that requires a code to get in, and there are security cameras monitoring the entrance 24/7. I have the footage available to me on my phone at any time."

I give him a reassuring smile, hoping that it's believable. "I'm not worried, I trust you. That does make me feel better about staying here though," I admit. "I should call my dad to let him know I made it safe."

Adrian takes the hint and gives a last smile before turning to walk away. "Good, thank you for believing me. I hope you can come to think of this place as your home while you're here. You've never been safer than you'll be with me." The honesty in his tone makes me believe him, despite my better judgment. I've heard that before, but coming from him, I desprately want it to be the truth.

I follow him out of the bedroom and to the top of the stairs, to watch him go. Once he makes it to the front door, I call after him, "I know. I'll see you soon."

As soon as Adrian makes his exit, I dash back to my new bedroom and close the door behind me, slipping my phone from my pocket. I select my dad's contact and wait for two rings for him to answer. I have no plans on telling him that I was already being followed, since I don't want him to worry. That's Adrian's job now.

"Hey, Pumpkin. Did you make it there alright?" The quiet background must mean he is back in his office. I'm so glad to hear his voice.

"Yep, we did. Have you seen this place?" I ask, going to stand by the balcony windows again. "It has a wonderful view of the mountains."

I can hear the smile in my father's voice, apparently pleased with my change in attitude. "I saw it through a video call with Adrian. I'm glad you like it, Darling. Are the two of you getting along any better now?"

I swallow, reaching to draw a smiley face in the fog that I breathed on the window. The thought of him standing in here with me a moment ago, lips parted as he looked me up and down brings butterflies to my stomach. He really is good-looking, now that I'm not judging him so harshly. He doesn't seem so bad afterall.

"Much better," I say, hoping that my father doesn't catch my dreamy tone. "How do you know him again? You said you know his father?"

"I'm glad to hear that. Yes, I went to university with his father. He was my best friend for many years. I called in a favor, and he volunteered Adrian to keep an eye on you while you're there, since he attends the same school as you, anyway."

So, Adrian didn't actually want to be my bodyguard. Was he lying about being a contractor then? 'First job' my ass. He's so good at it though. Maybe he should consider doing it for real, once his time is up with me. Maybe I'll hire him for myself once I graduate.

"That makes sense," I say, realizing that I took a bit too long to answer. "Anyway, I still have to unpack the stuff I brought. I just wanted to check in and let you know I'm safe."

He clears his throat before replying. "Alright, Darling. I have a few more things to finish here before I head home for the day, anyway. You're the first day of classes starts on Monday, don't forget. I love you."

I echo his goodbye before hanging up. I turn to face the room, looking at my bags with distaste. I hate unpacking things, but the sooner I get my clothes put away, the sooner I can go shopping to fill the empty space. I cross the room to a door by the bed, pleased to see the walk-in closet. Considering that I could only bring enough clothes to fill up my four suitcases, there should be plenty of room left over to fill the closet up. Besides, the four pairs of shoes and six bags that I brought aren't going to be nearly enough to last the year, let alone three.

I fish my headphones from my carry-on bag and begin sifting through my luggage, sorting everything out into separate piles according to where they need to be put away.

As soon as Adrian makes his exit, I dash back to my new bedroom and close the door behind me, slipping my phone from my pocket. I select my dad's contact and wait for two rings for him to answer.

"Hello, Pumpkin. Did you make it there alright?" The quiet background must mean he is back in his office.

"Yep, we did. Have you seen this place?" I ask, going to stand by the balcony windows again. "It has a wonderful view of the mountains."

I can hear the smile in my father's voice, apparently pleased with my change in attitude. "I saw it through a video call with Adrian. I'm glad you like it, Darling. Are the two of you getting along any better now?"

I swallow, reaching to draw a smiley face in the fog that I breathed on the window. The thought of him standing in here with me a moment ago, lips parted as he looked me up and down brings butterflies to my stomach. He is good-looking, now that I'm not judging him so harshly.

"Much better," I say, hoping that my father doesn't catch my dreamy tone. "How do you know him again? You said you know his father?"

"I'm glad to hear that. Yes, I went to university with his father. He was my best friend for many years. I called in a favor, and he volunteered Adrian to keep an eye on you while you're there, since he attends the same school as you, anyway."

So, Adrian didn't want to be my bodyguard. Was he lying about being a contractor then? 'First job' my ass. He's so good at it though. Maybe he should consider doing it for real, once his time is up with me. Maybe I'll hire him for myself once I graduate.

"That makes sense," I say, realizing that I took a bit too long to answer. "Anyway, I still have to unpack the stuff I brought. I just wanted to check in and let you know I'm safe."

He clears his throat before replying. "Alright, Darling. I have a few more things to finish here before I head home for the day, anyway. You're the first day of classes starts on Monday, don't forget. I love you."

I echo his goodbye before hanging up. I turn to face the room, looking at my bags with distaste. I hate unpacking things, but the sooner I get my clothes put away, the sooner I can go shopping to fill the space. I cross the room to a door by the bed, pleased to see the walk-in closet. Considering that I could only bring enough clothes to fill up my four suitcases, there should be plenty of room left over to fill the closet up. Besides, the four pairs of shoes and six bags that I brought aren't going to be nearly enough to last the year, let alone three.

I fish my headphones from my carry-on bag and begin sifting through my luggage, sorting everything out into separate piles according to where they need to be put away. While I busy myself with hanging up my outfits my color, my mind wanders to the day's events.