“Haven! Found you!”
A loud voice crashed their bubble. Adam hid his annoyance as an older man approached, drink in hand.
‘Lee,” Adam nodded. “Been a while.”
“Sure has! How’s your father? Haven’t seen old Marcus at the club lately.”
Lee–a newer business partner–was one of the few clients Adam actually tolerated. His enthusiasm made him predictable, and Adam valued predictability in business.
Lee’s attention jumped to Irene, eyes brightening as he registered their closeness.
“Is this your fiancée?” he asked, grinning. “Heard rumors you were engaged. Now I see why–she’s gorgeous. You two make quite the pair.”
Adam felt something flutter in his chest. He kept his face neutral, though his mind briefly sketched an unexpected picture.
“Lee’s mistaken,” he clarified. “Dr. Sterling is my… friend.”
Silence fell, thick with awkwardness. Irene felt an odd sting at the word ‘friend,‘ then annoyance at herself for caring.
Lee recovered quickly, raising his glass. “My mistake! Let me drink to that error and to Haven’s beautiful friend.”
Irene glanced at the glass lifted toward her. Refusing seemed rude, especially with Adam’s business contact. She tapped her glass against his and took what she meant to be a tiny sip.
“Better get back,” Lee announced, shooting Adam a knowing look. “Another time.”
As his footsteps faded, Irene felt the world tilt. The Hayes vintage hit her system all at once–her earlier glass combining with this drink to create a perfect storm.
Adam caught the change immediately–the flush spreading across her cheeks, her focus slipping.
“You okay?” he asked, leaning forward.
Irene wrinkled her nose–a gesture so unexpectedly cute from someone usually composed that Adam nearly smiled.
“This wine… tastes innocent, but it’s sneaky,” she said, her voice softer than normal.
Adam moved closer, concern growing. “How much did you have? Thought that was just a sip.”
She blinked slowly. “Finished… a whole glass earlier.” Her words had slowed, each requiring more effort.
“You don’t drink often, do you?” Adam asked, already knowing.
Irene shook her head, the movement slightly delayed. “Almost never.
The Hayes vintage was notorious–smooth as silk but hitting like a truck after a delay. And Irene had downed nearly two glasses.
Adam watched her grow quieter, head slightly bowed. With her guard down, she looked younger, raw. Something protective stirred in him–a feeling he’d never experienced before.
1/2
Chapter 189.
Her symptoms showed clearly glassy eyes, flushed cheeks, slowed movements. The brilliant doctor who commanded every room had been undone by fancy wine.
Adam sighed softly, asking a question he’d never asked another sou
He extended his hand before her face. “Look here. How many fingers
Irene raised her eyes to his hand, clearly processing slowly. Instead of answering, she reached out and caught his hand, her touch sending an unexpected current through him.
“Stop… moving it,” she murmured, her fingers accidentally tangling with his. “Makes everything spin.”
Adam found himself holding her smaller hand, warmth spreading from the contact. The feeling was strangely intimate–when had he last held someone’s hand without some ulterior motive?
Irene tried standing, swaying dangerously. Adam reacted instantly, gripping her hand tighter to steady her. The movement pulled her forward, nearly into his lap. Their faces hovered inches apart, breaths mixing in the cool night.
Time froze as they locked eyes. Adam felt something shift inside him a wall crumbling he hadn’t realized existed. Her perfume mixed with wine, her warmth flowing through his hand, her eyes catching moonlight–it all hit him like a drug.
The mansion door opened, sharp heels clicking on stone. Adam felt trene’s warmth against his palm and something cracked inside him–a hunger he never knew existed suddenly wide awake and starving.
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