Chapter 86

His words were laced with venom.

Lucas Evans simply smiled faintly. "San Francisco is too small. We keep running into each other."

He nodded politely. "I have matters to attend to. I'll take my leave."

He didn't look at Anna Ross.

He knew if Adrian Sinclair noticed anything, she would only retreat further.

Anna was relieved there was no conflict this time.

She looked up and met Adrian's icy, warning gaze.

A shiver ran through her.

Marcus Hill broke the tension. "Let's not stand outside. Head back to the hotel first."

He rubbed his shoulder, complaining. "I just want to crash and sleep."

He got into the car and slumped into the passenger seat.

Anna had no choice but to sit in the backseat next to Adrian.

The entire ride was agonizing.

Adrian remained grim-faced, the atmosphere around him terrifyingly heavy.

The car finally stopped at the hotel entrance.

Anna practically fled the vehicle.

Adrian only gave her a lazy glance, saying nothing.

Marcus, caught between them, felt suffocated.

He waved his hand upon entering the hotel. "I won't disturb you. I'll get my own room."

He dashed off, leaving them alone.

Anna's anxiety grew.

Marcus's presence had eased the tension.

Now alone with Adrian, she feared he might lose control again.

Adrian ignored Marcus and headed straight for the elevator.

Anna followed silently.

The silence allowed her to relax slightly.

They reached the Presidential Suite door.

Adrian swiped the key card.

She hesitated, afraid to enter.

"Do I need to invite you in?" His cold eyes swept over her.

She lowered her head and entered.

The door slammed shut. The sound of the lock clicking made her heart race.

"Urging the food was just an excuse to see Lucas Evans?" He suddenly closed in, trapping her against the wall.

Anna was startled. She denied softly, "I wasn't meeting him."

Adrian sneered. "You're a terrible liar."

He grabbed her wrist and pinned her against the wall.

Anna grunted in pain. She tried to escape, but he held her firmly.

He leaned in and kissed her.

She clenched her teeth, but he forced them apart roughly.

Her eyes widened. She bit down hard.

The taste of blood spread in her mouth.

Adrian winced and let go, wiping his lip. "Learning to fight back now?"

He gripped her chin. "Name your price. How much to be with me?"

Anna bit her lip, her body trembling slightly.