Page 78 of Adam
“What you think you see is your problem, not mine.”
I keep my eyes forward, refusing to look at her, though I can feel her stare burning into me.
“Sei un porco di merda.”You’re a fucking pig.
She mutters it under her breath, her eyes snapping away like she can’t stand the sight of me. I don’t blame her. She’s probably cursing me.
Can’t blame her for that, either.
After a long,painfully awkward ride, we finally pull up to the pretentious place this fucking bastard picked out. He chose the restaurant, the time, every damn detail. As if that somehow gives him control over the night—over her. And of course, her dear father nodded along like the spineless coward he is, eager to hand her off like a bargaining chip.
Isabella, caught in the middle, doesn’t even get a say. She’s just a pawn—offered between men who pretend this is about her. And I’m supposed to sit here and play nice while they circle around her like vultures.
Fuck them all.
I step out of the car, button my blazer like before, and make my way around to her side. But before I can even reach the handle, the door swings open and she steps out. She doesn’t look at me, just walks ahead like I’m not even there.
I can’t help but smirk to myself at her feisty side. This woman will be the death of me.
At the entrance, the hostess greets her with a smile so fake it belongs on a billboard.
“Welcome, Miss Calvano. Your date is already here,” she chirps, flashing a wide grin. Her oversized golden earrings sway with the effort, tugging at earlobes that are begging for mercy.
“Great,” Isabella drawls.
We both take a step forward, but then she moves, cutting me off. “She’s going in there alone.”
I let out a short, cold laugh. “I didn’t know they hired a clown for the night.” My smile fades, eyes narrowing. “Too bad you’re not even funny.”
“It’s Mr. Anderson’s orders.”
Fury boils inside me at the sound of it, and something in me turns rabid.
I lock my eyes on hers and move forward, making her step back. “You can tell Mr. Anderson he can take his orders and shove them right up his ass.” My head cocks to the side. “Ifshegoes in,Igo in.”
“I—” She clears her throat. “I have orders.”
“Adam, it’s okay.”
“So do I,” I growl, ignoring Isabella next to me. “She’s not going anywhere without me.”
She swallows hard and forces herself upright. Her eyes lock onto mine. “I’m afraid I’ll have to call security and have you removed, sir.”
“It’s okay.” Isabella grabs my wrist. “We’re leaving.”
The hostess grabs her wrist and pulls her back. “Mr. Anderson is waiting for you.”
All I see is black. How dare she touch her?
Slowly, I prowl closer to her and grabherwrist. “Take your fucking hands off her.”
One more second, and I’m not responsible for what happens next.
“Do we have a situation here?”
A man walks toward me, puffed up and trying his best “apex predator” strut.
Definitely one of the place’s bodyguards.
