Adrian (Filthy Rich Alphas)

I loved our mornings together.

We’d had a good day. Great food. Lovely conversation. She even let me walk her out to her morning jog.

“Have a good run,” I’d said to her as she trotted in front of me, heading to the front of the property.

Cool wind had blown through her ebony hair; she’d opened the front door to leave. Usually, she had it up in a ponytail for her runs. Today, she let those strands sway past her shoulders.

“Thanks, Adrian,” Carmen had said. “You have a good day in the office.”

I chose that moment away from the staff to ask what I’d wanted to know all morning. “By the way, Carmen. Is everything okay? I heard you crying last night.”

“What? Crying?” She’d forced a pitiful smile. I knew Carmen’s expressions. Joy was high cheeks and bright eyes. Sad was a half-smile and red eyes from rubbing them the night before. That morning she’d been sad. “No way, Adrian. That wasn't me.”

“Are you sure?” I’d asked.

“Definitely.”

“Well, if you ever need me, I'm here for you.” I’d breathed her in as she stood in the kitchen doorway, sipping on the cup of coffee she’d made me. Cinnamon-chocolate lathered my tongue.

“Thanks, Adrian. That’s sweet, but I'm really fine.”

“Well, Dad didn't come home last night.”

She shrugged. “I hadn't noticed.”

“He hasn't been coming home a lot lately.”

Carmen put her back to me and stretched her other arm. “Adrian, you know something? To be twenty-five, you're pretty occupied with your dad’s and my relationship. You shouldn't have even been here last night. It was Thursday.”

“What’s so special about Thursday?”

“If I remember correctly, twenty-five year olds go out on Thursdays, especially rich ones.”

“You act like you're a wise old woman. You're only thirty-five.”

“It's a big life difference.” She’d bent over to stretch. That lush bottom rose in the air, and those tiny red shorts revealed ample, sweet cushions that I yearned to bite on and grope.

Damn you.

I’d had to stifle a heated growl and grip my cup hard. Lust moved inside of me. It always rocked my body when she came around.

I’d studied the curve of her behind and the arch of her back.

My tongue would love you, Carmen.

“You're a young buck,” she joked.

“No way. The true difference is with—”

“Adrian, I'm not doing one of your debates this morning. I'm sure you're trying to start to some discussion on politics or philosophy.” She shifted to stretching her other leg. “All I'm saying is you should be living your life. Go out and have fun.”

Chuckling to myself, I dropped it. I had been leading her into a debate. I did anything to keep her talking in front of me; I needed these mornings with just her. I craved her conversation. Those minutes made my day.

But I couldn’t push it.

Dad had already ruined the week for her. Monday, he’d stumbled in, smelling of whores and liquor. It had only been a month since their engagement party, and he couldn’t even fake being a good man anymore.

“Okay.” She rose back to standing position and clapped her hands. “Time to make my body hurt.”

I couldn't help but blurt out, “You look beautiful. Don’t hurt your body too much.”

She’d paused, turned my way, and smiled. “Thank you. And, Adrian, try to take some time out for yourself today. Your father's business was successful before you. It will continue to be a success without you.”

My words held wickedness. “Oh yes, Mommy. I'll do whatever you say.”

“Good.”

“So good,” I purred.

She raised her eyebrows. “Excuse me?”

“Good. You and me. You're right.” I drank her in. “It would be good, even better than good.”

She gave me a nervous giggle. “I don't think we're talking about the same thing.”

“No. We're not. Would you like me to elaborate...Mommy?”

She frowned. “I told you that although innocent, Mr. Adrian, flirting is still flirting.”

I licked my lips and leaned on the doorframe. That foundation was as hard as my dick and all I wanted to do was take those damn shorts off her and show Carmen how good it would be. “I’ll stop flirting.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll be a good boy.”

“Thank you because sometimes, you’re a very bad boy.” She shook her head.

“Hey, I've never touched you. That's progress.”

“Progress for who? One doesn’t flirt with their dad’s fiancé.”

“It’s progress for me. Trust me.” My dick rose in my pants, and I made no move to hide this from her. If she looked below my waist, she’d see it pushing against the fabric. “When I see a beautiful woman, I always go after her.”

“You shouldn't go after me. Ever.”

I leaned my head to the side. “Why not?”

“It’s so obvious why you shouldn’t that I won’t waste time discussing it.” Her gaze lingered on my pants, and the realization that I was erect spread all over her face. She stiffened, bit her bottom lip, and quickly turned away. “H-have a nice day, Adrian.”