Adrian's lips met Seraphina's with a softness that belied the passion simmering between them. Their kiss, tender yet deeply emotional, was filled with unspoken words of love and desire that had for each other.
As her hands slid up his chest, she leaned further into him, her body melting into his.
The warmth of their closeness, the way their breaths intertwined, felt like a moment of peace amidst the chaos that surrounded their world.
Adrian's one hand went towards her ass, grasping it and other hand on her chest, cupping it with tender affection.
The desire to lose himself in this stolen moment with her was hard to resist. Seraphina sighed into his mouth, their shared breath mingling in the quiet room.
His hand then moved towards the sting on her robe, trying to open it.
But just as his fingers began to tug at her robe, Seraphina pulled back slightly, her lips parting from his.
Her eyes, soft yet filled with the same desire, held his gaze with a touch of reluctance.
"Adrian," she whispered breathlessly, her voice laced with both affection and a trace of regret. "As much as I want this, we can't right now." She gently pressed a hand against his chest, steadying him.
"You have a guest waiting. She's been here numerous times, waiting for you to regain consciousness. She is here once again today as well as I informed about you yesterday."
Adrian paused, letting her words sink in. His brow furrowed in confusion, the haze of the intimate moment lifting. "A guest?" he echoed.
Seraphina nodded, stepping back slightly, though her eyes never left his.
"Lira Blackthorn. She's been waiting for you ever since you lost consciousness. I didn't want to disturb your recovery, but now that you're awake, it's time for you to meet her. And I'll fill you in on everything that's happened in the Mortimer territory."
Adrian exhaled, frustration tinged with amusement, though he understood the urgency of the situation.
He pressed a quick, soft kiss to her lips, a promise that this wasn't over, before stepping back fully.
"Alright," he said with a smirk. "Let's not keep our guest waiting, then."
Seraphina smiled, her eyes lingering on him as she turned and led the way out of the study.
Adrian followed her, his hand briefly resting on the small of her back, a silent acknowledgment of the moment they had shared. His mind, though still partly on Seraphina, shifted to the business ahead.
As they walked down the grand corridors of the manor, the soft echo of their footsteps reverberated off the marble floors.
When they reached the meeting room, Seraphina gave him a brief nod before stepping aside to let him enter.
Adrian straightened, adjusting his stance as he placed his hand on the door's brass handle and pushed it open.
Adrian pushed open the heavy wooden door to the meeting room, the polished brass handle cool under his palm.
As he entered, his sharp eyes immediately fell upon two women sitting by the large, ornate fireplace, their soft voices intermingling with the crackling of the flames.
The first woman, Lira Blackthorn, rose from her seat upon noticing his arrival.
Her long, raven-black hair cascaded down her back, and her dark black eyes gleamed with a mix of curiosity and humor as she stood gracefully, smoothing out her dark, elegant gown.
She was a picture of refined nobility, her movements precise and poised as she clasped her hands lightly in front of her, preparing for the formal greeting.
Beside her, another woman who bore strikingly similar features stood as well. Though older, with more defined, regal lines on her face, she carried the same dark black eyes and long black hair, styled in an intricate updo.
Her posture was straight, exuding authority and dignity. It was clear that this woman was someone of significant standing.
As both women stood, they dipped into a curtsy, the hallmark of nobility—a fluid motion that signaled both respect and familiarity.
Their skirts brushed the floor in perfect synchronization, a gesture imbued with elegance and tradition.
Lira, being already acquainted with Adrian, was the first to speak as she straightened herself and addressed Adrian, her voice carrying a playful sarcasm.
"It has been quite some time, Baron Everhart," she began, her tone light but teasing.
"I heard you've had some… troubles with your mana circulation and were unconscious for a while. I do hope you're feeling better now."
Her lips curled into a small, smile, her gaze not missing a beat.
"I received word about your miraculous recovery yesterday, and of course, I came to visit you today. But,"
She paused, turning slightly toward the woman beside her, "I didn't expect to have such an annoying companion tagging along."
The sarcasm in her voice was unmistakable, and she cast a mock-exasperated glance at her companion, who responded with a raised brow but said nothing in return.
Adrian, caught by her sarcastic jab, couldn't help but smile wryly at the pointed remark. Lira's sharp tongue was something he had grown used to over the years.
He bowed slightly in the manner befitting his station, his hand brushing over his chest as he performed the noble greeting. His gaze never left hers as he spoke.
"It's good to see you again, Lady Blackthorn. I appreciate your concern about my health," he said, his tone both formal and warm. Then, turning his attention to the other woman, he added with polite curiosity, "Might I be acquainted with your companion today?"
Lira gave a small, theatrical sigh, as if forced into a duty she found mildly tiresome. She gestured toward the woman beside her with a graceful wave of her hand.
"This," she began, "is my older sister, Mira Blackthorn, and I suppose I should also mention that she is the current head and successor of our noble house—Countess Mira Blackthorn."
At the mention of her title, Mira gave a nod of acknowledgment, her movements measured and deliberate, as if everything she did was calculated to project authority.
She studied Adrian with a discerning gaze, her demeanor far more serious than Lira's lighthearted nature.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Baron Everhart," Mira spoke, her voice carrying a certain gravitas that matched her position.
"I've heard much about you, and not just from my sister." She offered a small smile, though it was more reserved than Lira's ."Your reputation precedes you."
Adrian gave another respectful bow, deeper this time, acknowledging her status.
"Countess Blackthorn, it's an honor to finally meet you. I have long been aware of your family's influence and accomplishments. I hope I can live up to the expectations you may have heard."
Mira's smile widened slightly, but she remained formal. "I'm sure you will. We Blackthorns rarely align ourselves with those who disappoint."
Adrian straightened, returning her smile with a confident one of his own.