Chapter 175

Adam's face was already dark, but when he saw her struggling, pushing against his waist with her pale knees, his expression grew even more ominous.

"Willie, I saw someone this way!" a voice called out.

Willie Dougherty and his men had arrived. Adam recognized him immediately. Willie was the underworld's second-in-command, and his hands were stained with blood. He was here for a clandestine meeting, and Celine had caught him in the act. There was no way he would let her leave unscathed.

In the criminal world, there were rules. The black and white forces didn't mix. Adam didn't want trouble, but things were rapidly spiraling out of control.

As Willie and his bodyguards approached, one pointed in their direction. "It's them!"

Adam didn't waste any time. He pulled Celine toward him and kissed her hard on the lips. Celine knew they were near. Before she could react, darkness enveloped her as Adam's lips pressed against hers with an intensity that left no room for resistance. The kiss was almost brutal, filled with frustration and raw emotion, as if he were releasing pent-up anger.

She instinctively pushed against his chest, trying to break free, but Adam's low voice stopped her. "Do you want to die?"

She didn't, but she didn't want this either. "It hurts," she whispered, frowning, her face scrunching up in discomfort, like a child caught in an awkward situation.

Adam softened as he sensed her discomfort. He kissed her gently, pulling her closer. Celine's hands, which had been pushing against his chest, slowly curled and grabbed the fabric of his shirt. Her gentle submission made Adam pull her closer, wrapping his arms around her as he kissed her again.

They were hidden behind a large stone; only Adam's tall, muscular form was visible to anyone passing by.

Willie immediately recognized Adam. He halted his bodyguards and grinned. "It's not them. That's Mr. Alvarez!"

Willie's eyes gleamed with amusement. "I didn't expect to find Mr. Alvarez here, enjoying a little private time with a woman." Although he couldn't see Celine's face, the sight of her slender, pale arm was enough to spark his interest. She had to be special if Adam was interested.

Willie's expression became lecherous. He couldn't wait to see Celine's face.

One of the bodyguards whispered, "Willie, that person definitely went that way. We should follow."

"Let's go," Willie said, leading his men away.

As their footsteps receded, Celine let out a relieved sigh. She pushed Adam away with all her strength. "They're gone."

Adam reluctantly pulled away from her lips. "So, once they're gone, you push me away? You're so pragmatic, Celine."

Though Celine was unsure how Adam had ended up there, she offered a sincere thank you. "Mr. Alvarez, thank you for helping me."

She tried to step away, but Adam blocked her, trapping her against the large stone. His gaze traveled slowly down her bikini-clad body, and she instinctively raised her hand to cover herself.

"Mr. Alvarez, what are you looking at?" she asked.

Adam's lips curled into a smirk. "Didn't you wear this to get attention? Now that you've caught my eye, isn't that exactly what you wanted?"

"Are you serious?" Celine snapped, narrowing her eyes in frustration. "This outfit was bought by Mr. Lynch, and I only wear it for him!"

He hadn't bought her anything; those were for Carly.

Adam's smile deepened at her sharp reply. Reaching out, he pinched her soft cheek playfully. "Is that so? What do you want then? More clothes? I'll buy you whatever you like—"