Billionaire Lawyer's Secretary - Chapter 67: Chapter 67

Adrian let out a low chuckle, as if he'd heard something hilarious. The sound was so unsettling that it sent a chill down Elara's spine. Adrian sneered, "You? Massage me?"
Elara nodded and replied seriously, "You don't like physical contact with others. But a professional therapist said that for shoulder injuries like yours, long-term treatment is needed, and essential oil massages work best. The effect is much weaker if you wear gloves or clothes.
"Since you don't mind when I touch you, I went to learn massage therapy from Frank. I'm even preparing for the certification exam in October.
"You know Frank. He's the one who designed your treatment plans. He's retiring after taking on his last group of apprentices this year. Once I become his last disciple, you won't need to go to the clinic anymore, just come to me."
Elara's eyes curved into crescents, and those foxy eyes started working their charm on Adrian again.
Adrian paused, a cigarette between his fingers. He studied Elara for a few seconds, his posture exuding that signature lazy rebellion. He drawled, "You learned that for me?"
Elara nodded and said, "Exactly. Why else would I learn this?"
Adrian scoffed, "Do you think there's any massage therapist I can't get? Why would I need an amateur like you treating me?"
Elara replied, "Of course, I know money's no object for you, and you could hire any massage therapist you want. But you don't like being touched by others, so..."
Adrian cut her off, "So you just assumed I'd like it when you touch me?"
Hearing this, Elara opened her mouth but couldn't find the right words. She thought, 'If I say yes, wouldn't that make me seem presumptuous? But if I say no, then what was the point of learning massage at all?'
She replied carefully, "It's not like you enjoy my touch, but at least you don't push me away like you do with Jenna, right?"
Adrian said, "But right now, I find you pretty hard to tolerate, at least mentally."
At his words, a tiny pang shot through Elara's heart, so subtle that she didn't even notice. She mistook it for just the disappointment of being disliked.
Elara replied tactfully, forcing a casual tone, "Okay then, no problem. I was just learning for fun, so if you don't need it, that's fine. I've cleaned up the kitchen. There's some sirloin and filet mignon in the fridge.
"If you get hungry, just cook one for yourself. After you finish, just ask Victor to text me, and I'll bring you more. I won't disturb your rest any longer."
With that, Elara stood up, slipped on the cardigan she had left on the sofa, picked up her bag, and headed for the entryway.
Adrian felt a wave of irritation as he watched Elara retreat after just one comeback, a far cry from the persistent troublemaker she used to be.
He thought, 'So she could only bother to play nice for a single day? The moment she realized there was nothing in it for her, she vanished for two weeks.
'If Victor hadn't told her to come, she'd probably still be keeping her distance. Is she really that mercenary?'
As Elara bent down at the entryway to change her shoes, a pair of powerful hands suddenly encircled her waist. Losing her balance, she fell back against Adrian's firm chest.
The softness of her body pressed against his hard muscles, the contrast so stark it felt almost surreal.
With the lingering scent of tobacco on his breath by her ear, Elara heard Adrian whisper seductively, "Try it."
Elara's mind went blank for a moment as she squirmed slightly in his arms and stammered, "Try what?"
Adrian knew exactly where her mind had gone. He chuckled softly and said, "Massage."
Elara breathed a sigh of relief.
Adrian smirked and asked, "What did you think I meant?"
"Nothing," Elara retorted.
Adrian sneered, "Still playing tough?"
Elara snapped back to her senses and countered, "Who was it just now that said he disliked my touch? And who claimed to be mentally repulsed by me?"
Adrian said, "You sure know how to hold a grudge."
Elara was speechless. She complained inside, 'Didn't he literally just say that a few minutes ago? Am I the one holding a grudge, or is he pretending to have amnesia?'
Adrian released her and strode straight to the bedroom.
Elara sighed and followed him into the bedroom suite.
Adrian shrugged off his shirt and stretched out face down on the bed.
Seeing this, Elara intended to say, "You don't have to take off your clothes. After all, I haven't gotten to the stage of using essential oils yet, so there is no need for direct skin contact at this point."
But when Elara saw Adrian's perfectly sculpted muscles, broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and thick, powerful arms, her words died in her throat.
Elara washed her hands with warm water and sat down by the bed. Her slender, bonelessly supple fingers glided over the sore muscles of Adrian's aching shoulder.
The warmth of her palms seeped into his muscles. Her touch shifted from gentle to firm, kneading and pressing until the pain eased and his body gradually relaxed.
With a full stomach and the comforting warmth in his gut, Adrian let his guard down, allowing his mind to drift and completely unwind.
He thought, 'I do love Elara's hands. They are not just beautiful, but so damn skilled.'
Half an hour later, Elara could feel Adrian's breathing deepen and become steady as his body sank into relaxation on the bed. His shoulders, which had been stiff and tense, were now loose and supple after the massage, with improved circulation.
"Adrian?" Elara called softly. Seeing that Adrian didn't respond, she gently tucked the covers around him, then quietly collected the dirty laundry from the room.
After arranging for the dry cleaner to collect Adrian's laundry, Elara left Adrian a note.
It read: [I've arranged for the dry cleaner to pick up your laundry. It will be delivered tomorrow morning and left on the rack outside. Here's their number: (123) 456-7890.]
Before leaving, Elara went over to Adrian's bedside for one last look. She thought, 'Gotta admit, this guy sleeps like a log. He is still in the same position as an hour ago.'
She turned off the main light, then the bedside lamp, leaving the room in darkness except for a single wall sconce glowing softly by the door.
Elara quietly got up from the bedside. Before she could steady herself, Adrian, who had been under the covers, suddenly pinned her down on the mattress.
Caught completely off guard, Elara lost her balance and inadvertently brushed against a place she definitely shouldn't have. In that instant, her mind went blank. She stammered, "Adrian, you...."
Adrian seized Elara's left hand, pulling it toward his sensitive spot. He murmured, "Babe, this spot needs some massage, too." His husky, magnetic voice dripped with dangerous allure, making every fiber of Elara's body tremble with panic.