Adriana’s POV

“I know you…” Adriana blinked at Jose Torres’ words. She almost couldn’t believe her luck had driven her straight into one of the most handsome businessmen in Mexico.

“Really…” The green-eyed woman teased with a smirk, “You seem like you need some help though…” She offered again and glanced between the group of three people.

“We do, Miss Tholles?” Jose almost sounded uncertain, and Adriana let the waves of distress from the past events wash over her as she smiled.

“Yes! You are correct, I am Adriana Tholles,” The dark-haired woman raised an eyebrow. “I never knew a busy man like you would—“

“Recognize one of the most beautiful faces in Mexico?” Jose cut through and tucked his hands into his pocket. Heat rose to Adriana’s cheek and her eyes sparked with excitement.

“Fine,” Her voice was breathy. “I’ll offer you help,” She glanced at their car, “Where were you heading to?”

“Before, it was a trip but now, wherever you are heading to,”

Adriana sat up; she could get used to this. Jose closed the distance between them and his cologne invaded her privacy. She bit her lip. Jose Torres was a sponsor. He was admired in the entertainment and business industry.

His sharp, witty, and charismatic demeanor was something she adored. He was also gorgeous to a fault, and it almost felt illegal to be as sexy as he was.

“Hop in,” Her voice was sugar-sweet.

Jose grinned and bit hard on his bottom lip. Adriana’s eyes traveled down, and she was about to speak when someone shoved themselves into her face. Startled, she shifted back.

As the celebrity sensation registered the person in front of her, everything made sense. It was Silvia Gomez. One of the most respected names in the executive part of the entertainment industry. She was known to either make or break people and, of course, for her long-term relationship with Jose; they tied the knot with an engagement ring a few weeks ago.

“How about you mind your business and keep driving?” The woman spat, and Adriana eyed her down. It may have been deja vu, but Adriana felt like she was staring at the person she was a few hours ago—when she found out that Carlos had been cheating on her.

“Silvia,” Jose’s raspy voice came like a perfect melody, and Adriana felt weak to her knees. “Adriana is just trying to help, the tow truck isn’t—“

“The tow truck isn’t here, but that doesn’t mean we’ll just accept help from a stranger—“

“She’s not a stranger,” Jose snorted exasperatedly. “She’s Adriana Tholles.” He said as if it was a world-wide known fact.

“Yes, I’m not a stranger,” Adriana offered. “I just want to help,” She ended her sentence with a glance in Jose’s direction.

“Fine, but I am not getting in if you are going to do too.” Adriana almost laughed at the woman’s tantrum. She hadn’t planned on inviting her into the car; her decision to stay out was best for everyone.

"Look, the place is deserted, Silvia," Adriana tried to reason. "I'm sorry, but not even a tow truck is going to appear until dawn. Your best bet is to come with me right now. The four of you can hop in the car. You can stay in the front, Jose," she added quickly when Alex moved to the passenger seat.

"No," Silvia continued to resist as they all hopped into the car.

“No?” Adriana raised an eyebrow at how petulant the woman was being. “Fine then,” She relaxed and started the car.

Silvia stumbled back in disbelief. “You are leaving me here?”

Adriana rolled her eyes; she was worse than the press portrayed—The regular 'pick me' girl.

“Suit yourself,” Adriana finished and sped off. She took in the stunned expression on Silvia’s face and her smeared makeup as she sped down the road with Jose seated next to her. She could feel his eyes trace down her skin and excitement bubbled inside her.

This newfound attraction felt sickeningly good. It felt amazing to be the bad girl for once, to not be on the receiving side—to break someone’s heart for the first time.

“You can’t just leave her on the road…”

Adriana scrunched up her nose at the feminine voice. She glanced at the back through the driver's mirror, and her eyes locked with an auburn-haired woman.

“Excuse me?” She raised an eyebrow.

“I said that you can’t just leave Silvia out there, you said it yourself, it’s deserted!” The woman whined.

“Of course, I am not leaving her out there,” Adriana responded coolly. “A driver will go get her in a few minutes and—“

“I’ll also check on her driver and ensure she gets home,” Jose echoed, and Adriana shot him a smile as he unbuttoned his shirt.

“The air conditioner is on,” She blurted and a small smile played on her lips. Jose chuckled.

“Then something else must be hot, could it be you?”

“What do you think Mr. Torres? Am I that capable?” Adriana teased, and for the remainder of the short trip, sweet remarks were spread out.

Torres even hinted at an invitation to his mother’s birthday, which Adriana had politely declined. She wasn’t sure she could bear any public event for now.

The news of her breakup with Carlos and his affair would hit the news at any moment, and the last thing she wanted was to be in Mexico when it happened.

“Alright,” Adriana breathed when they arrived at their fourth checkpoint. “You should get a taxi from here to the city; I’ll be on my way.”

“You aren’t going into the city?” Jose raised an eyebrow, and they locked eyes. Adriana’s breath caught in her throat at his open abs and his plump lips.

“No,” she breathed. “I am going on an adventure.” She exited the car, and Jose did the same.

He walked over to her side and took in her appearance. “Don’t mind my manners. You are breathtakingly beautiful, Adriana.” She almost did not believe his words.

“And you are engaged. Do all fiancés try to get between the legs of every other woman they meet?” Her eyes stung with tears as she wondered if this was how Carlos had betrayed her as well.

Jose shrugged and waved his finger absentmindedly. “Not anymore. I’m a free man now.”

A small smile spread across Adriana’s thin velvet-coated lips. “Well, are you free enough to go on an adventure?” She tested the waters.

“Only if you are my partner.”