Chapter 37 As the voice faded , a deathly silence fell over the room . Everyone's gaze instantly focused on the man , even Sonia couldn't help but steal a few glances at him . At that moment , all of Lucian's emotions reached their peak . He furrowed his brows tightly and strode forward to intervene , but Desmond stopped him , his voice low and slightly hoarse . " It's been a long time since something this interesting happened . Why not keep watching ? " " Are you so sure that girl will lose ? Or is it that you can't bear to see her ... lose and get kissed ? " That remark struck at Lucian's secret thoughts . He immediately tightened his brows , his expression complicated and his face clouded . Desmond clasped his hands together , one sharp eyebrow raised as he continued to watch the spectacle . The lips that had been pressed in a slight line gradually curled into an enigmatic smile . On the stage , the man's offensive was completely different from Bernice's . He possessed a natural sense of power and explosiveness , determined ? to end the fight as quickly as possible . He did not show any leniency just because Darlene was a woman , nor did he feel guilty about the inherent unfairness of a man competing against her . He challenged Darlene as if it were only natural . The man's swordsmanship was fierce and aggressive , while Darlene countered with softness and agility . After several rounds , her clothes were soaked and clinging to her body . She narrowly avoided being struck several times , using her petite frame to dodge skillfully . In her duel with the man , both of Darlene's proactive attacks were easily deflected . Finally , unable to hold back , she launched a rapid , close - range assault , seizing the initiative for a swift resolution . The man quickly struck her sword with his own , and in the next second , his blade was about to hit her mask . Darlene stumbled and dodged backward at lightning speed , but unexpectedly , the man suddenly reached out and grabbed her . Another one playing dirty . He cheated with utter confidence , and grabbing Darlene wasn't enough . Using the momentum from her collision , he held her and fell straight to the ground . The man lay beneath her as a human cushion , and Darlene landed on his hard muscles , like falling onto a stone slab , making her gasp in pain . Yet the man looked utterly relaxed , his eyes burning as he stared at her . One hand locked around her waist , pulling her into his embrace , while the other removed her mask , revealing a face as enchanting as a flower spirit . His smile was the epitome of elegance and devilish charm . Sweat dampened the hair on his forehead , and his lips , moist and cherry - red , brushed against her ear as he panted softly , his voice irresistibly seductive . " Pretty little kitten , we meet again ~ " Darlene was stunned for a moment , then hurriedly tried to climb out of the man's arms . But Adrian only held her tighter , his large hand giving her a light smack on her pert bottom . Darlene shivered and collapsed back onto him . Adrian reached out and removed her mask . With jet - black hair and snow - white skin , her face was barely the size of a palm . Her eyes were bright and dewy , her brows delicately arched , and her lashes wet with sweat that rolled down her skin like tiny pearls . The fierce fight had long since loosened her hair , and her glossy black locks cascaded down like a waterfall . A strand of hair brushed against his cheek , and a hint of amazement flickered in his eyes . He couldn't help but tuck her sweat - dampened hair behind her ear . " You're so beautiful , darling . " " Let me go . " The position was highly inappropriate ; she was tightly held in Adrian's arms , his strong , faintly fragrant masculine scent suddenly enveloping her . Surrounded by his presence , she sensed a very dangerous signal . 1831