Daddy’s billionaire step-brother
Chapter 12: Country club

Being grounded didn't drastically alter Clara's daily routine it mostly confined her to the predictable rhythm of school and home. The only notable change was the absence of occasional hangouts with friends at the mall after classes. As she navigated through her restricted schedule, her thoughts often wandered to Adrian.

She couldn't shake the image of him from her mind-the way he looked driving his Bentley, his composed demeanor, and the kindness he had shown her during their time together. Clara found herself yearning to see him again. However, a sense of apprehension held her back. Adrian was a powerful and busy businessman, and Clara didn't want to impose on his time or burden him with her presence. She hesitated to reach out, fearing she might disrupt his demanding schedule or inadvertently make him mad by doing so.

Instead, Clara immersed herself in her studies and tried to distract herself with books and hobbies. Yet, every quiet moment brought Adrian's image back to her mind, stirring a mix of longing and uncertainty within her. She wondered if he thought of her too, if their brief encounter had left a lasting impression on him as it had on her. But then she remembered who he was: one of the richest men in the country and a hot bachelor, he probably wouldn't waste his time thinking about his teenage step-niece.

Richard was absent over some business meeting, leaving Clara alone at home. She was reading when she heard the doorbell from her room and got up to see who it was. One of the maids had already opened the door and she was taken aback to find Adrian himself standing in the foyer.

When Clara excitedly descended the stairs in her school uniform-her white buttoned shirt untucked, plaid skirt, navy blue stockings with no shoes on and her hair slightly disheveled-Adrian had to pinch himself to dispel the inappropriate thoughts that flashed through his mind.

"Mr. Belfort," Clara greeted him, a nervous smile tugging at her lips.

Adrian smiled warmly. "Hello, Clara. You know you can call me Adrian," he said softly. "You're old enough for that now."

Clara blushed slightly at his words, feeling a rush of excitement at the intimacy of using his first name. "Okay then, Adrian," she replied tentatively. "What brings you here?"

Adrian's gaze softened as he looked at her. "Is your father home?" he asked.

Clara shook her head. "No, he's out, some business stuff, maybe. I thought you were with him," she answered, a mixture of relief and apprehension coursing through her. She wasn't sure how her father would react to Adrian's unexpected visit. She had no idea how things were between them since Adrian picked her up at that party and that picture was leaked.

"Well, I came to see you, actually," Adrian admitted, his voice sincere. "I'm taking you to the club to play tennis. And have dinner later, perhaps."

Clara's eyes widened in surprise and excitement. Tennis was one of her favorite sports, she played it ever since she was a kid and she was pretty good at it. And the idea of spending time with Adrian outside of her usual routine was both thrilling and daunting. "Oh my god, I'd love to," she said eagerly, but then her face fell slightly. "But... I can't. My dad left me grounded, actually, because of the party," she added, her voice tinged with disappointment. Adrian smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry about that," he said confidently. "I'll talk to your father. You just go get your things."

Clara hesitated, a mix of excitement and concern swirling in her mind. She didn't want to disobey her father or cause any trouble, but the chance to spend time with Adrian was too enticing to resist. "Are you sure?" she asked hesitantly.

Adrian nodded. "Absolutely," he affirmed. "Trust me."

With a hopeful smile, Clara nodded back. "Okay," she agreed finally.

"Great," Adrian said, returning her smile warmly. "Go get ready, and meet me at the car. I'll be waiting."

Adrian was standing by his convertible Aston Martin as he watched Clara come back from the house, walking towards him in her tennis outfit. He couldn't help but marvel at how stunning she looked in that miniskirt. The fitted tennis top hugged her figure perfectly, it was structured to conceal the size of her voluminous breasts so she would be more comfortable playing, which was somehow more enticing than if it was plain revealing.

Adrian wondered how much longer he could keep his composure around her. He was well aware that Richard wouldn't approve of him pursuing her, but his attraction was overpowering, she was driving him insane. And even worse was that he felt her reciprocate that attraction, he could see it in her eyes, read it in her body language, even if she herself couldn't realize it yet. Opening the car door for her, he slipped on his sunglasses, prepared to spend a bright, sunny day at the country club.