Chapter 31
I opened my eyes. The fog lifted. My head felt much better. The world was steady. My headache was just a faint throb.
My stomach was calm now. I sat up slowly. Sheets slid against my skin. I stretched. My shoulders popped. Sunlight streamed through curtains. Golden patterns. On the hardwood floor. A sharp change. From my morning misery.
I reached for my phone. On the nightstand. Only found bare wood. Lost in the drunken haze. The sun was high. It was afternoon. Guilt hit me. I had slept too long. Tucked away by Alexander's orders. Like a fragile doll. After my wild rebellion.
I swung my legs over the bed. The cool floor. Jolted my bare feet. I walked to the dresser. Put on a maxi skirt. Its cotton swished. Against my legs. And a cozy gray sweater. It hugged me softly.
I pulled a brush. Through my tangled hair. Wincing at the knots. I saw my reflection. Faint shadows under my eyes. A hangover's ghost. But human again. Ready to face him. Whatever that meant.
Rachel was likely off-limits. After last night's mess. I wanted her defiance. But Alexander's strong grip. Annoyed me. I would push back later. When I felt better.
I started to find him. My feet whispered. Against the polished floors. The living room was empty. Leather sofa gleamed in the sun. The kitchen held. A faint coffee smell. No one was there.
I turned toward Sophia's room. Expecting crayons and giggles. A low murmur came from the office. Alexander's voice. Deep. Commanding. A rumble through the oak doors. Curiosity pulled me closer.
I pressed my ear to the wood. Straining. But the words blurred. Into a hum. I knocked softly. Nerves rattled me. I bounced on my toes.
The door opened. But it was not Alexander.
Instead, Marcos stood there. His wide body blocked the light.
From the hall. His dark eyes gleamed. With a familiar smirk.
As he looked me over. Leaning on the doorframe.
His black shirt stretched tight. Over his chest. He raised a brow.
His tone full of playful sarcasm. "Well, well.
Look who is alive. Feeling better, princess? "
I stood straighter. Crossing my arms. A blush crept up my neck. His teasing always bothered me. But I would not let him see it. "Yes, thanks," I said. My voice sharp. "Is Alexander busy?"
Marcos glanced over his shoulder. As if checking for something.
Then turned back to me. That annoying smirk remained.
"Busy? Nah, not really. He is just... in one of his moods.
You know how he gets." He stepped aside.
With a lazy wave. Gesturing for me to pass.
"Go on, then. Face the lion. Just do not say. I did not warn you."
I hesitated. My feet stayed still. "What kind of mood?" I asked. My voice cautious. "The quiet, thoughtful type? Or the 'I am about to hurt someone' type?"
Marcos chuckled. A low, rumbling sound. That only made me more nervous. "Oh, definitely the latter. But hey. You are good at pushing his buttons. Maybe you will live. Maybe." He leaned in slightly. His smirk turned mean. "Or maybe you will just make it worse. Either way. It will be fun to watch."
I glared at him. My cheeks burning. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
"Anytime, princess," he said. His tone light. But his eyes sharp. "But seriously. If you need help. Just scream. I will be nearby. Probably."
"Probably?" I repeated. Raising an eyebrow. "What, you are not staying? To make sure I do not get eaten alive?"
He shrugged. His smirk never left. "Eh, where is the fun in that? Besides. You have got this. You are a big girl, right?"
I rolled my eyes. Stepping past him. Into the hallway. "You are annoying, you know that?"
"Funny," he called after me. His voice carried down the hall. "Alexander says the same thing. About you."
I did not answer that. But I could feel his laughter. Following me. As I walked toward Alexander's study.
The door was slightly open. I paused outside. Taking a deep breath. To calm myself. Marcos's teasing aside. I knew better. Than to walk into Alexander's space. Unprepared.
He was not just in a mood. He was a storm. Waiting to break.
I stepped into the office. A place of dark wood. And muted grays. Thick with leather. And cigar smoke.
Alexander stood behind his huge oak desk.
Phone to his ear. Hand in his pocket. His black shirt was unbuttoned.
At the collar. A bit of tanned skin showed.
Dark hair swept back. Except for a loose strand.
On his brow. He looked over. Gray eyes sharp.
Like flint. Raking over me. Skirt. Sweater. Nervous hands. In a slow, careful look.
His gaze flicked to his men. A single nod. And they rose. Filing out silently. Boots thudding. The door clicked shut. Sealing us in. Unease crept through me. Had I walked into a trap?
"I will call back," he muttered. Into the phone. Voice a low growl. He ended the call. With a sharp press. Dropping the device. With a clatter. Then walked around the desk. Shoulders rolling. A predator moving closer.
I swallowed. Throat dry. Lifting my chin. Defiance fought nerves. Rachel's words echoed. Stand up to him. Confrontation was not my strong suit.
But his presence felt safe. It gave me courage. "How are you feeling?" he asked. Voice softer than I thought. Velvet over steel. It surprised me.
I blinked. Defenses faltered. "Fine," I said. Steadier than I felt. Fingers twisting my sweater. His closeness. Made me shiver.
He nodded. Quick and firm. Eyes narrowed. As they locked on mine. A storm brewing. "Good. We have things to settle."
Unease tightened. Stomach flipping. "Like what?" I asked. Voice thin. Preparing for his temper.
A dark smile flickered. Dangerous. Brief. Before his gaze hardened. Pinning me. "Like the filth. You said last night," he said. Voice a slow growl. Teasing yet threatening.
He stepped closer. Boots thudding softly. His heat was strong. My mouth dropped open. Cheeks burning. As memories flooded back. Slurred curses. Mean words. "Do you remember?" he pressed. Tone teasing. Smirk sharpening. His eyes gleamed. With dark purpose.
I bent my head. Nodding. Shame burning. "I am sorry, I-"
"Do not," he snapped. Voice a rough command. He closed the gap. Hand gripping my chin. Forcing my gaze up. With strong force.
"I do not want apologies. Not yet. You loved it, did not you? Saying mean things. Thinking you could fight me." His smirk vanished. Thumb pressed my jaw. Showing his control. "I liked the fire. Until you crossed me. Talking back like that? I do not allow it, Elena."
My heart pounded. Caught between shame and defiance. "I did not mean-"
"Enough," he snarled. Grip tightening. Voice a low, threatening growl. "You meant it. You just did not think. I would care. Sneaking off. Talking back. You have earned a lesson. It will hurt much." His eyes stared into me. Planning a punishment. To break me. Something sharp. Lasting.
I froze. Breath shallow. "Alexander, I-" My voice trembled. But he cut me off. With a sharp shake. His gaze strong. "Save it," he growled. Releasing me with a flick. Stepping back to loom. Arms crossed. "You rest today. My orders. Fight me again. And I will make you feel it. Understand?"
I nodded. Defiance weakening. Head sore. Resolve shaky. But as he turned to the desk. Grabbing papers. Something snapped. "You cannot just order everything," I said. Voice low but firm. Testing him.
He froze. Head snapped back. Eyes blazing. "What did you say?" His voice was a dangerous rumble. Papers dropped. As he walked back. Towering over me.
"I said you cannot control me like this," I repeated. Heart racing. Standing my ground. "I am not your pet." His jaw tightened. A flicker of frustration. In his eyes. He reached for my arm. Pulling me closer. His chest firm against mine.
"You are mine," he said. His voice low and rough. "Mine to guide. Mine to keep. You think you can just walk away? Last night showed me. You are still here. With me. Do not push too far, Elena. I will keep you in this penthouse. Away from Rachel. Until you see it."
My breath hitched. Annoyance flared. "You are too bossy." I shot back. Pressing against him. My resistance small but firm.
His hold stiffened. His other hand. Caught my wrist. Gently but firmly. "Call me that again," he murmured. His face close. Breath warm against my skin. "I will have you stay here. By my side. Until you understand. Try me."
I glared. Unsteady but stubborn. "I am not afraid of you," I said. My voice wavered slightly.
His eyes narrowed. A faint, bitter smile.
Pulled at his lips. "Maybe you should be.
" He eased me back. His hand brushed my neck.
Not grabbing. Just resting there. A subtle reminder.
"I could make this harder. Wear down your fight.
Until you ask me to stop. Slip away again.
And I will make it personal. You will feel it. "
My stomach twisted. Resolve weakened. Under his quiet power. He let go. Stepping back. His tone cool. "Sit," he said. Nodding to the chair. "I want you where I can see you."
I paused. Then sank into the seat. Legs shaky. He returned to his desk. Resuming work. His presence heavy. But not crushing. A storm held back.
Silence settled. Thick with his power. I fidgeted. Pride hurt. Planning my next move.
Minutes later. He looked up. His gaze sharp but calm. "Still upset?" he asked. His voice soft. Almost teasing.
"I am not upset," I mumbled. Crossing my arms. "I just do not like you. Right now."
He smirked. Leaning back. "Fine. Dislike me all you want. Just stay." He tapped the desk. A quiet invitation. "Come here."
I frowned. But stood. Moving slowly. Around the desk. He took my wrist. Guiding me onto his lap. His arms wrapped loosely around me.
"You are not out of my sight," he said. His breath grazed my ear. "Not after last night."
I shifted. Restless in his hold. "This is too much," I said. My voice sharp but quiet.
"Too much?" he repeated. His hand rested lightly. On my thigh. Keeping me there. "You are lucky. I do not keep you closer. Test me again. And I might." His tone was firm. But not unyielding. His control was tempered.
I pressed my lips together. Defiance simmered. But was quiet for now. He had won this moment. But I was not done.
I would find my chance. When I was not off-balance. When his guard dropped. Until then. I stayed. Held by his will. Planning. Under his steady gaze.