Chapter 0126
Ella POV
The air around us felt heavy after I answered Alexander’s question. It was probably too much for me to admit, but it was the truth, and I couldn’t stand the thought of him–or anyone else–believing he’d taken advantage of me.
The effects of the drug had been powerful, but I’d been fully aware of my actions, and I was grateful to have had Alexander there. It was better to have someone I trusted beside me.
Alexander seemed struck by my words, though he did his best to hide his reaction. He shifted slightly on the couch, his gaze dropping for a moment before returning to mine, his expression serious. “Ella, there have been a lot of… unexpected consequences to our contract.”
I nodded, understanding what he meant. Neither of us could have predicted how deeply entangled our lives would become once we agreed to work together.
I certainly hadn’t anticipated David’s relentless interference. As difficult as it had been for me, it had also impacted Alexander’s life, something I felt responsible for
“Yes, I agree,” I said softly. “I’m sorry about that. I understand if you feel I owe you something more to-
“That’s not what I’m saying,” Alexander cut me off, his voice firm. “You’ve been put in a lot more danger than I could have expected, and it concerns me. If I’d been just a little bit later…”
I shuddered, a chill running through me at the thought of what might have happened if Alexander hadn’t arrived at the hotel in time. I glanced down, unable to meet his intense gaze. He’d saved me in more ways than one, and while I felt vulnerable acknowledging it, the sense of security I found in him was undeniable.
“Ella,” he said softly, drawing my attention back to him. “I’m afraid that staying with me may put you in more danger, and I can’t guarantee I’ll always be able to protect you. If the risk ever becomes too much for you, if you want out of our contract, you only need to tell me. Your safety matters more than our deal.”
I stared at him, wide–eyed. Alexander had no idea what was truly at stake–he couldn’t know the full weight of what losing to David would mean for both of us. But even so, he was willing to risk his own ambition to put my well–being first.
It touched me deeply that he’d consider giving up his competitive advantage, his path to power,
for
my sake.
I felt a small smile play at my lips as I shook my head. “I made a commitment,” I replied. “I’m not backing out of our contract.”
“Are you sure?” he pressed, his gaze searching mine. “There’s no guarantee you won’t get hurt.”
“There’s no guarantee that ending things would make David stop, either,” I pointed out gently. “If anything, I think our chances are better together.”
Alexander ran his fingers through his hair, exhaling heavily as he leaned back on the couch. A serious look settled -over his face as he considered my words, and I could see the internal struggle in his expression.
He was wrestling with both his desire to protect me and his determination to succeed. The vulnerability in his eyes was rare, and it made my heart ache; he was a man accustomed to control, yet here he was, faced with something far less certain.
Alexander reached for my hand, his warm touch immediately calming me. His bright eyes locked onto mine, and he leaned forward slightly. “We’ll do it together, then,” he said with a smirk. “We’re a good team. We’ll make him regret ever crossing you.”
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0126
I smiled back, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks as his thumb traced gentle circles over my knuckles, a soothing warmth spread through me. I glanced down at our hands, and when I looked back up, he was closer–his eyes searching mine with an intensity that made my heart race.
The thought that he might kiss me flashed through my mind. It wouldn’t be our first kiss, but after everything that happened last night…
I felt a thrill, almost a nervous anticipation, about what it might mean now. Just thinking about the way he’d kissed me last night made my skin tingle.
