“Because the only man you’ll ever have in this lifetime is me!”
The finality in his tone made her chest tighten. She shoved at him, panic surging, but he was already there—his hand snaking around her wrist before she could pull away. His eyes darkened, and without warning, he dipped his head, capturing her mouth with a kiss that was relentless, suffocating, leaving her gasping and fighting for air.
Her protests faltered under the weight of his strength, each second draining her resolve and flooding her chest with fear.
Mia’s eyes snapped open, sharp with defiance and desperation.
“Fine!” Her voice cracked, raw and trembling with anger and tears. “Let’s get it over with. Then I’ll leave this house—and I’ll never see you again!”
Alexander froze, the air between them thick and heavy. His gaze sharpened, lethal, and his hand moved with a predatory precision, closing lightly around her neck to force her eyes to meet his.
He leaned closer, his breath brushing against her ear, his voice a deadly whisper. “I’ll gladly take you. But once I’m inside you… you’re never leaving this house. Ever. It’s not going to be just one night.”
The words struck her like a physical blow. Rage and fear collided, and tears sprang unbidden. She shoved him, hard, her fingers scrabbling against his chest as if she could shove him out of her life entirely. “You’ve lost your mind!” she screamed, voice cracking, fists pounding against him before she spun away, letting herself collapse under the weight of her sobs.
Alexander’s fury evaporated in an instant.
Chapter 6 Rumours
He stepped back, chest heaving, as if waking from a darkness he hadn’t noticed he’d fallen into. Then, slowly, carefully, he moved toward her again, his hands tentative, almost reverent, as he slid one behind her head.
He sank to his knees before her on the ground, pulling her face to rest against his neck. His voice broke, low and desperate.
“Don’t cry…” The words were fragile, shaking. “Alright. I’m not going to kiss you anymore. I promise. Mia… please. Please don’t cry.”
He rubbed her back in slow, careful circles.
But Mia shook him off, her strength barely enough to push his shoulder. She curled into herself, drawing her knees close, arms wrapped around them, burying her face in the couch cushions. Her sobs racked her body, violent and uncontrolled, each one shaking her from head to toe. Tears soaked the fabric, her entire body convulsing with sobs she couldn’t hold back.
Alexander remained on his knees, frozen and helpless, his chest tightening painfully as he watched her unravel.
Each broken sob felt like a blade twisting deeper into him. The ache swelled until he couldn’t bear it anymore. He pulled backslowly, forcing his unsteady legs to straighten as he rose to his feet. Turning away from her, he dragged in a breath that burned his lungs, his mind splintering under the sound of her crying.
His voice came out louder than he intended, then cracked halfway through.
“Just… stay here,” he said hoarsely. “I—I don’t want you to get sick. I’ll bring dinner for you.”
He walked away even though every step felt like tearing himself apart. Halfway to the door, he stopped. His shoulders stiffened, then sagged as he turned back to look at Mia. Guilt and pain filled his eyes.
Taking a shuddering breath, he pulled out his phone and dialed Allen’s number.
The moment Allen answered, Alexander gave the order.
“Bring dinner for Mia and me.”
“Yes, Mr. Graves,” Allen replied immediately.
About ten minutes later, Allen hurried inside and set a bag on the kitchen counter. Alexander took it immediately, his gaze drifting instinctively toward the couch.
Mia was still crying, though her sobs had softened into uneven breaths. She wiped her tears with trembling fingers, then straightened her legs and clutched the fabric of her dress, holding it as if it were the only thing keeping her composed.
“Mr. Graves…” Allen asked carefully, glancing between them. “Is Mrs. Graves all right?”
Alexander exhaled shakily, his body rigid with tension.
“She went to a bar alone,” he said, jaw tightening. “I saw her with a man. She was drinking.” His voice hardened. “I lost my mind.”
Allen stared at him, concern etched across his face, before looking back at Mia. Alexander continued, lower now, strained. “Go talk to her. Calm her down. She won’t let me get close.”
