“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” he growled. “Why are you drinking that much?”
Mia blinked slowly, her vision swimming slightly.
“He’s my boss…” she muttered weakly.
Her words slurred just a little. The alcohol made her head feel light, unsteady. Her knees softened, and before she could catch herself, she swayed forward. Her forehead bumped gently against Alexander’s shoulder, her weight leaning into him.
Alexander stiffened instantly.
His hand came up at once, sliding to the back of her head, fingers spreading protectively through her hair as he held her steady. The fury burning in his eyes dimmed, replaced by a sharp flash of worry. He looked down at her, jaw tight, breathing shallow.
Once she was a little more stable, Mia lifted her head again. Her lashes fluttered as she tried to focus on his face.
“I need to go back,” she whispered.
She took a step away.
Alexander’s hand shot out. He caught her wrist and pulled her right back to him, his grip firm.
“I’m going to kick that motherfucker out of the office,” he said coldly.
Then his fingers tightened slightly around her waist as his tone shifted—lower, darker.
“But you—” he continued, eyes boring into hers, “you’re coming back to my office from tomorrow. Where I can watch you the entire damn time.”
He leaned closer, his forehead nearly touching hers. His jaw was clenched so tight it looked painful.
“Men out there aren’t good, Mia,” he said harshly. “You’re too innocent. You haven’t dated anyone. You haven’t seen how ugly people can get. You don’t understand how easily someone can ruin you.”
Mia’s chest tightened. His words felt like an insult.
“I haven’t dated?” she snapped, her hazy eyes flaring as she shot him a sharp look. “Did you forget I was married before?”
She straightened, forcing her trembling shoulders back, lifting her chin in defiance. “Even though James wasn’t a good husband, he never let me get hurt. I never had to worry about other men at all!”
The change in Alexander was instant.
The concern vanished. Jealousy flared in his eyes like a sudden storm breaking loose. His expression hardened, turning frighteningly sharp.
“You’re still thinking about that fucker?” he growled quietly.
His voice dropped, thick with restrained rage.
“Do you miss him?”
The intensity of his gaze sent a chill straight down her spine.
Mia immediately regretted her words.
Alexander’s fingers tightened around her waist as he yanked her closer. His other hand slid up to her throat, holding her still, forcing her to look at him. He pressed her back against the door, his body caging her in completely. His grip at her waist kept her pinned as his thumb brushed slowly along her jaw.
His face hovered inches from hers.
“I gave you space, Mia,” he said, his voice rough with barely contained rage. “I stayed away.”
He leaned in until his breath brushed her lips.
“But don’t even dare think I’ll stand by and watch you fall for other men.”
