The intensity in his voice was scorching.
“I can do everything for you. I can give you anything you want.” His eyes locked onto hers. “But the only damn man—” his voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, “who gets to exist in your life—is me.”
Mia frowned up at him through her hazy, drunken vision.
“No,” she snapped, shaking her head weakly but stubbornly. “It’s my life.”
She pushed at his chest.
“I can be with anyone,” she said fiercely. “I’m not living with you anymore. You’re not my husband. I can be with whoever I want.”
The moment the words left her mouth, his restraint snapped.
Alexander surged forward and crashed his mouth onto hers, the kiss fierce, claiming her. His hand slid up fast, fingers fisting in her hair as he tilted her head back, forcing her to take him, forcing her to feel him.
The kiss was angry, rough, soaked in jealousy. His lips moved over hers with bruising urgency, stealing every breath she tried to draw, as if he were afraid that even a second of distance would mean losing her. He kissed her like he was erasing something.
Mia gasped against his mouth, her chest tightening as he deepened the kiss, his jaw clenched, his breath hot and uneven. There was nothing gentle about it. It was all possession, all pent-up fury and desperation pouring into the way his lips devoured hers.
She struggled to keep up, fingers curling into his coat as her lungs burned, her heartbeat thundering wildly. His mouth didn’t slow. Didn’t soften.
Only when her knees weakened did he finally pull back a fraction, his forehead pressing against hers, breaths ragged, eyes dark and blazing—still claiming her, even without touching her lips.
She shoved him away hard.
Gasping for air, fury blazing, Mia glared at him.
Without saying another word, she spun around and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
***
After an exhausting day at the office, Mia stepped out of the office.
Her shoulders sagged with fatigue. Her legs felt heavy as she walked toward the main street. Irvin hadn’t shown up at the office since the dinner with Alexander, and Sam had taken over as the new boss.
Just as she reached the sidewalk, someone touched her shoulder.
Mia jumped and spun around, startled, only to see Harold standing there, holding a bouquet of flowers. He wore a wide grin, looking far too cheerful.
“Congratulations,” he said brightly.
Mia blinked in confusion before letting out a small laugh. She accepted the bouquet, cradling it in her arms.
“What are you doing here?” she asked. “And flowers for what?”
“For joining the new office,” Harold replied casually. “You’re not happy?”
“Of course I’m happy,” Mia said, laughing softly.
Harold slung an arm around her shoulder, leaning closer, lowering his voice like he was sharing a secret.
“Even if you’re not,” he whispered dramatically, “don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone you’re bored out of your mind working here.”
Mia burst into laughter, the tension in her shoulders easing. Some of her exhaustion faded.
Harold grinned, clearly pleased to see her smile again.
“I met Hazel yesterday,” he added. “How about a party tonight?” His eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’ll invite Hazel, a few of my friends… we’ll get drunk out of our minds.”
