Mia tried to push him away, but her strength faltered. Her fingers pressed against his shoulders, weak, unsteady, until the air left her lungs and she had to gasp. Only then did Alexander finally pull back, his forehead dropping against the curve of her neck as his breathing turned rough and uneven.
“Mia…” His voice was strained, raw—nothing like the controlled man she knew.
Then, as if seeking relief, he lowered his head to her chest and closed his mouth over her bud through the thin fabric of her T-shirt, sucking hard.
Mia gasped sharply, her body reacting before she could stop it.
“What are you doing?” she demanded, her voice trembling. “Let go of me.”
Alexander groaned against her, the vibration making her breath hitch as her back arched instinctively toward him.
“Don’t move,” he muttered hoarsely. “It hurts so bad.”
Instead of stopping, he sucked harder, then shifted to the other side, his mouth moving insistently. “I’m in so much pain,” he said roughly, “and you keep pushing me. Just give me a minute.”
His words were muffled against her body as his mouth moved again, sliding upward along her skin to her neck, where he kissedand nipped without control. She tried to push him away, but he only pressed closer, tugging her T-shirt upward.
She wasn’t wearing anything underneath.
“Alexander, you’re taking advantage of my pity from last night,” she said breathlessly, straining against his hold.
“Let me take a little more advantage then,” Alexander replied roughly.
His warm skin pressed against her, making her breath hitch. One of his hands slid over her bare side, moving up to cradle the soft weight of her mound as his mouth returned to her probing tip, drawing a sharp gasp from her lips.
“Ahh!”
His tongue flicked over the delicate nub again and again, teasing and circling, shifting smoothly from one to the other, giving equal attention to each. She writhed beneath him, every flick and swirl sending shivers through her.
But she didn’t want to give in to his desires.
When she finally shoved him with all her strength, Alexander released her.
He pulled away, breathing harshly, then straightened abruptly, rising to his full height. Without a word, he leaned down and brushed a soft, lingering kiss against her ear.
“Alright,” he murmured quietly, “I won’t bother you anymore. I’m leaving now.”
Then he stepped back and walked out of the room. Moments later, she heard his footsteps fade as he left the apartment until there was nothing left but silence—and the echo of her own heartbeat.
Chapter 12 A Punishment
Luxe pulsed with life—music thundering through the walls, bass vibrating against the floor, lights slicing through the darkness in sharp, chaotic bursts. Laughter and shouts spilled out onto the street, blending with the hum of revving cars and heels clicking on pavement.
Mia stepped forward, ready to enter when a familiar voice called from behind.
“Mia?”
She spun sharply.
Hazel hurried toward her, eyes bright with relief. “I thought you were already inside!”
“I was,” Mia replied, forcing a small smile. “I came out to take a call. I was just heading back in.”
Hazel slipped an arm around her shoulder, tugging her along. The moment they crossed the threshold, the club swallowed them whole—the music hit her chest like a wave, the lights spinning around her, and the smell of perfume and alcohol mingling in the heavy air.
They wove through the crowd until they reached the table Hazel had reserved and slid into their seats. Hazel’s eyes flicked over Mia’s face for a heartbeat, then her brow furrowed.
“Seriously… are you exhausted?” she asked.
