Alexander stood there beside his car, hands casually in his pockets, but his gaze locked on her.
She frowned, quickening her pace.
“Mr. Graves,” she said firmly when she reached him, planting her hands on her hips, “I already told you—you don’t have to pick me up every day. I’m going back to my apartment today. We’re on a break. I’m not sleeping at your house from now on.”
“All right,” Alexander replied calmly, his eyes tracking hers.
Before she could blink, he bent down, sliding his arms around her waist, and lifted her off her feet with effortless strength.
“What are you doing—!” she snapped, her hands pressing against his shoulders as she struggled.
“I’ll drop you off,” he said simply, holding her steady as he strode toward the limo.
She shoved at his chest again, her eyes flashing. “You’ve been saying that for three days! And yet every single time, you drag me back to your place. Do you feel no shame lying to me over and over?”
“No,” Alexander said evenly, his grip tightening slightly, the muscles in his arms flexing as he carried her forward.
He strode toward the waiting limo, her body pressed against his in a way that left no room for escape. The city lights reflected off the sleek black exterior, the door already open.
Alexander lifted her slightly, swinging her effortlessly toward the seat. Her back brushed against the leather as he lowered her gently onto the bench, his body still pressing close behind hers. The heat from him radiated against her, the scent of him filling her senses.
Then, with an easy grace, he climbed in after her. His arm immediately went around her waist, drawing her closer onto his lap. She tried to rise, but his arm wrapped firmly around herwaist, pulling her closer, the heat of his body radiating against hers.
“Alexander—” she started wriggling, her fingers brushing his chest.
His hand slid to cup the back of her head, tilting her face down toward his. His breath ghosted over her lips.
“Sit still,” he murmured, low and commanding. “I have something to tell you.”
Mia froze, her body stiff as confusion flickered across her face.
“It was Kylie,” Alexander said, jaw tightening. His thumb brushed along her cheek unconsciously as he spoke. “She tampered with your brakes that day.”
Mia’s breath caught, a hand rising to her mouth.
“I’ve already asked the police to look into it,” he continued, his fingers tightening slightly on her waist. “But if you want her to suffer another way—tell me. I’ll arrange it.”
“Mr. Graves…” Mia whispered, shaking her head slightly, her hand moving to his arm. “Do you think—maybe this could be handled differently? She’s related to James. Maybe she acted out of anger because of him—”
“I don’t fucking care,” Alexander snapped, his hand gripping her more firmly. “You are my lifeline,” he said, voice low and deadly, his fingers pressing against her jaw as his thumb brushed her cheek. “If anyone dares to hurt you, I will never let them go.”
Mia’s body went rigid, her eyes remained locked on his, unable to look away.
Alexander leaned closer, his chest brushing hers, his hand sliding behind her head to tilt her face up as he bent toward her lips—
A sharp knock rattled against the car’s window.
They both flinched slightly at the sound, the sudden interruption breaking the charged tension.
Mia turned her head sharply, the sudden movement tugging at her neck, and looked through the black one-sided glass. From inside the limo, she could clearly see Ellie and Liana standing on the sidewalk, their figures slightly distorted by the tinted window as they leaned forward, peering toward the car.
“Aunt Liana?” Mia whispered, disbelief tightening her chest.
Her gaze snapped back to Alexander. “I need to get out.”
For once, he didn’t stop her.
Alexander’s arm loosened immediately. He shifted back, his hands sliding from her waist as he carefully lifted her off his lap. She slid into the seat beside him, the leather cool beneath her thighs. He leaned forward, reached across, and pushed the door open for her. As she stepped out, he exited from his side as well, moving smoothly around the front of the limo until he came to a stop beside her.
