Chapter 17
ALINA’S POV.
“Now, what am I going to do with you?” He muttered.
The smirk on his face darkened considerably.
Oh no.
He tilted my head to the left, then to the right, his eyes scanning my body to check if I was hurt. When he was satisfied, a tinge of relief flashed through his eyes–but only for a brief second before his glare returned
“Why do you keep on defying me?”
His tone held genuine curiosity, even though his glare remained cold and hard.
“I’m sorry, Lucian. it’s not what-
“You’re not sorry.” He cut in sharply, placing his thumbs between my lips.
His sudden proximity made me freeze. His next question came low and dangerous.
“Did he touch you?“,
My brows scrunched in confusion.
Was he talking about the guard?
“Did Vaughn touch you?” He repeated through clenched teeth.
Oh.
He was referring to Adrian
I quickly shook my head in response, my lips still parted under his thumbs.
“Why?”
He asked again, this time removing his thumbs so I could speak
“Huh?” I blinked, confused again.
Was he asking why Adrian didn’t touch me?
“Would you have preferred if he had touched me!”
My voice was barely above a whisper, laced with confusion and vulnerability.
His glare sharpened and his eyes darkened. His hand moved to wrap around my neck–firm, but not tight
“Do not test me, Alina. I will kill that little boyfriend of yours and lock you away. Don’t think because I love you, I won’t.”
He growled the words, his voice a mixture of fury and possessiveness.
His use of my name told me he wasn’t messing around and that sent a cold shiver down my spine.
“II you’re hurting me.” I whispered, tapping weakly at his hand.
He wasn’t really hurting me, but acting weak was the only way I could think to defuse his wrath.
His hand immediately dropped from my neck, and he shuffled away from me quickly, staring at his palm like he couldn’t believe what he’d just done.
I stood slowly from the ground and cautiously approached him.
“Ludan.” I called softly.
5.28 AM
Chapter 17
“Don’t.” He warned, his eyes flashing as he took another step back then he stormed out of
training room.
I rushed after him.
“Lucian, wait… please!”
1 nearly tripped as I hurried up the stairs. I was only a few feet behind him when he entered his room locking it
sroom and slammed the
in my face,
“Lucian, please open up!” 1 banged on the door, but there was no response.
“Lucian!” I shouted, knocking harder. Still nothing.
“If you don’t open up, I’m just going to sit out here and wait until you open the door and let me explain!” I yelled, then slowly lowered myself to the floor, settling in for however long it would take.
Let me tell you, do not be deceived by how fancy the flooring was, it wasn’t comfortable at all.
With a sigh, I pulled my phone from my purse and dialed Talia.
“I’ve been waiting for your call, are you okay?”
That was the first thing she said to me as soon as she picked up.
“Yeah, I am.” I replied quietly.
“I take it the visit with Adrian went well then?”
“It did… but that’s not why I’m calling though.” I admitted. I didn’t want to talk about Adrian now.
Not when everything that was happening was his damn fault.
“It’s Mr. Blackwood, isn’t it?” She guessed knowingly.
“Yes. He’s mad–pissed at me right now,” My tone was helpless.
“Is that news to you?” She asked, confused. “You’re always pissing him off and not caring about it. Besides, I told you, he wouldn’t like it if he found out you snuck our. Worse, that you went to see Adrian.”
Talia was as blunt as ever.”
“Wait, why do you care that he’s upset!” She pressed. “You never cared before.”
“Was I that bad?” I muttered.
But she heard me.
“Trust me, you were horrible. Now answer me. Her tone was firm and demanding.
“Because… I realize he genuinely loves and cares for me. I don’t want to piss him off anymore.” I confessed quietly.
“Well, that’s surprising.” She said, obviously caught off guard. “Tell me what exactly happened?”
I quickly gave her a summary of what I met t
moment I came back home.
“Uhmm wow.”5
She let out a breath of astonishment.
“Help me, Talia” I whined.
“How She asked, exasperated
What would you do in my position?”
see my ex–l
-lover knowing how hurt and pissed it would make my current
“Nothing.” She answered flatly. “Because I would never go see m Tover.”
Her tone was nonchalant, it was maddening.
2/3
6.29 AM P
Chapter 17
“Talia.” I groaned, glaring at the space in front of me as if she were sitting there.
“Fine,” She sighed. “I don’t know why I’m the one doing damage control for damage yo
created.”
0
I could feel her rolling her eyes through the phone.
“I owe you one.” A wide grin spread across my face despite everything.
“Firstly, you owe me plenty. Secondly, wipe that silly grin off your face.”
How the hell did she know I was grinning?
I grinned wider.
“Fine. Just help me this once.” I pleaded.
Talia let out a dramatic sigh on the other end of the line, as if preparing herself for something she hadn’t signed up for.
Okay, listen, because I’m only going to say this once,” She began. “You’ve poked the bear, Alina. Your Fiancee’s ego is bruised and his pride is wounded, his temper is hanging by duct tape and delusion at this point.”
Yikes ‘So what do I do?”
“You don’t just do Ally. You feel. You stand there and you mean every damn word you’re going to say to him. No attitude. No games. No sarcasm. You hurt him, you have to own it.”
I was quiet, letting her words sink in.
You don’t need to explain yourself yet, not while he’s tense. The man just about tore a guard’s fingers off with pliers. He is hardly in the mood for logic. What he needs–what he’s dying for–is to be assured that he matters to you, despite Adrian.
I swallowed hard. “But he is.”
Then show him. Use your words, your eyes, your silence–whatever you have left. But for once in your life, Alina, be vulnerable.”
