Alex's POVWhile I waited for Scarlett, I leaned against the wall and tried to stay calm. I tried hard to stay cool even though my mind was a mess. I had to keep things in check. But my heart did a little flip when I saw her walking toward me.And then I saw who was with her.Ryan was fine, and it made sense for him to be there. But what about Javier? As soon as I saw him walking with them, my stomach turned. The neighboring pack’s Alpha’s son. My mind went straight back to what we agreed on. He had said that he wouldn't tell anyone that I helped attack Scarlett's dad. I was the one who made the bait. Seeing him so close to her made my nerves go crazy. If he ever decided to break that promise… Scarlett would hate me.The smile on Javier’s face made me sick. He walked up to me with that cocky grin, and I tried to appear calm, but I was really scared. He has the power to destroy everything."Finally, I meet the famous Alexander, Alpha of the Shadow Pack," Javier said in a smooth voice th
Scarlett’s POVAlex's lips were on mine, and they were moving so fast and hard that I couldn't breathe. We were tense, and I could tell he was still mad because his hands were moving all over my body. "I hated seeing you with Javier," he growled as his lips ran down my neck. He looked at you like he had every right to be there.Both what he said and the way he kissed me made me shiver. “He’s just an old friend,” I managed to whisper between kisses. I knew it didn't matter, though. Alex had always been possessive.When he kissed me again, it was rougher this time, and I could tell he was jealous. When my phone rang, I was in the middle of getting lost in him. As I pulled away from Alex and looked for my phone, I let out a groan.“Mom,” I muttered, glancing at the screen.Alex didn’t stop. I felt a sharp shock go through me when his lips touched the sensitive spot on my neck. Before I could respond, he left a mark, a hickey. I winced as I tried to pay attention to the call.“Scarlett,
Scarlett’s POVAlex had tied me down, it brought back vivid memories of how thrilling it was to be totally at his mercy. Never before had I felt so open, free, and alive. When he wrapped the silky cuffs around my wrists, the way his eyes lit up with hunger and love gave me chills. Just thinking about it makes my heart race.As I lay down on the velvet couch in the room, the air was thick with desire. It felt like the red walls were closing in on us, making everything feel stronger and closer. I saw Alex come up behind me. His big, strong body moved with purpose. He had a silver butt plug and a leather flogger in each hand. I felt a rush of excitement in my stomach, and the anticipation was almost too much to bear.He put the things down and never took his eyes off of me. It hurt to feel his heavy eyes on me. His finger went down my spine and sent a wave of electricity through me. I could feel my breath getting thin. I arched my back and begged him in silence to touch me more. The fami
Scarlett’s POVGoing to the door quickly made my heart race because I was still shocked by what had happened with Alex. With sweat still on my temples, I prayed that I didn't look as bad as I felt. Ryan shouldn't be it, please. Please. But as soon as I opened the door, my brother Ryan was standing there with his eyebrows raised.“What took so long you to open the door?” he questioned me.“I dozed off,” I answered him, acting like sleepy. "What's making you sweat so much?" His voice was already tense with suspicion as he looked at me. He was sitting down, and Sienna crossed her arms. She looked quickly back and forth between me and around the house.I tried to sound relaxed as I stuttered, "I'm just feeling really hot." It was way too easy for them to lie, and I could tell they were telling the truth. Ryan’s eyes narrowed as he looked around the room. “The AC’s on, Scarlett. You shouldn’t be sweating like that.”"I don't know," I said in a low voice as I pulled at my shirt collar. "P
(Scarlett's POV)"Hey, good morning, Scarlett!"I glanced up to see my brother, Ryan, grinning as I walked into the business office for the first time. His grin was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile back, feeling a little lighter. This was a significant moment—my first day of work here—and seeing a familiar face was just what I needed."Good luck, sis," Ryan murmured, rubbing my shoulder. "You'll do great."Just then, my twin sister Sienna approached, crossed her arms, and looked me over. "Try not to mess things up, Scarlett," she added, smirking. "I mean, I know clumsiness is basically your brand, but this is a real job."My grin wavered, but before I could react, a familiar voice broke through the silence."She's going to do fine." Alex arrived, his cool assurance dominating the room. His eyes fell on me, and my heart sped as a result of his intense scrutiny. He gave me a comforting nod. "I've got faith in her."Ryan lifted an eyebrow, looking at Alex and me. "So, what exact
(Alex's POV)I looked around the workplace to ensure no one was around. I had been preparing this moment for weeks, ever since Scarlett strolled in wearing that fitting skirt and shirt that hugged her contours perfectly. I knew she was married, but the way she lingered at my doorway, her eyes meeting mine with a glimmer of intrigue, suggested she was up for some extracurricular activity. The tension between us had been palpable, growing with each gaze and lingering moment. Today, I was prepared to act on it.Scarlett's voice resonated throughout the room, and I couldn't help but smile at how breathlessly she screamed my name. She was embarrassed, her wrists shackled in front of her with cuffs, which she pulled against, pushing the boundaries. Her wide eyes met mine, full of astonishment and excitement, and I could feel the energy between us.With the door safely secured behind us, I approached Scarlett. She was leaned over the desk, sifting through documents, her hips shifting slight
SCARLETT POV“Come on, Scarlett! Open the door! It's time for breakfast!"I woke up to the sound of a loud knock, and I had to squint to get my bearings. Sitting up made my head spin, and I stared around the room in a fog. Was I at home? In my own bed? Mixed with fuzzy memories from the night before, confusion poured over me. When I remember being in Alex's arms, I remember feeling a rush of heat and desire. Our breaths mixed as we lost ourselves in each other.But I couldn't remember how I got home.I closed my eyes and stroked my face as I tried to figure out what had happened. How did I get here? Before I forgot everything, I could still hear his sweet speech and feel his warm body against mine. It felt like the memories were broken and unfinished because someone had pressed the stop button."What happened?" I said something to myself and rubbed my temples.My phone was on the table and showing a message. With my eyes closed, I reached for it and unlocked the screen. It was Alex's
Scarlett point of viewI looked over at Alex from across the breakfast table for just one second too long. His attention was on his food, so I didn't notice when I looked at him, but Sienna did. I quickly turned my attention back to my food as she loudly cleared her throat. The heat rose to my cheeks."Alex, would you like more roast beef?" Sienna held out a perfectly cooked slice on her fork and her voice was as sweet as syrup. "This is mine for you.Only the best for the best," she gushed.That made me feel jealous, but I forced myself to ignore it and concentrate on my food instead. It bothered me that Sienna could be so honest and shameless without giving it a second thought. I was good at hiding these things and not letting them show. I wish Alex could see me that way, look at me the way he looks at... I shook off the thought and stopped it. Attention, Scarlett. I thought Alex would always have my back as long as I knew his heart was with me. So it was.I went to my room to take
Scarlet’s POVOne second, I was talking to my co-worker, and the next, Alex had him on the ground, blood dripping from his nose.I froze, shocked, watching as Alex’s fist slammed into his jaw again."What the hell?!" I gasped, my heartbeat thundering in my ears.My co-worker—Ethan—groaned, wincing in pain, while Alex stood over him, shoulders tense, breathing like an animal ready to kill."Alex, stop!" I rushed forward, trying to grab his arm, but he barely acknowledged me.I felt anger bubbling in my chest. This was insane!Ethan wasn’t flirting with me—he wasn’t even touching me inappropriately.He was just helping.It had been an accident.I had been rushing down the hallway, completely distracted, and bumped into him.The cup of hot coffee in his hand had spilled all over both of us, and as I hissed in pain, he had grabbed my wrist gently, blowing on the burned skin to soothe it.That’s all it was.But Alex?He had walked in at the worst possible moment.And, as usual, jumped to t
SCARLET'S POVI walked into the company building, my usual calm mask in place, even as satisfaction burned inside me. Everything was falling into place exactly as I planned.And Ryan?He had no clue.I found him in his office, grinning like a fool, probably thinking he had saved his family.The blind trust in his eyes almost made me laugh.“Alex,” Ryan said the moment he saw me, his voice full of relief. “It worked. Laurent agreed to the deal. We finally have a way to save the company.”I kept my expression neutral, nodding. “That’s great news.”Ryan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I was terrified, man. I thought we were done for.”You are. You just don’t know it yet.“I told you I wouldn’t let you go down,” I lied smoothly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You can trust me.”Ryan let out a nervous chuckle, shaking his head. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, brother.”I forced a smile. “Neither do I.”—An hour later, I sat in my office, my phone pressed against my ear
Alex’s POVI wasn’t expecting to see her.But the moment Scarlet stepped out of the restroom, my eyes locked onto her, and something in my chest tightened.She looked pale.Too pale.Her usual fire, the spark in her eyes that always challenged me, was gone.I hated it.I stepped in front of her, blocking her path before she could disappear down the hall.“What’s wrong with you?” I demanded, my eyes searching her face, looking for any sign of weakness.She barely looked at me. “Nothing,” she muttered, trying to step around me.I didn’t let her.I moved in sync with her, cutting off every escape route. My body was too close, my presence too overpowering, but she refused to acknowledge it."Scarlet," I said, my voice low, almost dangerous. "You look like you're about to pass out."She exhaled sharply, her jaw clenching. “Move, Alex.”“No.”She stiffened, but I didn’t miss the way her fingers trembled slightly as she gripped her bag.I narrowed my eyes. “Are you sick?”She hesitated.For jus
SCARLET'S POVI didn’t expect to see Ryan the moment I stepped into the building.Of all the people I wanted to avoid today, he was at the top of the list.I lowered my gaze and tried to walk past him, but his hand shot out, gripping my wrist tightly.“Not so fast,” he muttered.I yanked my arm, but his hold tightened.I glared up at him. “Let go, Ryan.”His eyes were sharp, filled with frustration and something else—something deeper. “You’re really just going to walk past me like I don’t exist?”I scoffed. “Why shouldn’t I? You’ve made it clear where we stand.”He exhaled heavily, his grip still firm as he dragged me down the hall and into an empty conference room.I stumbled as he shut the door behind us, his broad shoulders blocking the exit.“What the hell is your problem?” I snapped, crossing my arms.“My problem?” Ryan let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “You’ve been acting like a damn brat, Scarlet.”I stiffened, my temper flaring instantly. “Oh, I’m the brat?” I laughed
Ryan’s POVI adjusted my tie, inhaling sharply as I stepped into the lavish office. The place screamed wealth, with its dark mahogany furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, and a crystal whiskey decanter sitting on the desk.The man sitting across from me looked calm, collected—dangerous.He had the kind of presence that made you second-guess every word you spoke.I cleared my throat, trying to mask my nerves. “Mr. Laurent, thank you for taking the time to meet with me.”The man—Laurent—smiled, leaning back in his chair. “Of course. Alex spoke highly of you.”My stomach twisted slightly.Alex had set up this meeting, had assured me this guy was the right person to help us. But something about him felt… off.Still, I had no choice.I folded my hands together. “As I mentioned earlier, our company is looking for a temporary investment. We need liquidity to stabilize things before the next quarter.”Laurent hummed, nodding thoughtfully. “I see.”There was a long pause a
ALEX'S POVI stood frozen in the doorway, my gaze locked on the sight of Scarlet packing her bags.My chest tightened.She’s really leaving.My fingers curled into fists as I watched her shove her clothes into the suitcase without even folding them. She was rushing—desperate to get out.Something inside me snapped.“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I demanded, stepping forward.Scarlet didn’t even look at me. “What does it look like, Alex?”Her voice was calm, but I could hear the rage simmering beneath it.I clenched my jaw, my hands twitching at my sides. “You don’t have anywhere else to go.”She froze for half a second, then zipped up the suitcase and yanked it off the bed. “That’s not your problem,” she muttered, pushing past me.But I grabbed her wrist, stopping her in place. “You’re not going anywhere,” I growled.She jerked her arm back, her eyes blazing with defiance. “Yes, I am.”I exhaled sharply, my patience running thin. “You’re acting like a damn child.”She let
Scarlet’s POVI saw it.The fakeness, the act, the carefully placed tremble in Sienna’s voice.She was playing the victim, like she always did.And Ryan, like the idiot he was, was falling for it.I clenched my fists, rage burning through me.I was done.I didn’t care who was watching.I didn’t care if this made things worse.All I knew was that I was sick of Sienna’s games.Before she could continue her performance, my hand flew out again, slapping her across the face.Hard.A sharp gasp rippled through the hallway.But I didn’t stop there.This time, my nails dug into her skin, scratching a deep line across her perfect, lying face.Sienna let out a shocked scream, her hands flying to her cheek.“You—” she choked out, her eyes widening in horror as she felt the scratch. “You scratched me?!”I let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “Oh, don’t act so surprised, Sienna,” I sneered. “You’ve been clawing at my life for years. Consider this payback.”Her nostrils flared, and for a split second,
SIENNA'S POVI watched Scarlet run out of the office, her shoulders shaking, her sobs barely contained.And I smiled.Everything was falling into place perfectly.Her reputation? Destroyed.Her place in the family? Gone.Her hope that Alex would stand by her? Shattered.I folded my arms, tilting my head as my parents sighed in frustration before turning to me.“I tried,” I said softly, my voice dripping with fake concern. “I really did. But Scarlet… she just wouldn’t listen.”My mother let out a heavy breath. “We should have known. She always had a rebellious streak.”My father nodded. “This is what happens when you let a child have too much freedom. Look at what she’s done.”I pressed my lips together, pretending to be heartbroken. “I’ll talk to her again,” I offered. “Maybe if I just reason with her—”“No,” my mother interrupted, shaking her head. “She needs to understand the consequences of her actions. She needs to fix this herself.”I nodded, biting back my smirk. That’s exactly
Scarlet's POVMy heart pounded, my breath uneven as I shoved Alex away. My body trembled—not from fear, but from the overwhelming emotions that burned through me.I needed to get away.I scrambled off the bed, fixing my wrinkled blouse with shaking hands, and rushed for the door.But I barely made it two steps before his hand wrapped around my wrist, yanking me back.“Let go,” I hissed, twisting against his grip.His jaw clenched, his eyes burning with pure possession. “You think you can just walk out after this?” His voice was low, dangerous.I struggled, refusing to meet his gaze. “This was a mistake,” I forced out. “Everything about this is wrong.”His fingers tightened around my wrist, and he yanked me back, making me collide with his hard chest. My breath hitched, his scent consuming me.“Look at me,” he ordered.I refused.He growled in frustration. “You still don’t get it, do you?” His voice was raw, filled with something darker, deeper. “You can try to leave, Scarlet. You can