CHAPTER 21

The Past...

Patricia noticed the sudden flash of offense in Alvin's eyes, the brief spark igniting a tension between them that was palpable in the small space they occupied. The afternoon sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting delicate patterns of light and shadow across Alvin's chiseled features, highlighting the tightness in his jaw and the subtle furrow of his brows. She braced herself for his response, anticipating the sharp retort that would surely follow as his lips parted to speak.

"You're being harsh," Alvin said, his voice low and edged with a hint of hurt that belied his usual confident demeanor. Despite the emotion evident in his tone, his arms remained firmly wrapped around her waist, holding her close as if afraid she might slip away.

Patricia arched an eyebrow, her own defenses rising in response. The subtle scent of his cologne—musky with a hint of citrus—filled her senses, making it harder to maintain the barrier she desperately tried to keep between them. "B