Chapter 11

**ALEXANDER** 

As I stood there, my eyes locked onto hers from across the room, I attempted to convince myself that this fixation was nothing more than a fleeting infatuation - a wildfire that would eventually burn itself out once I'd satiated my cravings. 

But the truth was, Alina had burrowed under my skin in ways I couldn't have anticipated, and I was determined to excise her from my system before she became an all-consuming obsession.

Don’t get me wrong, the money was still my priority.

But Alina... she was an unexpected complication, a spark that had ignited a fire within me that I couldn't ignore. She'd transcended her role as a mere prize to be won; she'd become a weapon, a means to an end, the perfect catalyst to bring Arthur Santini crashing to his knees.

Keeping her close until this maddening desire burned itself out seemed like a pragmatic decision. After all, what better way to satisfy the itch than to indulge in it? 

The thought of having her all to myself, of watching her fiery spirit crumble beneath my control, sent a shiver coursing through my veins. 

The idea of tasting her sweetness, breaking her will, owning her completely... it was an intoxicating prospect that refused to be ignored. 

Let her serve her purpose, and then discard her like any other pawn in my game of power and manipulation. It was a win-win situation: I'd take what I wanted from her and, in the process, make Arthur suffer for his transgressions.

This arrangement would, of course, be temporary. I wasn’t the kind of man to linger on any woman for longer than necessary, and Alina would be no exception; once Arthur scraped together the money he owed me or I grew tired of our little game... well, let's just say our association would come to an abrupt end. 

Perhaps with a bullet in Arthur's head for good measure.

For now, though... Alina was mine. Mine to use as I saw fit. Mine to break and bend to my will. Mine to burn out of my system like a fever dream from which I'd eventually awaken. 

That's what I kept telling myself - over and over again - as if repetition could somehow make it true.

......

I leaned in close, my lips brushing the shell of her ear, savouring the soft warmth of her skin as my eyes trailed down her body, lingering on the way her robe clung to her, the delicate curve of her neck, the faint traces of sleep still hanging over her.

"Don't make the mistake of thinking I'm a merciful man," I murmured, my voice cold, like steel, cutting through the space between us.

"Your father's time is up. And I'm here waiting to claim what's rightfully mine."

She stiffened, I could feel it, but I wasn’t done. I wanted her to remember that my patience was as fleeting as it was dangerous.

I couldn’t help but smile as I watched Alina step back, her eyes narrowing with that familiar fire. It was a look I’d come to crave. Her defiance—the one thing that kept me coming back, no matter how much I tried to ignore it.

"Wow, what a shocker," she said, her voice practically dripping with sarcasm. 

"The man with the stellar reputation and unshakable moral fibre has broken his word. Stop the presses! I’m stunned— "

"I mean, it's not like you're known for your honour or anything. You're a thug, a—what’s the term? Oh, right—a sultan of sleaze. I must've been completely delusional to think someone as 'reliable' and 'trustworthy' as you would keep your promise."

The smile on my face twisted into something darker, more predatory, as I let my eyes linger on her. 

“You’re right,” I said, the words slipping from my lips like ice. 

“A man like me doesn’t waste time with promises... I don’t need to. Instead, I put a bullet through the skull of anyone who dares to betray me, then I go have a drink to wash it down.”

Alina’s face hardened, but I was already shifting my attention, the tension in the room thickening with every second.

"Get out of my house... before I—" she began. 

Nico, clearly irritated, sighed and glanced at me. 

"Jesus, she's unbearable... Can we just cut the drama and get to it? Put a bullet in his head already—I'm starving and haven't even had my breakfast."

Alina whipped her head toward him, her body bristling with the urge to fight back.

“You’re right, Nico,” I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm. 

“We’re here for business, so let’s get down to it, shall we?”

I shifted my focus, locking eyes with Arthur.

"Before your daughter so carelessly barged in here, I was about to deliver some rather... crucial news." My voice low, each word deliberate and sharp, 

"I’m taking your most valuable possession," I said, my gaze sharpening, letting the weight of my words sink in.

Arthur’s brow furrowed, confusion flickering in his eyes.

He's even dumber than I thought.

"Alina, duh!" I continued, savouring every syllable, "and I won’t give her back until every penny is paid in full... with interest, naturally."

"What...."

Before he could respond further, I reached out and grabbed Alina, yanking her against me with a firm arm around her throat. 

She gasped, struggling instantly, her fists slamming into my chest as she screamed at me.

“Let go of me, you moron!” she snarled, but I tightened my grip, keeping her in place.

"You've got one month, Arthur. A whole thirty days to scrape together the money you owe me. And if you don't... well, let's just say I'll have to get creative with your precious little daughter." I paused, savouring the fear that flickered in his eyes.

My eyes wandered down to Alina, her slender body straining against mine as she struggled to break free. The warmth of her skin seeped into mine, and I could feel the softness of her curves pressing against my chest. Her face was a twisted mask of rage and anger, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination that only seemed to fuel my desire.  

Hmm...I like this position.

I tightened my grip on her, just enough to make her gasp for breath, a delicate balance between pain and panic. 

"And as for you, darling," I whispered, my breath caressing her ear, 

“You’re going to be a delightful plaything," I murmured, savouring the way her body trembled against mine. 

My voice dropped to a low, menacing whisper as I leaned in closer to Alina, my words dripping with sinister intent. 

"I can already envision the countless ways I'll claim this exquisite body of yours, leaving my indelible mark on every inch of your skin." 

Alina's eyes blazed with unadulterated fury, her pupils flashing like hot coals as she strained against me. 

"Touch me," she hissed, her voice barely above a whisper, yet laced with a deadly venom that made my skin prickle. 

"Lay one finger on me, and you'll live to regret it. I'll make sure you suffer a slow and agonizing death, you bastard." The words tumbled out of her mouth like a curse.

Cute

Instead of feeling threatened, I only felt my amusement deepen, the edges of my lips curling,

"I'm shaking with fear," I murmured, my voice laced with sarcasm and amusement. 

"You're so adorable when you're angry, Alina. The way your lips curl into a snarl is just irresistible." 

I turned back to Arthur, letting the weight of my words sink into the room.

“One month,” I repeated, my tone colder than before. 

"Tick-tock, Arthur. Your daughter's fate is dangling by a thread, and you're the only one who can save her... or condemn her."

Yeah, one month should be enough time to get this fiery little vixen out of my system.