Chapter 20

**ALEXANDER**

I’ve never seen a woman so fierce, so haughty, and so damn beautiful. I have no trouble getting women.

I'd always had a certain reputation with women - they seemed to be drawn to me like moths to a flame. And I'd never been one to deny them, or myself, the pleasure of a fleeting encounter.

Even now, I could pick up anyone I want at a club or a party without breaking a sweat. But that’s all it is—a quick, disposable encounter.

A few dates, plenty of sex, and then I’m off to the next one without a second thought.

I’ve never had a girlfriend.

Never wanted one.

Women come and go, nothing more than fleeting distractions. A few nights, plenty of sex, and then I move on, no second thoughts.

No attachments. No complications.

But with her?

This is different. And it pisses me off.

I want her. Not just in the way I’ve wanted other women—quick, easy, forgettable. No, this is something else, something more, and I fucking hate it.

She gets under my skin, crawls into my thoughts when I don’t want her there. It’s frustrating, maddening. I don’t do obsession. I don’t do wanting.

And yet, here I am, wanting her like I’ve never wanted anyone. And I don’t know whether I want to claim her—or ruin her just to get her out of my damn system.

And it’s not just about the fortune she’s set to inherit.

I want her.

I should’ve just grabbed her before she darted into that bathroom.

My fingers itched to grasp the soft fabric of her gown, to tear it aside and expose the curves beneath.

The desire to see her breasts bare, to feel their warmth within touching distance, was almost overwhelming.

I only stopped myself because for a split second, I felt a sliver of guilt—forcing her into this situation.

But it was a momentary lapse, quickly incinerated by the burning intensity of my craving.

I need to be patient.

Tomorrow, I’ve got another little surprise for her—one she won’t see coming.

But right now, I can’t ignore the bigger issue.

We’re not exactly on the best terms with the Russians at the moment.

My family controls most of the major cities in America, but Robert Solas? He’s a constant thorn in my side.

Some of his territories overlap with ours, and while there have been times we’ve cooperated—kept the peace—there’s always been an underlying tension.

Other times, it’s been pure war. Skirmishes. Their men dead, our men dead. Warehouses blown up. Product stolen. Soldiers arrested. Most of that shit can be forgiven.

And he’s been working closely with the Russians, trying to consolidate power and push for control.

His ultimate goal? To be on top. To have it all.

But now? For some unknown reason, Robert Solas has taken an interest in her.

And that’s something I can’t ignore. He’s never bid on a woman before—he doesn’t need to. He takes what he wants, rapes, then discards. It’s his usual method.

Does he know about her inheritance?

That fortune she’ll inherit isn’t just wealth—it’s power.

The kind of power that could tip the scales in his favor.

Is that why he suddenly wants her?

Did he learn the truth and strike a deal with that slimy bastard, Arthur Santini?

I’ll be damned if I let him take what should be mine.

I’ll claim her for myself. Not him. Not anyone.

Solas isn’t just some rival. He’s a problem—a cancer spreading through the city. And if I don’t deal with it, everything I’ve built, everything my family controls, will be at risk.

I let out a slow, measured breath, my eyes locking onto the the closed bathroom door.

What the fuck is she doing in there?

I strode over to the door, testing the handle with a deliberate slowness. The rattle of the metal as it refused to yield only fueled my annoyance.

"Open the door, Alina," I growled, my patience wearing thinner by the second.

Silence

Jaw tightening, I swore under my breath.

"Stop acting like a five-year-old and open the fucking door." My voice was low and even, but laced with an undercurrent of warning.

I waited for another beat, then exhaled sharply, my jaw tightening in frustration.

"Fine," I snapped.

"If you don’t come out by the time I count to three, I will break this door down—and then you’ll find yourself over my lap getting the spanking you deserve."

I kinda like that option.

I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, my pulse racing with anticipation. The thought of breaking down the door and spanking her had sent a surge of arousal coursing through my veins.

Silence.

"One."

Not a sound.

I could feel her eyes on me, even though she was hidden behind the door. I knew she was listening, waiting to see if I would follow through on my threat.

My cock twitched at the thought of her submission, of her finally surrendering to my will. I could almost taste the victory, and it only served to fuel my desire for her.

The silence remained unbroken.

"Two—" My voice dropped to a low growl.

My fingers tightened around the door handle, the metal cool against my skin as I prepared to make good on my threat.

Just as I was about to utter the final number, the door burst open with a sudden violence that sent it crashing against the wall. The sound echoed through the room like a shot.

Alina stood in the doorway, her eyes blazing with fury as she confronted me.

Her chest heaved with barely contained rage, her slender frame trembling with pent-up emotion. For an instant, our gazes locked in a silent battle of wills.

"Happy now?" she spat out finally, her voice venomous and laced with defiance.

I fought back a smirk at her ferocity. There was something undeniably alluring about this fiery spirit that seemed determined to defy me at every turn. As I stepped closer to her, towering over her smaller frame by several inches and radiating an aura of quiet power and control...

"Ecstatic," I purred softly back at her now trying not give away how pleased i am seeing this defiant spark within Alina.

When I tried to pull her close, she jerked back, twisting against my grip.

Fighting me.

I tightened my hold on her small wrist, feeling the delicate bones beneath my fingers.

She winced, and I knew I was hurting her. I should have cared. I didn’t. If I wanted to, with barely any effort, I could snap her wrist in half.

Her eyes burned with defiance as she glared up at me. “Let me go.”

I leaned in slightly, voice low. “And if I don’t?”

Her breath hitched, but she clenched her jaw. “Then I’ll make you regret it.”

A sharp chuckle left me. Fiery little thing.

I held her for a moment longer, letting her feel my strength—letting her know exactly who was in control—before I finally let go, stepping back.

Predictably, she did exactly what I expected.

She bolted.

Straight for the door.

I smirked, pulling my gun from the back of my pants in one smooth motion. The click of the safety was deafening in the silence.

“Another step,” I said calmly, leveling the barrel at her, “and I’ll shoot you.”