CHAPTER NINETY-THREE

CHAPTER NINETY-THREE
ELENA

"They seem to know when we were leaving," Alexander repeated for the twentieth time, pacing the length of the living room like a tiger in a cage.
Finally, the security team left after taking photos and doing a full check for any fingerprints, like in a TV show called 'CSI: Billionaire.'

I was sitting on the edge of the couch with my black dress on from earlier. It only seemed like ages had passed since that wonderful evening, but it happened such a short while ago.

"Perhaps it was bad luck. Wrong time, wrong place." I said.

Alexander paused pacing and stared at me in astonishment. "Elena, those are not people who depend on luck. They understood we were not present. They understood how much time they had."

"Maybe they had an informant from someone inside the building? Remember what happened in Italy?" I asked.

"That would have been reasonable if it hadn't been Paolo that got me these men. Men from him have a special kind of training and loyalty."

"All right, they're intelligent criminals, and they're also planners. What do we do now?" I shivered, although the penthouse suite was at the correct temperature.

“First off, you're not going to sleep alone this evening. Or any evening, for that matter.” His tone brooked no argument.

I straightened up. "What did you say? I don't recall agreeing to that."

"This isn't a discussion." Alexander raked his fingers through his hair, and it stood on end in a handsome but frustrating manner. "Someone showed up here seeking you. Someone who looked into you prior to when I met you. I will not endanger your safety."

"And I won't give up my freedom just because you are afraid." I got up from the couch, standing with my arms crossed. "I have taken care of myself for years, Alexander. I don't suddenly need a guard in my life."

His eyes darkened. "This is not what it's about, and you know it," he replied.

“Think about that. Do you think you have the right to decide for me without even asking me?”

"When it becomes a safety factor? Yes."

I snarled, frustration coursing through me. "This is what I feared from the beginning when it comes to living with you. That you would view me as an object. As a thing to be protected and managed and…”

Alexander crossed the space between us in three steps, and I couldn't get the angry things I wished to say in before he had taken me in a kiss. The hot kiss silenced me. I let out a moaning sound immediately his arms fell upon my waist, drawing me in towards him.

"I'm not attempting to control you," he whispered once we finally pulled apart. "I'm attempting to keep you safe since I can't lose you. Elena, I love you very much."

His words sent heat flooding through me, along with the feel of his body pressed against mine. My anger turned into something else.

“I don’t enjoy it when you do this,” I said quietly, reaching out to unbutton his shirt.

"Do what?" He kissed down my neck, sending shivers across my skin.

"Win arguments unfairly."

He chuckled quietly. "I didn't say a bad word."

Alexander's fingers trailed to the zipper of my dress and unzipped it, slowly. Cold air brushed my skin, and his fingers trailed down my back. I removed his shirt from his shoulders because I desired his skin against mine.

“I am still angry at you,” I said quietly as he took me into the bedroom.

"Demonstrate how angry you are," he dared, his eyes glistening with determination.

Our clothes left a trail through the living room as we stumbled toward his bed, and we couldn't help touching one another. When we reached the bed, he helped lift me and lay me down, his body above mine and I felt good.

He took his time to feel and taste my body by using his hands and tongue. I desperately pulled him closer, absolutely wanting and needing him. As soon as he thrust into me, we both inhaled and it became almost too much for me.

"Elena," he said, bending over me, a sigh escaping his lips. "You have no idea how much you mean to me."

I put my legs around his waist and asked him to thrust more deeply. "Show me."

It was not slow or gentle. It was a powerful vow, with every movement revealing we were meant to be. I sank my fingers into his skin, marking him as he marked me with his teeth on my neck, and the sensation mounted to almost overwhelming.

I came in so much rush while I called out his name, then he came after me, his muscles tightening as he buried his face in my neck.

We stayed close after that, letting our skin dry from all the sweating. I placed my head on his chest and his heart began to beat more softly.

“I am still sleeping in my own bed,” I murmured as I touched his chest.

"Like hell you are," Alexander replied, his arm tightening around me. "You really think I'm letting you out of my sight after that?"

Holding myself up with one arm, I looked at him quietly. "You can't use sex to get whatever you want, you know."

"Can't I?" He grinned, seeming quite pleased with himself.

I playfully struck his chest. "You are impossible."

"You are stubborn," he said, taking my hand into his and kissing it. "I am more stubborn, though."

I sighed, for I knew I couldn't win. "Alright. One evening. But it is only because I am too weary to argue about it."

He smiled broadly. "Whatever you say."

I remained silent and comfortable for a while. I considered the robbery, the photograph, and the paintbrush. I had more questions, no answers.

"Alexander?"

"Hmm?" I was half asleep, and his fingers brushed softly through my hair.

“Do you think Sofia can visit tomorrow? I miss her, considering everything that has transpired.

He remained silent for a while, and I believed he had dozed off. Finally, he said, "Of course. I will instruct security to expect her."

I smiled, resting against his chest. "Thank you."

"Anything for you," he replied quietly, and I knew that he meant it. That sort of terrified me.
And now, knowing that there was a person who watched us from afar. I sensed that the threat was just beginning.