Zara

"Zara, I know we should have talked about that intimacy we had two days ago. We were both hurt and emotionally turbulent. But I wanted to give you some space, considering what you’ve been through." Alpha Kane clenched his jaw, carefully maneuvering, and continued.

"So talk to me. Whatever you feel, and if you think this is a bad idea. Remember, I will never touch you without your consent."

Oh! Alpha, how you always know when and how to say the right words.

The tenderness with which he treated me because of my injuries. The way his gaze licked my body, like a hungry snake coiling around his neck.

But in the future, I had to follow my heart; if we continued down this path, nothing good would come of it.

"If you think I regret sleeping with you, then no. I don’t," I replied calmly, but inside, I was restless.

"Then why?" Alpha asked, glancing sideways at me.

How would I explain to him that I was giving in to my emotions and couldn’t stay away? I was afraid of his reaction, afraid he would isolate himself from me.

"I don’t like sleeping next to Alpha Kane. I was vulnerable that day, but I can’t continue down this path knowing we’re just pretending."

Hearing my words, he exhaled slowly; the force with which he clenched his jaw seemed capable of cracking a walnut. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

His gaze was fixed on the road, and he was silent for a few seconds.

"I just wanted to distract you so you wouldn’t get depressed. I understand your concerns and won’t push you, but I’m here if you need me, in any capacity." His words were thick with pain and disappointment; he didn’t look in my direction, focusing instead on the road.

"Thank you for understanding," I muttered.

After that, silence fell between us, and I had no idea what to say to him. I turned my head and silently stared out at the street.

It seemed like everyone was in a hurry.

Alpha Kane turned the car, and we walked out onto the street leading to his palace. As we pulled up, the guard opened the door, and the car pulled in.

Alpha Kane turned off the engine and sat motionless for a few seconds, gripping the steering wheel as if he wanted to yank it away.

His face was as stiff as graphite. I wanted to reach out and touch him, to relieve some of the tension.

’What was he thinking?’ Nova was curious.

’Turning to face me, our eyes finally met, and his was filled with despair.’ I clenched my teeth.

’But why?’ Nova rolled her eyes.

’He could sleep with anyone. It’s not like he had no shortage of women willing to sleep with him.’ I replied to Nova.

’So why was he so gloomy?’ Nova was still there.

He reached out and paused near my face, as if asking permission to take it. ’Fool. I didn’t tell him not to touch me.’

I leaned my face forward and let it rest in his huge hand. His fingers curled around my skin, the touch as soothing as a breeze through cherry blossoms.

"I can still touch you and kiss you, right?" he begged, his gaze wandering over my face, probably trying to gauge my mood.

"Yes, you can."

I guessed he was asking permission because we still needed... He was torturing me.

I’m trying to play the role of a fake boyfriend and girlfriend.

His stern face softened only slightly. "Good to know. Come on, you must be tired." He removed his hands and stepped out of the car, taking his warmth with him.

Kaysir opened the door on my side, and I stepped out, thanking him.

Alpha led me inside, but an awkward silence fell between us.

"Welcome back," Asbela greeted us warmly, while Alpha gave her dinner instructions, since he hadn’t eaten ramen. I decided to call it a day and just get some sleep.

Reaching my room, I changed into my night clothes, brushed my teeth, and lay down on my bed.

Unfortunately, sleep was elusive, and I couldn’t sleep no matter how much I tossed and turned.

Grabbing my phone, I decided to text Sophia. With someone I had no connection with. The night promised to be long, and there was no way I was going to spend it alone.

***

Soon, I was ready for the office. Grabbing my purse, I went downstairs and saw Alpha Kane pacing the living room, furiously typing on his phone.

His brow furrowed even more, and I couldn’t help but ask.

"Did something happen?" I asked.

He looked up, irritation flickering in his dark eyes.

"Yeah, Amanda broke her ankle. We need a new star. This damn day has started with a catastrophic slump, and it’s just not going anywhere."

Damn! This was bad.

"Oh! Do we have a backup?" I asked, stepping closer and seeing him in tension.

"No one can compare to Amanda, but we have a few options." And then his face lit up, and all those obstacles vanished. "I know you’re trying to keep a low profile, but would you be interested in playing this role?"

Me? I was absolutely no model. I’d already done my part in the runway show, but that was just for fun. It was an important event for the company.

"No, I can’t. I’m not even at rehearsal." I frantically shook both hands in front of me, and Alpha Kane had to bite his lower lip. If I hadn’t been so tense, I would have found it incredibly tempting.

There was a lot of tension in the pack because of Marcus, but Alpha was relaxed. I had never seen Alpha in such tension when he had taken my brother back. Now I was watching him with tension, amazing..

"Let’s go to the office, and then we’ll decide. Let’s go."

I calmly allowed him to lead me to the car. The constant calls distracted him and gave me time to think things through.