ALEXANDER POVIsabella's eyes widened in horror, and I took a step back, trying to grasp the abrupt change in her demeanor.Her panic was unmistakable as her eyes darted around, scanning for possible escape routes. I could see the fear etched on her face."Relax," I urged, reaching out to steady her trembling shoulders. "It's just Lucas. Why are you so scared?"Her response came out in a rush of words, anxiety lacing every syllable. "You don't understand, Lucas will think something is going on between both of us. He's..." She hesitated, struggling to find the right words."He's what?" I prodded gently, my concern growing."He's not a nice person," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And he may blow things out of proportion if he sees us here alone."My mind raced to process what she had just said. Lucas is my brother, and even though we weren't best friends, even though I didn't trust him still I didn't expect Bella to be nervous about his presence."Isabella, what do you mea

ISABELLA'S POVI knew I didn't nod because I accepted what Edward was saying, but just for the acknowledgment that I heard him. Whatever thoughts I had about Alex was the furthest thing from my mind, as all I could think about was the fact that Edward didn't want me to actualize my dreams. I had given up on having children just because he didn't want kids. He didn't want any conflict over his properties to arise after his demise between his children and any children I may have. Even though I've always wanted children, I gave up on that dream because Edward didn't want any more children.I knew I would disobey him this time.I rose to my feet, took his plate, and mine, then headed over to the sink. I rinsed out the plates and proceeded to load them into the dishwasher. The maid hadn't come yet and I needed the chore to keep me busy.I stared at my phone screen, barely managing not to cry. I texted Brianna about my conversation with Edward and I awaited her response. I just hoped she wa

ISABELLA'S POVFive minutes later, I turned to watch him as he locked the door to his room and reached to undo the buttons of his shirt. I didn’t even spare any time as we’d barely made it to the room without attacking each other.He’d constantly palmed me at the most unexpected moments, his finger slipping into my tank top to rub my nipples every chance he got, bringing me way too close to the brink.I couldn’t wait for him to be lodged inside me. I couldn’t recall ever feeling so wild, unrestrained, and excited, which wasn't too long ago though, in this same room.He stalked me like a predator after its prey as he shoved his shirt aside. I retreated at the tease, ready to become thoroughly exposed to him, while I reached to my side to pull down the zipper of my tank top. My breasts spilled out as I pulled the material away, my hands molding as much of the masses as I could handle.The flare of appreciation in his eyes spurred me on, my teeth nibbling on my bottom lip.“You’re so fuc

ALEXANDER'S POVShe walked out angrily, her hand brushing her curls out of her face.“Bella,” I called out. She ignored me. I decided to go after her. She had gotten to her bedroom door when I caught up with her.“Can we talk?”She stared at me, her gaze boring into mine and then she shook her head as if to clear it.“No,” she said. “There’s no need. There's nothing to talk about.” With a smile, she turned around, entered her room, and banged the door in my face."C'mon! What did I do? Did I say something wrong? Why are you getting so upset?"No response."Look, I said I wanted something more. If you don't want more, that's understandable. I just... hell, I don't even know what I'm apologizing for."I waited again to see if I would get a response but she had ignored me through it all.I wanted to knock until she opened the door, but my pride wouldn’t allow me. She had pushed me away once… So this time around, she had to be the one to come to me. And if she didn’t, then so be it."Jeez

ALEXANDER'S POV I prowled the executive floor toward the elevator. I just couldn't bear to be in the same building with Lucas and my father.I headed to the elevator, towards the ground floor. I was waiting for the goddamned slow elevator. I saw a chubby lady with very short hair. I had never seen her in the building before. Perhaps she was a new staff member.She smiled at me, and I returned the gesture. It wasn't new for ladies to flirt openly with me. We both stood side by side to wait for the elevator, but then she kept glancing at me until finally, I met her gaze.“I apologize,” she said. “But I have a question for you.”“Sure.”“Are you by any chance related to the CEO? I heard he has two sons and I only know one. I heard the younger one will be joining us soon so... Are you the boss's son?”For a moment, I just stared at her, and then I looked around me, not exactly sure what I was checking for. “Uh...” I didn’t know how to respond to that."Well... Yeah. I'm the younger son."