From Alex’s POV
Isabella was late today. She knows my rule: punctuality isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a standard. I leaned back in my leather chair, the cold metal of my watch pressing against my wrist as I drummed my fingers on the desk. It’s a subtle reminder of how time is my silent weapon-my ticking message that I’m in control. Always.
She finally walked in, head low, eyes darting toward me, avoiding my gaze. It’s like she thought she could escape it, but she knows better. I gave her that cool, unbreakable look-the one that’s quiet yet deadly. “Isabella, you’re late.”
Her shoulders tensed, but she didn’t respond. Instead, she set her leather case on the desk, reaching for documents with a steady hand. I watched her-how she fought to appear collected, but I saw past the calm. Every part of her was on edge, as if she was waiting for me to react, to lose my patience. But I wouldn’t give her that satisfaction. Not yet.
“So, no explanation?” My voice was low, a controlled edge that told her this wasn’t something to brush off.
She looked up, finally meeting my gaze. Those dark eyes of hers-defiant and a little afraid. “Traffic was worse than usual,” she murmured, the words so careful, like they’d shatter if she wasn’t cautious.
“You’re a lawyer, Isabella. A professional. Yet, you can’t manage your own schedule?” I leaned forward, watching the way her cheeks flushed under my scrutiny. God, she was intoxicating when she was cornered.
I reached into my drawer, pulling out the slim, black folder-the contract she signed with all its beautiful, binding clauses. I flipped it open, running my finger down to the clause about punctuality and availability. “You signed this, remember? Your signature. Right here. And as per this, you’re bound to respect every aspect of it. Or do we need to renegotiate terms?”
She swallowed, her lips pressed tight. A little defiance still sparked in her eyes, though-she hadn’t entirely broken. Not yet. And that was half the thrill. Watching her fight, that little spark of rebellion, just enough to make it interesting.
“Understood, Alex,” she replied, voice clipped. But there was something simmering underneath, a tension that I knew too well.
“Good. Now come closer.” I kept my voice low, controlled, but she knew better than to disobey. She walked over, hesitant, hands at her sides. When she was close enough, I wrapped my fingers around her wrist, pulling her down to sit on the arm of my chair.
“Do you remember the other parts of our arrangement, Isabella?” I whispered against her ear, feeling her shiver beneath my touch.
“Yes,” she breathed, her voice soft but steady.
“Say it.”
“I remember… Daddy.” Her words were barely a whisper, but the way she said it-laced with resistance, a flicker of defiance still burning.
I released her wrist and leaned back, watching her for a long moment, seeing the turmoil flicker in her eyes. “You seem to forget why you’re here sometimes, Bella,” I continued, using the nickname only when I wanted her to feel stripped down, vulnerable.
She bit her lip, but her silence spoke volumes. I ran my fingers along her jaw, lifting her face until she had no choice but to look me in the eye. “You’re here because you signed away your control. You wanted this life, the power that comes with my name. So act like you understand that.” My voice was steady, yet I felt her tremble, a subtle shift in her breath.
“Alex, I-” Her voice wavered, like she had something to say but didn’t dare speak it. Typical Isabella, full of thoughts she never shares.
“Speak, Bella.” My patience was thin, yet it was my command that pulled the truth from her.
“It’s… nothing.” She averted her gaze, her usual defense, but I wasn’t having it.
“You think you can hide things from me? Every thought you have, every feeling-you think I don’t know it?” I let my words hang, letting her realize the gravity, the unbreakable hold I have.
But then, she surprised me. “And what if I don’t want to give you everything?” Her words were barely audible, but they carried weight.
I raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at my lips. “Oh, but you will, Bella. Every part of you belongs to me. Don’t make the mistake of thinking otherwise.”
We stayed locked like that, eyes daring the other to move, to break. She was playing with fire, and we both knew it. But then, just when I thought she might submit, she pulled back, taking a breath. “I don’t owe you everything, Alex. Not… all of it.”
Her words caught me off guard-a rare feat. I clenched my jaw, watching her, that inner battle raging behind her defiant gaze. “You’re walking a dangerous line, Bella,” I warned, my voice cold, calculated. “Remember who you’re talking to.”
She nodded, barely, but I saw her breath hitch, that subtle crack in her armor. I reached out, brushing my thumb over her cheek, soft yet possessive, and I could feel her pulse quicken under my touch. “Be careful, Bella. You’re not irreplaceable,” I whispered, though we both knew it was a lie.
Before she could respond, I leaned in close, letting my lips ghost over hers-a silent reminder of who held the power. But just as our lips almost touched, I pulled back, smirking at the frustration in her eyes. “Don’t forget who you belong to.”
I released her, giving her the space she clearly didn’t want, and returned my gaze to the contract on the desk. “Now, get out of my office,” I ordered, cold and detached, enjoying the confusion that flashed in her eyes. She opened her mouth, like she wanted to argue, but I cut her off with a wave of my hand. “I don’t repeat myself, Isabella. Out.”
She walked to the door, but just before she stepped out, she turned, one last look of defiance flickering in her gaze. “You’re not the only one who can play games, Alex.”
And with that, she left, the door clicking shut behind her.
I leaned back in my chair, smirking at her parting words. Oh, Isabella… you have no idea what you’ve just started.