Alexander pov
I couldn’t sleep.
With a frustrated sigh, I sat up, reaching for the pack of cigarettes and lighter on the desk. I needed something-anything-to stop the thoughts clouding my mind. But no matter how many drags I took, the gnawing feeling wouldn’t go away.
What the hell was this? Guilt? No, it couldn’t be. I was Alexander Knight-cold, ruthless, and immune to such pathetic emotions. Or so I thought.
Running a hand through my hair, I exhaled sharply before flicking the cigarette into the ashtray. Smoking wasn’t cutting it. I needed something stronger. A drink. If a cigarette couldn’t do the job, then a bottle of whiskey sure as hell would.
I walked out of the room, brushing a few stray strands of hair from my face. Before I realized it, my eyes drifted toward her door, and I frowned. Shoving my hands into my pockets, I walked past it, my expression unchanging.
After yesterday’s events, I had shut everyone out-especially that fool, Daniel, who had plenty to say about how ruthless I was to the poor girl. But I didn’t care. This is who I am.
Ruthless when it comes to punishing those who deserve it. And Valentina? She needed to learn her place, to understand fear.
The image of her trembling yesterday flashed in my mind, and a smirk tugged at my lips. That should teach her a lesson.
I hadn’t even gotten far when I noticed the light in the kitchen was on. My brows furrowed, and instinctively, my hand reached for the gun tucked securely at my back. The cold metal pressed against my palm, as my gaze sharpened.
Nico’s men got in again? Those bastards wouldn’t stop, would they? This time, I would send their heads back as a warning.
I walked toward the kitchen, clicking the safety off the gun and keeping it leveled. My eyes narrowed on the figure as I pressed my finger on the trigger, ready to shoot. But just as I was about to fire, I froze mid-action, stunned to find Valentina standing before me.
The girl who had been scared out of her mind yesterday now stood in front of me, her smile wide as she gazed at something.
“What the fuck,” I muttered under my breath, my brain struggling to process the sight before me. But as I was struggling to make sense of everything at once,
“Oh my God!” Valentina gasped, her footing faltering. She began to fall, and before I even realized what I was doing, my body reacted instinctively. Time seemed to slow as the gun slipped from my hand, clattering to the ground beside me.
I moved forward, my arms wrapping firmly around her waist to stop her descent, pulling her flush against me.
The moment I touched her, a sharp, shaky breath escaped me, leaving me momentarily stunned.
Her arms instinctively wrapped around my neck, and she leaned in, her breath coming out in uneven gasps, making me freeze.
“Oh my God! I almost died. I was so close to kicking the bucket,” she cried, her grip on me tightening as she leaned closer, her head resting against my neck.
Her body felt warm against mine. How was I reacting to her-this foolish girl?
“That was really close,” she mumbled under her breath, and the corner of my lips curved into a sneer as my gaze darkened.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I asked, my voice low and laced with a dangerous edge. I felt her immediately stiffen in my arms, a startled gasp escaping her lips.
“What did I say about being touched? You don’t listen, do you?”
She slowly moved back, her wide eyes locking with mine, blinking as though trying to process what had just happened.
“I-it was a mistake…” she stammered, trying to wriggle away from me, but I tightened my grip, refusing to let her go.
Before she could protest further, I strode to the kitchen counter, placing her on it with ease. I stepped between her legs, parting her thighs with my own as I stood firmly in front of her, effectively trapping her in place.
Her breath hitched, her wide eyes meeting mine as she sat frozen, unsure of what to do.
“Tell me, what are you doing here? Can’t you fucking stay in one place for once?” I hissed through clenched teeth. Damn it, why was I so angry? I was supposed to be cool and collected, always in control. But whenever I saw this girl, I could barely contain the urge to snap.
“B-because I’m hu-”
“Because of what?” I interrupted, my voice sharp as I leaned closer, towering over her. She instinctively leaned back, her wide eyes darting to mine. “Tell me why you disobeyed my orders to stay in your room. Whatever you’re about to say better be a damn good reason-”
Before I could finish, she cut me off with an exasperated sigh, catching me completely off guard.
“That’s what I’m trying to say! You won’t let me speak!” she snapped, glaring up at me with unexpected defiance. I froze, momentarily stunned. “What else would I be doing in the kitchen except trying to eat? I’m starving, in case you’re interested, because of a certain someone, and I was about to grab that.” She jabbed her finger toward the cabinet with a huff.
Did I… did I just get yelled at?
How dare she?!
I opened my mouth, about to speak, but she cut me off again. “I want that. I’m really hungry right now, could you help me get two packs of ramen?” Her words were followed by a loud growl from her stomach, and I followed her fingers to see what she was pointing at.
Noodles?
“What the hell does that have to do with me?” I asked, folding my arms together. Did she think I would do whatever she said just because she asked me to? I am a man who gives orders, not one who follows them.
Most of all, I would never help someone who had the Vance blood running through them.
Never.
—
“Oh my God! Finally, this is incredible!” Valentina closed her eyes, letting out a soft moan of satisfaction as she slurped the noodles, her mouth chewing noisily. She wiped her lips with the back of her hand, clearly enjoying every bite.
My frown deepened as I watched her, disgusted by the way she ate-like an animal, without a care in the world.
Repulsive.
She must have sensed my stare because she glanced up and met my gaze. A smile spread across her face, her eyes sparkling with an unexpected luster that caused me to stiffen for a brief moment.
“Sorry, where are my manners?” She said with a sheepish grin, pushing the pot of noodles toward me. “You should eat too, it tastes really good!”
I raised an eyebrow and glanced at the food she was offering me.
Unhealthy.
I ignored her offer, instead walking over to the wine rack. I casually picked up a bottle of whiskey, turning to find her eyes still glued to it, her gaze sparkling with interest.
“You know…” She said, her gaze lingering on the bottle of whiskey in my hand. “Alcohol and ramen go surprisingly well together.” She quickly added, seeing my look, “Not that I’m asking for any or anything, just saying.”
I exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of my nose. This was too much. This girl… she had a way of getting under my skin without even trying.
I set the bottle down on the desk with a quiet thud, my mind struggling to catch up with my emotions. What the hell was I even doing?
“You really didn’t have to” She laughed, her hand reaching for the bottle without hesitation.
“We should drink together-” she started, but before she could finish, I turned on my heel and walked away without a word, not bothering to spare her a second glance.
So annoying.