k, efficient movements. She didn't look back. With the cool composure of someone who h

pe, but to replay every detail of the previous night in her mind: his overwhelming strength, the cold precision of his movements, the way he had controlled

d hair. She knew that the time for deliberation was over; now was the time for action. She didn't need to slip back into

doors, her gaze steady, waiting

sharp ding announced the elevator's arrival.

ved into a barely

er fianc

lunged forward, his hand clamping around her wrist like a pair of handcuffs.

r phone?" he hissed, his voice low and venomous, a beastly

a hint of mockery in her eyes."Eddie? What are you

friends? Staying here?" His gaze swept across the lavish foyer, thick wit

ourse I know what this place is.

spoke clearly: "My fri

His trembling finger pointed at her neck. "

hed the faint red mark on the side of her neck. It wasn't a brand of shame; it was

instead, a cold smil

a soft click sou

r chamber she had ju

rom the shower. He leaned against the doorframe, water droplets dripping from his black

know who this man was, but the sheer, unguarded pow

around Alyssa's wrist. The amusement in his eyes

her

ut carried the weight

ence, Eddie's grip

g wildly in her chest-not from fear, but from the unexpected smoothness of her plan'

s voice trying to sound aggressiv

wicked smile curled at the corner of his mouth. "What's the matter? Your 'friend

a blow, confirming

timed. She didn't look away from him, but instead turned to Eddie, her

and stood her ground, a hint of relief in her eyes. She no longe

hed off the doorframe and closed

to Eddie, his expressi

a drawling edge. "She was with me last night. Now t

an's imposing figure, then at Alyssa's calm, faintly triumphant face.

icious glare, then spun around and

ep breath, her shoulders relaxing, a rush of relief washing over her.

ed with a potential "asset" of his. He leaned in close, his voice a whisper at her ear. "Don't look at me like that.