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**
**
CHAPTER 36
-Zara’s POV~
Snow’s grip on my arm tightened and for a moment, I thought he might snap but instead, his voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “You think this is just business? You think I’m doing all of this for some
deal?”
He pulled me closer, his breath hot against my ear as he whispered through gritted teeth, “You’re mine, Zara. Stop pushing me.”
I felt my heart race from his words‘ closeness and intensity. His eyes were glowing, Glacier’s presence roaring inside him, barely held in check.
For a terrifying second, I thought he might lose
control.
But instead of fear, I felt something else–something darker, more dangerous.
I was angry, yes. But I was also… drawn to him. The
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power radiating off him, the raw possessiveness in his voice–it both scared me and pulled me in.
“You don’t own me,” I whispered back, my voice shaking but defiant. “You don’t get to control me.”
His eyes flashed, and I thought he might snap again. But instead, he let go of my arm, stepping back, his breathing heavy. “Don’t test me. Not now.”
His voice was barely controlled, but he was restraining
himself and Glacier.
For a moment, we stood there, breathing hard. My pulse thrummed in my ears. I had never seen him like *this–so raw, so… vulnerable, yet dangerous.
Just as I opened my mouth to speak, to say something, anything to break the tension, Ivan’s clap cut through
the moment.
“Well, isn’t this entertaining,” he drawled, stepping closer with that infuriating smirk on his face. “The perfect couple. Such passion, such fire.” He looked between us, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “But Zara, you should know by now that Snow doesn’t
share.”
Snow’s head snapped toward him. his eves narrowing
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“Watch it,” he warned.
Ivan chuckled. He was undeterred. “Oh, come on, Snow. Let’s not pretend you’re in this for anything other than the deal. We all know what this is about.”
My heart clenched as Ivan’s words hit their mark. He was playing on my doubts, the same doubts that had been eating at me for days. I knew he needed me for the business deal but hearing your useless ex, state it, made it hurt as well.
Snow stepped closer to Ivan, his jaw tight. “You should leave,” he growled. Thankfully, we were by the edge of the hall and not many people paid us any heed. “Before I make you.”
Ivan shrugged. “I’ll leave. But think about what I said, Zara.” His eyes flicked back to me, and I felt a cold
shiver run down my spine. “You know where to find me when you’re ready to talk.”
With that, Ivan turned and walked away. I let out a shaky breath. When I glanced through the corner of my eyes, Snow was still standing close. But now, more than ever, I needed answers. I needed to know where I
stood.
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“What was that about?” I asked, my voice coming out sharper than I intended.
Snow’s eyes flicked to mine, still glowing with Glacier’s presence. “What do you mean?” he asked, his voice gruff.
I crossed my arms, trying to steady my nerves. “You’re angry at Ivan because what he said is true? You, using
me to seal the deal with Marcus?”
He stared at me for a long moment. “Yes. I needed you, that much you know and you played along.”
I swallowed.
“You know how to handle people like Marcus. He’s impressed by…”
I cut in, finishing the words for him, “…strong women, and you’re the strongest person I know.” I sighed. “So that’s it? I’m just a tool to you? A way to get what you want?” @
Deep down, I hoped it wasn’t all there was to it.
His eyes hardened, but there was something else in them. “You’re more than that, Zara. But I can’t afford to
lose this deal. Not with Ivan circling like a vulture.”
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I swallowed hard, the pressure was the deal, Ivan’s threat, Snow’s possessiveness–it was all too much.
“You don’t get to make decisions for me, Snow, I’m not
yours to control.”
He stepped closer again “You are mine,” he said, his eyes boring into mine as his hand wrapped around his waist. “In every way that matters.”
Usually, one would think that a contract marriage like the one depicted in these romance novels would be strictly the male lead not having the female lead’s time but the reverse was the case with Snow Zephyr.
My breath caught in my throat as something stirred deep inside me.
I shook my head, stepping back. “I need space.”
Snow’s jaw clenched, but he nodded, stepping back as well. “Fine, you win.”
***
*
-Ivan’s POV~
As I walked away from the heated confrontation between Snow and Zara, a smug smile tugged at the
corners of my lins.
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Everything was falling into place perfectly.
Snow’s jealousy was eating him alive, and Zara was questioning everything. It wouldn’t be long before the cracks in their relationship started to show.
And when they did, I would be there to take full advantage.
I made my way to the bar, where my best friend and business partner, Aaron, was waiting for me. He raised an eyebrow as I approached, clearly amused by whatever chaos I had just left behind.
“So,” Aaron drawled, taking a sip of his whiskey. “How * did it go with the happy couple?”
I smirked, sliding onto the stool next to him. “As expected. Snow’s on edge, and Zara’s starting to crack.”
Aaron chuckled. “You always did have a way of getting under people’s skin.”
I shrugged, taking a sip of my drink. “It’s a gift.”
Aaron leaned closer, his face turning serious. “So
what’s the plan now? Do you really think you can take Snow down? He’s not exactly an easy target.”
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I smiled darkly, my mind already racing with possibilities. “Snow’s vulnerable. His weakness is Zara, and he knows it. He hates sharing and he loves his
control on people. All I have to do is keep pushing, and eventually, he’ll make a mistake.”
“And Zara?” Aaron asked, raising an eyebrow. “You really think she’ll come back to you after everything?”
I smirked, confidence surging through me. “She doesn’t have a choice. Her father’s company is circling the drain, and Snow can’t save it. But I can.“2
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