Chapter 69
“Here, eat these. Finish them before you head back,” I said, handing Lucas the plate of pastries.
Locs took the plate and stared at me warily
“Go on, eat,” lurped, glancing at him again. His pale, gaunt face tugged at my heartstrings.
The sounds of chatter and footsteps outside the rock garden grew louder. Turning my head, I caught sight of Alex standing by the fountain, his sharp eyes scanning the area as though he were looking for someone.
“Shit!” Panic jolted through me.
I noticed his expression beginning to turn fnstrated.
“Eat up and be careful on your way back.” I said hastily, not waiting for a reply before slipping away.
1 carefully cicled around, coming up behind Alex. But when it came time to address him, 1 hesitated.
alling him “Mr. Hastings” felt too formal for this setting, given my role as his date. So, Icleared my throat and called out, “AL”
Alex whipped around, his gaze mmediately landing on me. His brows drew together in frustration, “Where did you go?”
“L“My mind raced for an explanation.
Before 1 could say anything, I was pulled forward by a sudden force, and I found myself pressed against Alex’s chest
My eyes widened
His scent was subtle yet intoxicating. It was a clean, alluring fragrance that seemed to envelop me entirely. I breathed it in before realizing what was happening.
Alex released me just as abruptly, and 1 quickly fumbled with the folds of my gown to avoid meeting his eyes. I meticulously smoothed out every crease in the fabric unt there was nothing left to fuc Only then did I dare to look up
“I sold you not to wander off Didn’t you hear me? Alex’s posture was rigid, his height adding to the authority in his tonë.
“L” looked down, tumbling for an excuse. “I was bored. I just wanted to walk around.”
“Don’t leave my sight again. Do you understand he warned.
Nodding obediently, I slipped my arm through his outstretched one
The gala continued, but my thoughts were elsewhere.
Alen hugged ine. I couldn’t understand why Was it out of concem?
This wasn’t the first time Alex had done something misleading. Thinking back to past moments and now this one, I felt warmth rising to my cheeks. Was it Intentional, or was it
If it was intentiond, why?
A hundred questions swirled in my head, but 1 sticthwy avoided thinking of the answers. I lacked the courage to confront the possibility.
“What’s wrong” Alex asked, is ge dropping to meet mine. His brows furrowed slightly. “Why is your face so red?”
