Chapter 12
The Next Day
PRISON
3:00 p.m.
I’m’on surveillance duty with Mathieu, watching over the inmates during craft activities.
But mostly, I’m keeping a close eye on Alexander.
I throw him discreet glances. I know he notices because he keeps glancing back at me, though he doesn’t say anything.
“Still thinking about what happened yesterday?” Mathieu asks.
I turn toward him.
“It’s in the past-even if I’m still pissed.”
“Be careful. Ismaël’s going to want revenge for the humiliation you put him through.”
Another name to add to my ever-growing list of enemies.
I look around at the inmates and notice Chris is sitting alone at a table, working on a craft. I walk over to him under Mathieu’s disapproving gaze-and that of the other prisoners. I sit down across from him. He looks at me awkwardly, then smiles.
I stare at him for a few seconds without saying anything.
“If they see you sitting at the same table as me, you could get in trouble.”
“I told you to use ‘tu’ with me. I don’t give a damn about trouble.”
“You ren’t seem like a prison guard.”
I let out a mocking smile.
“I hope Ismaël didn’t give you any trouble because of yesterday. Did he try anything last night?”
“He’s too afraid of Alexander to even consider revenge.”
I smile.
“What are you in for? You don’t seem like the shady type.”
“I thought you read all the inmates’ files.”
“I’m asking you to satisfy my curiosity. I don’t want to know the details of their crimes-that would probably keep me up at night.”
He smiles while continuing to work, eyes on me.
“I needed money. I broke into a house that was heavily secured. The police showed up quickly. I ended up here after the
trial.”
“That’s it? I’m disappointed. I was expecting something crazy-like a heist or drug dealing.”
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Chapter 12
“That’s it?’ Aren’t you supposed to uphold the law?”
I’d forgotten that part.
“I just mean… you got thrown in with rapists, murderers, and traffickers.”
“I accept the consequences of my actions.”
I give him a sincere smile, and he goes back to his task.
I sneak a glance at Alexander -he’s staring at me from head to toe.
“I’m going to the bathroom,” he says as he stands up.
Mathieu nods. He trusts him enough to let him go alone, unshackled, and unaccompanied.
Alexander walks toward the exit. I wait a few seconds before following, despite the accusing look Mathieu gives me.
I head in the direction of the bathroom when I’m suddenly shoved backward.
A hand presses firmly against my neck-but it doesn’t squeeze or hurt me.
“I knew a nosy
woman like you
would follow me.”
It could only be Alexander.
“It’s my job to follow you.”
“For a guard, you sure don’t care about the other inmates-just me.”
“Don’t think you’re special or unique. I’m just doing my job.”
He releases his grip on my neck and flashes a cocky grin.
I turn toward him, glaring.
“I can’t wait to confirm you’re not a real guard-just so I can snap your neck beautifully.”
I was about to respond when my phone rang. I step a few meters away to make sure he can’t hear.
I take my phone from my pocket and answer.
“Inara? It’s Larbi.”
Larbi is one of my father’s men. We’ve done several missions together, and they went well.
He’s one of the few who isn’t sexist toward me and gives me the chance to prove myself in the field.
I smile. It’s been a while since I’ve heard a friendly voice.
I glance discreetly at Alexander, checking if he’s trying to listen in.
“I’m calling because your father wants to see you in his office in thirty minutes.”
“He knows I’m busy.”
“He was clear—he wants you in his office in thirty minutes. He didn’t look like he was joking.”
“Is he angry? Or does he want to kill me?”
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Chapter 12
“You’re gonna get it. But better you go to him than make him come get you.”
“I’m on my way.”
He has a gift for comforting people-no tact at all.
At least now I’ll be emotionally prepared.
I hang up and sigh in frustration as I put away my phone.
I put on a blank face and walk back to Alexander, who hasn’t moved from where I left him by the wall.
He scans me up and down, then smirks.
“You reek of fear.”
I raise an eyebrow.
He was too far away to hear the call. And even if he did, there was nothing I said that could give me away.
“What kind of nonsense are you spouting now?”
“You’re good at hiding your feelings and emotions. But in front of me? You’re a rookie.”
Always with that word.
“I don’t know what you want from me, but cut it out.”
“Or what? You lost all credibility the second you showed up with that nasty bruise, doll. Not that you had any to begin with, but now? It’s even worse.”
If he knew how I got that black eye, he’d shut up with all this crap about credibility.
I hate how people are always doubting me.
He emphasized the word “doll” while keeping that smug smile.
And let’s be honest, that smile is dangerously intoxicating-with those perfectly white teeth and dimples that would almost make him look innocent if not for that predator stare.
He’s as sexy as he is dangerous.
And it’s starting to stir something deep inside me that I barely manage to control.
I can’t let myself get distracted.
“Stop looking at me like you want to devour me,” Alexander says.
I look away.
I was staring at his lips like I was about to jump him. I’m mortified.
Too bad he’s so arrogant, unbearable, vulgar-and, above all, an enemy.
Things could have been different.
“I’m not one of those girls who gets wet for you, Alexander Graves”
Lies.
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Chapter 12
He smirks arrogantly, eyes full of challenge, and moves dangerously close to me.
I don’t move an inch-I won’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me flustered.
He leans toward my lips, keeping a very thin, but deliberate distance.
“If you want, I can make you wet like the others. That way, you won’t have to be jealous.”
I feel myself blush instantly, and he smiles as I try to regain composure after his bold offer.
“You’re such a-”
He puts his hand over my mouth.
“Better not insult me if you don’t want me to follow through on my threats, doll.”
He removes his hand, and I shoot him a death glare.
“I’m not your
doll.”
I turn and walk toward the director’s office-I’m going to pretend to be sick so I can go meet my father.
Then I hear:
“That uniform hugs your pretty little ass perfectly. I’d love to spank it.”
I ignore his comment and keep walking toward the director’s office.
Forty-five minutes later….
