Chapter 31
“Hope the guy you’re hiding is good in bed, because he doesn’t seem to have much of a pair. I could’ve had you right now, and he wouldn’t have done
shit
He leaves laughing. Iran to lock the door behind him.
Alexander steps out of the bathroom and shoots me a dark look.
“Mind telling me why you didn’t let me come out? I would’ve shown that son of a bitch I’ve got way bigger balls then he does!”
“This is my business, not yours.”
I walk toward my half–torn robe and put it back on. I take indifference.
“Now leave the way you came in. If Hakim comes back, I’d rather you not be here.”
I head to the window to open it, but he grabs my arm tightly
“Where do you think you’re going? I’m not leaving until I get some answers.”
“Let me remind you you’re not supposed to be here.”
His grip tightons.
“Look at me when I’m talking to you!”
Since the beginning of this conversation, my eyes have been staring at nothing, I don’t want to meet his gaze.
He just heard all the horrific things Hakim said about me. He’s smart enough to understand how I’m treated and where I stand.
Outside gangs have no idea of my real position. They see me as the “cold, body princess” always barking orders.
He could’ve heard worse. I need to keep things in perspective. I can’t show weakness.
I finally looked into his eyes with a neutral expression, like nothing had happened.
“What happened here—forget it.”
Alexander responds with a bitter laugh:
“Who do you think I am?”
think you’re a guy who entered my room without permission!”
“Don’t take me for a fooll You and I both know I’m probably not the first to come into your room without consent! At least I didn’t try to touch you!”
He’s angry
“What are you talking about? I don’t know what you mean…”
“Why do you keep your mouth shut with him but have no problem mouthing off at me? I saw him on top of you. He was about to take you with or without your permission!”
Hake a laugh like he’s completely insane.
“I don’t know what you took before coming here, but you must be hallucinating”
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He looks at me, confused.
“Judging by the state of your robe, I doubt that, I saw him straddling you. Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about! Look at the bump on your forehead?
“Hakim and 1 fight often. You must’ve misunderstood. I fell accidentally”
“I don’t know why he didn’t rape you, but he intended to.”
“Stop talking about rapel Nothing happened”
My hands start trembling as I fake indifference.
“Why are you shaking? When Anis and Franck tried to rape you, you were more aggressive, but now…”
I can’t answer him.”
“I don’t know what you’re hiding or what’s going on in this villa, but it’s shady”
Istay expressionless
“That son of a bitch insulted me to my face. I held back from smashing his head into the wall.
“Do what you want, as long as Hakim doesn’t find out you were the one in my bathroom.”
“Why?”
Because I’m supposed to give my father information about you, not sneak you into my room and hide you.
“My father is very protective. He doesn’t accept one–night stands, especially not with a guy like you.”
“That’s the best lie you could come up with? Your father is far from protective. I heard Hakim say, “Your father said you’d be mine.”
I look him straight in the eyes, and he finally lets go of my arm. I use the chance to fix my robe.
“You’re smart enough to understand. What more do you want?”
“it’s not my business, like you said.”
He walks to the window, then turns back one last time
“Lock your door properly. But make sure to leave the window open so I can come visit again,” Alexander
He gives me a sly smile.
“Good night, doll”
He climbs through the window, grabs the tree, and disappears from sight.
I close the window behind him and look down to try and spot him, but he’s already gone.
What ki
t kind of shit have you gotten yourself into again, Inara?
I feel a light, very gentle touch on my cheek as sleep deeply
“Wake up, my little princess”
says.
I slowly open my eyes. I look at the person who just called me “princess.” A woman of medium height, with matte skin that reveals her Latin ongins, dark. green eyes, and long, thick black hair slightly streaked with gray. Her fine features are marked with a few winkles.
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Chapter 31
I sit up and hug her tightly while she laughs heartily.
“You’ve grown so much.”
Her Spanish accent is something I missed deeply.
1 smile at her, then release my embrace to let her breathe, Hean hack against the headboard while she comes closer and rests a hand on my thigh
“You’ve become a beautiful young woman.”
haven’t changed that much.”
“Of course you have! I haven’t seen you in two years!”
Flower my head in shame. I’m the only one responsible for the distance between us. I was so caught up in my father’s missions that I couldn’t spare sy attention for poor Maria
“I’m sorry, Maria. Things aren’t in my control.”
Maria is the only one I can be myself with. She knows me as if she gave birth to me–she’s the one who raised me.
No need for masks, She’s always been kind to me. I don’t have to be on the defensive with her.
“Since when does my little princess lower her head?”
“You know very well that to me, you’re not like the others
my dear. But don’t forget I’m an employee and you’re my boss.”
“know, my
“You know better than anyone that I’m also an employee, just like you.”
I grab her hand and place it on my cheek
“You’re my family.”
“Don’t say that.”
“Why not? It’s the truth.“”
“Your father always wanted you to see me as a housekeeper.”
“That’s what he wanted, but that’s not how I see you.”
“I was surprised when he called me back. He never liked the bond we shared.”
Khalid doesn’t love me, but that doesn’t stop him from being extremely possessive. He can’t stand feeling threatened by anyone, especially net by a “mere servant
“He only did it so I’d be more willing to move backinto this cursed villa,”
“We both know what he’s capable of”
Chapter 32
