Chapter 32

Scarlett POV

Exhaling with a tremor, my legs almost gave way due to the sudden release of tension.

That taut feeling of fear receded like the tide, leaving behind a strange sense of weakness, as if I had just survived a life-threatening ordeal.

Alexander turned toward me, the moonlight illuminating his handsome face, which bore a reckless smile—that expression of assured victory made me both angry and powerless.

"Thank you," I managed to say, my voice still unsteady.

Attempting to walk past him, I desperately wanted to distance myself from him.

"I should get back before Tom notices I'm gone."

This excuse sounded so feeble even to my own ears, but at that moment I just wanted to escape.

As I passed by, Alexander grabbed my arm, pulling me back into the shadows.

"Leaving so soon? After I just saved you?"

My relief quickly transformed into new wariness.

"Alexander, please. I've experienced enough excitement for tonight."

I tried to make my voice sound tired yet firm, rather than filled with fear and secret anticipation.

"Is that so?" His fingers traced up my arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps.

"I think you've hardly experienced enough."

His voice was deep and husky, carrying a primitive allure that directly touched the most secret desires in my heart.

I tried to step back, but found myself against the wall again, the cold stone pressing against my back, in stark contrast to Alexander's hot breath before me.

I was trapped in between, with nowhere to escape. Panic spread through my chest, yet mixed with a shameful anticipation.

"Why are you doing this?" I demanded, anger temporarily overcoming fear.

"Aren't we allies?"

Alexander stood a few steps away, methodically adjusting his tie and cufflinks, as if nothing had just happened between us.

His composure was maddening.

While I was still immersed in the intense afterglow of our lovemaking, he appeared completely unaffected, his cold blue eyes revealing no emotion.

Only after he had everything in order did he lift his head and leisurely glance at me.

"Yes, didn't I protect you?"

Then he looked me up and down, his gaze sliding over my exposed skin like something tangible, his eyes flashing with undisguised interest and possessiveness.

"If I were you, I'd clean myself up, as if none of this ever happened."

I looked down at myself, a surge of resentment rising within me.

The once carefully matched evening gown was now disheveled, the delicate silk covered in wrinkles, several fine seams even torn open.

My hair bun had long since come undone, strands of hair falling messily around my neck, making me look like a rag doll that had been played with by a rowdy child.

Looking at Alexander again, he stood there in his impeccable suit, perfect as if he had just stepped off the cover of a fashion magazine.

There was no indication whatsoever that he had been making love with me in a confined space just fifteen minutes ago.

My hands clenched into fists as I wondered how I would escape from the Blair house looking like this.

Suddenly, a phone ringtone broke the silence.

Alexander glanced at the screen, then casually answered: "What is it?"

"Mr. Grey, where are you? The Blair event is about to end."

Luke's voice came through clearly; I could even hear him reminding Alexander of his evening schedule.

Alexander glanced at me, a predatory smile appearing at the corner of his mouth as he slowly licked his lips.

"Just enjoyed some... wild game, took a bit of time."

"Wild game? Is wild game being served at the Blair event?" Luke sounded genuinely confused.

Alexander put his other hand in his pocket, not answering Luke's question, as if he thought Luke was too stupid to deserve an explanation.

"I'll be right there," Alexander said, abruptly hanging up.

He put his phone in his pocket, buttoned his jacket, and impatiently glanced at me.

"If you can walk, follow me."

His tone was icy, clearly indicating he had no intention of waiting for me.

I barely managed to support myself, my legs feeling as heavy as lead.

The lingering sensations of shame and desire still coursed through my body, making me feel weak all over.

When I straightened up, my knees suddenly gave way, as if all strength had been drained from me.

I stumbled forward a few steps, falling uncontrollably into Alexander's embrace, colliding with his hard chest.

The scent of his aftershave mixed with the essence of our lovemaking made my heart race involuntarily.

"Acting fragile now won't have any effect."

Alexander said coldly, one hand holding his phone and the other pushing me away.

His cold voice instantly brought me back to reality, a wave of panic surging through my heart.

It was he who had made me this disheveled, and he thought he could just leave me here!

"You're just going to leave like this?"

I called out somewhat angrily when Alexander turned to leave.

Despite my resentment toward him, my voice carried a pleading and aggrieved tone that I hadn't even noticed myself.

In that moment, I hated my own weakness, and I hated Alexander for putting me in this situation.

But I was more afraid of facing the dangerous situation alone—if everyone saw me appearing at the Blair family party in this state, the consequences would be unbearable.

He stopped, turned his head, and raised one eyebrow, his blue eyes flashing with dangerous light.

"What more are you expecting? You've been clinging to me several times tonight already, still not satisfied?"

His tone was deliberately drawn out, displaying a unique intimacy that made my cheeks burn with humiliation.

"Alexander, you know that's not what I mean! At least, at least..." Take me with you.

The second half of the sentence was too humble; pride and fear intertwined, preventing me from uttering this weak plea.

I bit my lip, inwardly hating my own weakness.

As if he had enjoyed enough of my panic-stricken appearance, Alexander finally put away his playful smile.

He looked at me quietly, as if judging me.

"Enough, wait here for now."

His tone was non-negotiable, cold as a command.

He pried my fingers from his sleeve and walked away without looking back, his figure proud and cold, as if I wasn't worth even a second glance.