Lila Hart's heart pounded, the crimson lipstick stain on Alexander Knight's shirt burning into her vision like a betrayal. Veronica's venomous words—"You'll never replace me"—echoed in her mind, fueling a storm of doubt and fury. The penthouse, a gilded cage forged by the contract that bound her to him, felt smaller, suffocating. Two years ago, she'd saved him from a burning wreck, her hands trembling as she pulled him from the flames. That act had ignited his obsession, turning her into his prisoner, but now, the possibility that he'd been with Veronica cut deeper than any contract clause.
"You were with her," Lila accused, her voice shaking as she pointed at the lipstick smudge. "Veronica. You're still hers, aren't you?" Her chest heaved, tears prickling her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She hated how much it hurt, how her body still craved him despite the sting of betrayal.
Alexander's blue eyes darkened, a dangerous glint sparking as he stepped closer, his towering frame filling the room. "You think I'd touch her?" His voice was low, a growl laced with both anger and amusement. "You dare accuse me, little flame?" He closed the distance, his sandalwood scent enveloping her, stirring the traitorous heat she despised.
"It's on your shirt!" Lila snapped, shoving at his chest, but her hands lingered, feeling the hard muscle beneath. "Don't lie to me. I'm not your fool!" Her voice cracked, torn between rage and the ache of wanting him, a need that had consumed her since their night on the island.
His lips curled into a wicked smile, one that promised retribution. "Jealousy looks good on you," he murmured, grabbing her wrists and pinning them above her head, pressing her against the wall. His body caged hers, his arousal evident as it pressed against her hip, igniting a pulse of desire she hated herself for feeling. "But you need to learn your place."
"Let go!" she hissed, struggling, but his grip was iron, his breath hot against her ear. Her body betrayed her, nipples hardening under her thin blouse, a shiver racing down her spine as his free hand slid to her waist, tugging her closer.
"You think I'd want her when I have you?" he growled, his lips grazing her neck, sucking hard enough to leave a mark. "You're mine, Lila. Every thought, every breath." His hand slipped beneath her skirt, fingers teasing the edge of her underwear, finding her already wet. She gasped, her hips bucking involuntarily, and he chuckled, dark and triumphant. "Your body knows who it belongs to."
"Stop," she whispered, but her voice was weak, her thighs parting as his fingers stroked her core, slow and deliberate, pushing her to the edge without mercy. Pleasure surged, raw and overwhelming, and she bit her lip to stifle a moan, hating how easily he unraveled her.
He released her wrists, only to lift her, carrying her to the nearby couch. He laid her down, his hands tearing her blouse open, exposing her lace bra. His mouth descended, sucking her nipple through the fabric, his teeth grazing until she arched, a cry escaping. "You accuse me, but you're the one trembling for me," he said, his voice rough with desire. His fingers slipped inside her, curling with precision, driving her wild as he pinned her with his gaze.
"Say you're mine," he demanded, his thrusts relentless, his thumb circling her sensitive bud. Lila shook her head, defiance fading as pleasure consumed her, her climax building until she shattered, crying his name despite herself. He didn't stop, drawing out her release until she was panting, trembling beneath him.
He leaned in, his lips brushing hers, his voice a possessive whisper. "Even if I touch another, you'll still be mine."
Her heart stopped, his words a knife twisting in her chest. Before she could respond, a sharp knock on the penthouse door broke the spell. A voice called through—Ethan Caldwell. "Lila, I have the evidence to free you. Open the door!"
Lila's breath caught, torn between Alexander's claim and Ethan's promise of salvation. What would she choose?