Chapter 8: Our First Kiss
990 Words
We walked past the main hall to a hidden balcony. The cold night air introduces a different atmosphere as it was the first time we had a romantic moment. Alexander wrapped his hands around my waist as the sounds of the party faded into the background.
Alexander expelled a leisurely breath, laying his hands on the railing. "I hate these things," he said.
I blinked, taken off, guarded by his honesty. "Then why start one?" I asked him.
He smiles. "Because power requires appearance and appearances require sacrifices, and there is one thing we cannot do, lying to ourselves or cheating nature."
There was something about the way he said it, the tiredness in his voice made my chest constrict.
I had always regarded him as untouchable, as a guy who went through life with easy control. But now, amid the sky, he simply looked… exhausted.
"Alexander…" I paused, then quietly inquired, "What do you want?"
His eyes met mine, and for the first time, I saw something raw in them. Vulnerability.
"You," he said so romantically.
The word was little more than a whisper, yet it impacted me harder than any pronouncement ever could.
My breath hitched. "Alexander, this… this was never the deal. It was a contract, and that wasn't part of the arrangement."
His face hardened not with what, but something deeper. "Do you believe that?" he asked me.
I paused without uttering any word.
He held me and closed the gap between us, his fingers touching my jaw, bringing my face up to his. "I couldn't resist him"
I felt the world tilt, my heart thumping so loudly I was sure he could hear it.
"But I want you to stay because I don't want to lose you.
Isabella," he muttered. "I need to know… if you’re here because you want to be."
His comments impacted something deep within me. Fear and yearning fought a battle inside me.
I did not know how to answer him.
Instead, I did the one thing I had sworn I wouldn’t do with him.
I embarrassed him as he pulled me to himself. The instant our lips touched, the world around us faded.
His kiss was slow, timid and frightened at first as if I might draw away or resist him. But when I didn’t, he intensified it, his hands tangled in my hair, his body crushing against mine.
It was not simply a kiss; it was a promise, confession and determination all in one.
When we finally drew apart, I was breathless and speechless, my fingers grabbing his shirt as if letting go would mean losing something crucial.
Alexander’s forehead lay on mine, his breathing unsteady. "So," he muttered, a grin flickering from his lips. "Was that part of the contract, or should we renegotiate?"
A giggle popped up despite the emotions battling within me. "You’re impossible."
"And yet," he continued, running his fingers over my face, "you’re still here."
For the first time since walking into his world, I felt like I wanted to be there.
But before I could say anything, his phone rang.
His jaw clenched as he drew it out, staring at the screen. His mood hardened instantly.
"What is it?" I asked. He breathed, and after some seconds, he slid the phone back into his pocket. "My father. He wants to see me. Now."
A terrible dread descended into my gut.
"Alexander…" I paused. "What does he want?"
His lips pushed into a narrow line. "If I had to guess?" He caught my stare, something inscrutable blazing across his eyes.
"He wants to remind me of my position."
I didn’t like the sound of it, not a bit.
And while I stood there, watching him walk away, one horrible question rang in my thoughts.
Something about his manner disturbed me. This was a guy who dominated boardrooms with a single look, a man whose presence could quiet a room—yet at the mere mention of his father, his whole body stiffened with something unknown.
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"You’re coming with me," he said.
I blinked. "What?"
"Not now, but this weekend. I want to take you someplace." His voice softened. "Somewhere away from all of this."
"This?" I waved vaguely toward the ballroom behind us.
His fingers brushed across mine, the tiniest of touches, but it sent warmth racing up my arm. "Because I want you to know something about me, too, Isabella." His voice fell, lower and more vulnerable, and I think I need us to have some time together."
I should have said no.
I should have reminded myself that this arrangement—this whole thing—was nothing more than a contract.
But the way he looked at me made it difficult for me to reject his request.
So, against my better judgment, I nodded.
Over the weekend, we embarked on our first vacation to a distant country.
The estate was nothing like the tall towers and luxurious hotels I had become used to in Alexander’s world.
It was silent.
Nestled deep inside the countryside, the spacious estate stood against rolling hills, surrounded by acres of beautiful flora. The air smelled nice, with beautiful flowers planted everywhere. It is soil, a startling contrast to the strong cologne and polished floors of the metropolis.
"The place…" I drifted off, unable to find the appropriate words to describe.
"Not what you expected?" Alexander’s voice sounded amused as he placed down our baggage.
"Not even close."
He grinned, pulling off his jacket and rolling up his sleeves. "Good."
For the first time since meeting him, he looked… calm. The tightness that typically perched on his shoulders had lifted, and for once, the Alexander Steele before me wasn’t a wealthy CEO or a guy shackled by family obligations.
Would I ever fully know the real Alexander? Or was this kiss simply another illusion in his world of power and control?
Find out in the next chapter!
- Writer
