Fated Love Tribulation

Chapter 9

"Go out? Why?" Serena's lips curled into a mocking smile as she continued to toy with the glass in her hand.

"You're always craving a man, aren't you? If that's what you want, I don't mind satisfying you," Alexander growled, his eyes burning with barely contained rage. He glared at her like he was ready to devour her whole. This was only their third encounter, yet she had an uncanny ability to provoke him beyond reason.

"Oh? Is that what this is?" Serena chuckled, covering her mouth as she laughed. Was he seriously jealous right now?

"Do you really want it that badly?" Alexander's eyes narrowed, his voice laced with irritation. His intensity was overwhelming, as though he was on the verge of either kissing her or tearing her apart.

"Yeah, I guess so," Serena replied, raising an eyebrow and smirking. She was starting to find this little game of teasing him incredibly entertaining.

"Fine. You're coming with me." Without another word, and certainly without any concern for her comfort, Alexander grabbed her slender arm and dragged her through the bar, not caring who might be watching.

The night air hit them with a cool breeze as they stepped outside, the streets eerily empty under the glow of streetlights.

Before she could say anything, Alexander yanked her close and crushed his lips against hers. It wasn't a kiss of tenderness—his mouth was rough and demanding, giving no room for protest. If this was what she wanted, he was more than willing to give it to her—on his terms.

Serena's heart pounded in her chest as she endured the brutal kiss. He was far more intense than she had anticipated. She gasped involuntarily, the sound breaking the moment between them.

Alexander suddenly pulled back, eyes shut tight as if trying to regain control. He inhaled deeply before slowly exhaling, then opened his eyes to meet her gaze. His calm exterior betrayed the raging fire within.

"That's it?" Serena c****d her head, her lips—now swollen from his assault—glistening in the moonlight, as if daring him to do more.

"You're not satisfied? Or is it that you want much more than this?" His voice was eerily calm, but the heat in his eyes was undeniable. How could a woman be this shameless? If it had been another man tonight, would she have gone with him just as easily?

"Of course. Why else would I go out with you?" she teased, her sultry laugh carrying through the night air. Her golden waves danced in the breeze, making her look all the more irresistible.

"Fine. You'll get what you came for. Tonight, you'll be mine again," he growled through gritted teeth. Before she could respond, he hoisted her over his shoulder like a sack of flour and stormed toward the car.

"Oh? I hope you don't disappoint me, then," she taunted, her fingers lightly tracing his back. She had to admit, he was as rough as they came. Who carries a woman over their shoulder like this? Good thing it was night—if this were in broad daylight, she might have died of embarrassment.

"Disappoint? I never disappoint," Alexander retorted with a dark chuckle.

"Hmm, we'll see about that," Serena replied, her voice low and teasing, her body pressed against his in a way that would drive any man wild. Her breasts were snug against his back, sending a new wave of heat through both of them.

The wind blew cold as they sped through the empty streets, the night thick with tension. Glancing over at him, Serena took in the sharp lines of his jaw and his brooding expression. His lips, now pursed in frustration, were surprisingly… kissable. An impish grin spread across her face as she leaned over, planting a loud kiss on his cheek. The sound echoed in the quiet car.

Alexander slammed on the brakes so hard that the tires screeched against the asphalt, sending sparks flying.

"Why the hell did you stop?" Serena asked, turning to him with an innocent look, as if nothing had just happened.

Alexander stared at her, his hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white. He had never wanted to throttle someone as much as he did in that moment. The desire to crush her was almost overpowering.

"Easy now," she cooed, her soft hands lightly patting his forearm, both soothing and teasing.

"So, this is how you like to seduce men?" he muttered, capturing her hand in his own. There was a glimmer in his eyes that suggested he was enjoying the game far more than he let on.

"Seduce?" Serena smirked. Men didn't need much encouragement; they were easy creatures. But she kept that thought to herself, instead of leaning in and pressing a feather-light kiss to his lips. "Don't you like it?"

"Like it? I love it," Alexander growled through gritted teeth before yanking her into his arms, his lips crashing onto hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch.

"Wait, hold on! You're hurting me," Serena protested, pushing against him as his hold tightened. Was this guy really that impatient?

After what felt like an eternity, Alexander released her, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he tried to compose himself. "I thought you'd like it," he said, his voice rough.

"I didn't hate it," she said playfully, smoothing her hair and tossing him a teasing wink.

Ignoring her, Alexander floored the gas pedal, and the car shot off into the night like a bullet.

She couldn't remember when the car stopped, nor how they ended up inside. All she knew was that their clothes littered the floor, strewn across the hallway like breadcrumbs leading to the bedroom. The sounds that filled the room would make anyone blush, but Serena's eyes remained wide open. She stared at him, taking in the familiar angles of his face. A faint smile played on her lips, though her eyes remained devoid of emotion. It was as if she were detached from the whole experience, as if the woman writhing beneath him wasn't her.

Alexander's lips moved against hers, but suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her. Blood filled her mouth, the taste metallic and thick. She closed her eyes, willing herself to be present, to sink into this moment of passion.

"You're being naughty," Alexander murmured as he pulled back slightly, gazing down at her. He had caught her drifting off. It was an affront to his ego.

"I'm enjoying myself," Serena purred, her arms wrapping around his neck as she kissed him once again, this time with more fervor, more heat.

But still, somewhere deep inside, she remained cold.