Chapter 2
348 Words
He tried to summon the arrogance that usually acted as his armor, the red-flag confidence of a man who had never been told no.
"Get out of my way, Matthew. My father will have your head for this. Do you have any idea what happens to guards who forget their place?"
Matthew didn't flinch.
He took a slow, deliberate step forward. The leather of his shoes creaked.
"I’ve known my place since I was fifteen, Alexander. I’ve lived in your shadow. I’ve breathed the air you discarded. I’ve watched every single person you let into your bed, every girl who thought she could touch what belongs to me."
Alexander’s brow furrowed, a flicker of confusion crossing his face.
"What the f**k are you talking about? I don't care who you watch."
Matthew smiled.
It wasn't a warm expression; it was a predatory baring of teeth.
He stepped closer, invading Alexander's personal space, the heat from his body radiating through the thin fabric of the heir's shirt.
"Do you remember Chloe? The blonde from the club three months ago? The one who suddenly stopped calling? Or Marcus? The boy with the lip piercing who vanished after that weekend in the Hamptons?"
Alexander froze.
The air in the room seemed to thicken.
"They just... they moved on. They left."
"They didn't leave,"
Matthew whispered, his voice dropping to a primal, guttural register.
He reached out, his fingers grazing Alexander’s jawline.
The touch was light, but the grip tightened suddenly, bruising the skin.
"I cleared the path. I pruned the garden. I spent years scrubbing the filth of other people off your skin. I was protecting me from them. Because I’m the only one allowed to touch you. I’m the only one allowed to break you."
Alexander’s eyes widened.
The reality of the situation crashed over him like a freezing wave.
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