FATED T
1000 Words
CHAPTER 17
“Don’t Touch What’s Mine.”
---
Hazel’s POV
Another morning.
Another carefully constructed mask.
Another day pretending that nothing had happened — that his lips had never brushed mine.
But the memory… it clung to me.
I could still feel the press of his mouth, the fire in his touch, and the exact moment he pulled back and became cold again.
And today?
He was colder than ever.
Ice in his voice. Ice in his stare.
It was like we’d taken a step forward only to be shoved ten paces back.
---
I typed mindlessly at my desk, forcing myself not to look at his office door. Not to wonder what he was thinking. Not to hope for… anything.
Then my phone buzzed.
Rose:
> “Mr. Wilson has a high-level meeting in 30 minutes. You're to accompany him. Be ready.”
I straightened my blouse, grabbed my tablet, and reminded myself to breathe.
Professional. Composed. Untouched by last night.
Even if my heart was a mess.
---
At the Conference Room
The doors opened, and I followed Alexander inside. His stride was confident, his expression unreadable.
Several executives were already seated — all power and arrogance wrapped in designer suits.
And then…
Him.
Mr. Damien Carter.
His smirk curled the moment his eyes landed on me. He stood, approaching far too quickly for my liking.
“Well, well…” he drawled, looking me over like I was a glass of champagne.
“Still following the Ice King around, I see. You're prettier up close.”
I froze.
I didn’t want to cause a scene. But I didn’t know how to move either.
And that’s when it happened.
“She’s not here to entertain you.”
Alexander’s voice cut through the room like a knife.
The conversation stopped.
Heads turned.
Alexander’s gaze was murderous.
His jaw tight.
His eyes locked on Damien like he was seconds away from tearing him apart.
“Back off,” he added sharply.
Damien chuckled nervously, backing away.
“Relax, Wilson. Just being friendly.”
Alexander didn’t respond.
He didn’t need to.
The message was loud and clear.
---
The rest of the meeting passed in silence — tense, strained silence.
I barely heard a word. My heart was still pounding from how fiercely he’d stepped in.
From the way he had claimed me without even touching me.
---
After the meeting, I reached for my notepad.
Alexander stepped beside me — so close I could feel his heat.
His voice was low, almost growled into my ear.
“If he touches you again, he won’t walk out of this building.”
I turned, startled.
His face was hard, but his eyes — those stormy eyes — they were burning.
And for a second… I forgot how to breathe.
Why does he keep doing this?
Pushing me away… then pulling me back?
Before I could respond, he walked away.
Just like that.
---
Alexander’s POV
I slammed my office door.
The image of Damien leering at Hazel was burned into my mind.
His smug smile. His hand moving too close.
I should’ve ignored it. I should’ve let it slide.
But I couldn’t.
The rage was instant. Primal.
I wanted to rip his arm off just for standing near her.
What the hell is wrong with me?
She’s my assistant.
And yet… the thought of another man touching her makes my blood boil.
I closed my eyes, pressing my fingers against my temple.
This wasn’t just about professionalism anymore.
It was personal.
Too personal.
And the more I tried to stay away…
the more I couldn’t.
---
Meanwhile… ☕
Flashback — Raymond & Mia
“How Trouble Began”
Two days earlier.
The first time I walked into that café, I was just desperate for caffeine.
And there she was.
Mia.
Hair in a messy bun. Flour on her cheek. Arguing — loudly — with the espresso machine.
She smacked the side of it. “Work, damn you!”
I leaned on the counter, amused. “Need a hand?”
She turned. Eyes sharp. Voice sharper.
“Unless you're a barista-s***h-electrician-s***h-miracle worker, back off.”
I grinned. “Well, I’m not a miracle worker… but I do own a few coffee shops. Want a new machine?”
That made her pause.
Her eyebrow arched. “Oh, you’re one of those. Rich, arrogant, and charming.”
I laughed. “Only the charming part is true.”
“Raymond Knight,” I said, offering my hand.
She took it slowly. “Mia.”
The moment our hands touched, something clicked.
Not love at first sight — no.
But… interest. Challenge. Spark.
---
Today
I texted her on a whim.
Me:
> Coffee date? My treat. Unless you're scared.
Her reply came fast.
Mia:
> Please. Bring your best game. You’ll need it.
I grinned.
This girl…
She wasn’t like the others.
And for once, I didn’t want her to be.
---
Hazel’s POV — Back at the Penthouse
That night, I stood by the balcony, staring at the city lights.
Wind tangled my hair. The moonlight touched the glass.
And all I could think about was his voice in my ear.
“If he touches you again, he won’t walk out of this building.”
I pressed a hand to my chest.
What was I doing?
What were we doing?
I wasn’t just falling anymore.
I was already in too deep.
And I wasn’t sure I’d survive the landing.
---
Alexander’s POV — Alone in His Office
I watched the security feed.
Hazel… standing on the balcony.
Hair blowing in the wind. Eyes lost in the skyline.
She looked so small.
So alone.
And yet, in that moment — she was the only thing anchoring me to this world.
---
TO BE CONTINUED… 💥
Next:
Hazel’s breaking point.
Alexander’s jealousy turns into something more dangerous.
And Raymond’s coffee date with Mia? Sparks are about to FLY. ☕🔥
💬 Comment if you’re ready for Chapter 18!
- Writer
