The Alpha’s Forbidden Bond

Chapter 07

Elena’s POV

“What the hell?” l whispered to myself as l stared at my hands resting on an unfamiliar blanket. My eyes scanned the room, and when l realized the bedding didn’t belong to me or Chloe, l shot upright. A naked stranger no, a perfect Adonis lay beside me!

What happened? Oh my gosh!

I quickly wrapped the blanket around my body, then yanked the part covering him aside before shutting my eyes and turning away. l gathered my scattered clothes in silence and dressed as fast as l could. After that, l snatched my belongings and bolted from the room like my life depended on it.

The second the elevator doors slid shut, my head began spinning. It throbbed painfully as clear memories from the previous night flooded my mind like a rushing waterfall. They were painfully vivid, making me want to disappear from embarrassment over everything l had done.

“It would be two hundred and fifty dollars, Ma’am…” the receptionist announced with a polite smile. Jax had kept his arm around my waist to steady me because of my drunken state. Even then, l wasn’t too far gone to notice how the women at the desk kept stealing glances at the handsome man beside me.

“Hey Jax, it would be two hundred and fifty dollars…” l had said, planting a kiss on his cheek before turning back to the woman whose nametag read “Nikki.” Her expression soured even more when Jax leaned close to my ear.

“Elena… I misplaced my wallet. Could you cover this today? I’ll wire the money back to you.”

“What? You don’t have any cash on you right now?” l had felt flustered. l couldn’t believe this guy! l had already paid for the cab thinking he would handle the hotel, and now this.Oh my gosh!

But he promised he’d misplaced his wallet and would repay me!

Reluctantly, l handed over my card.

I shook my head as the elevator doors opened again, pushing away the memories l desperately wanted to forget. l stepped outside and caught the first cab l saw. When l checked my wallet, l nearly cried. l only had a few dollars left! l had hoped to treat myself to a nice hot meal at a restaurant, but my funds wouldn’t allow it. The only thing l could manage was coffee from the usual spot near home.

I refused to go home looking like a total wreck and worried about my mom, so l headed to my regular café, The Busy Bean, the place l often escaped to when Meredith’s unfair treatment became too much.

“Hey, Ma’am! We have a new promotion!” Elle, one of the friendly employees, approached me with a small pamphlet.

“What’s this?” l asked, brows furrowed. l took a cautious step back, worried she might notice my scent.

A mix of a man and liquor,I thought miserably.

I had no idea how wild things had gotten with Jax last night, but l refused to dwell on it. l would pretend none of it happened!

“It’s called ‘The Human Book,’ Ma’am! You can reserve a table. Each one has a card and stand where you write a phrase about yourself or something interesting. It has to be something you’re willing to share with a stranger. If someone joins you, you get three free large coffees with no expiration plus an exclusive planner starting today!” she explained enthusiastically.

“Ah, I’m not interested. Please let me wait…” l stopped when her last words sank in. “Did you say three free cups of coffee and a planner?” My eyes narrowed with interest.

Elle nodded. The moment she confirmed it, l grabbed the pamphlet. “I’ll join!” l said, then walked straight to one of the two-seater tables.

Once seated, l realized how foolish l had been. l should never have quit my job. Maybe l should have just endured Meredith’s abuse. If l had, l wouldn’t be desperate enough to join this silly event for free coffee, and l never would have gone to that bar and spent money like l was wealthy!

I swore to myself that l would never let Chloe talk me into anything again, no matter how tempting.

I picked up a pen and card, writing: “Please Talk to Me, I’m Screwed.” Then l laid my arms on the table and rested my head on them, hoping no one would recognize me. Besides, my head still pounded like hell.

After a few minutes, l heard footsteps approaching. Someone sat down across from me.

Here comes your free coffee and maybe some free therapy, Elena.

“Hey,” l greeted, my voice slightly muffled but clear enough. “Just call me T. I’m broke and completely screwed!” l laughed. l didn’t know if it was a man or woman, but l hoped they would stay long enough for Elle to notice. l wouldn’t be doing this if not for the free drinks! “You know what? l thought l was so smart. l studied for almost five years and graduated with honors, yet here l am an underpaid interior designer! Just this week l finally snapped at my boss after she trashed my designs. And now… what the f**k…” l shook my head, keeping it down because l couldn’t hold back my emotions anymore.

“Now I’m jobless! l have no idea where to go or how I’ll support my mom! On top of that, l slept with a total stranger! l spread my legs for someone l didn’t even know. l even paid for the cab and hotel because l stupidly thought he was rich! Now l barely have money while l hunt for a new job!” l ran my fingers through my messy hair.

Fuck!

“What if l end up pregnant? How would l even find that guy? No, no! l don’t want to see him again! It’s too humiliating. l don’t want any contact! Gosh, I’m so screwed!” l shook my head, trying to stop the words from spilling, but a large, warm hand gently rubbed my back, offering comfort l hadn’t realized l needed.