CHAPTER 8. BAD TIMING
293 Words
Alessandro showed up to the dinner already half unbothered—tie loose, attitude looser.
Elena sat beside him stiff and quiet.
“You look tense,” he said.
“I’m focused.”
He smirked. “Same thing.”
Inside, he immediately switched into his playboy mode.
Flirting. Drinking. Laughing too loud.
A woman kissed his cheek in front of everyone.
Elena saw it.
And hated that she noticed.
A man approached Elena later.
“Want a drink?”
Before she could answer—
Alessandro cut in.
“Back off.”
The man frowned. “She’s not yours.”
Alessandro stepped closer.
“No,” he said. “But you’re still not touching her.”
Elena turned on him. “What is your problem?”
He scoffed. “My problem is idiots circling you like you’re fair game.”
“I can handle myself.”
“Yeah?” he shot back. “Doesn’t look like it.”
The man tried again.
Alessandro grabbed him by the collar.
Low voice. “Try that again and I’ll break your confidence first.”
He let him go.
Across the room, another woman kissed Alessandro again.
Right in front of Elena.
He watched her reaction.
“Say it,” he muttered.
“I don’t care,” she said.
He smiled. “Liar.”
Elena stood. “I’m leaving.”
He leaned back. “Running already?”
“I’m not staying in this circus.”
He stepped closer.
“Careful,” he said. “You’re starting to feel like you matter to me.”
That made her freeze.
Then she snapped—
“f**k you.”
And walked out.
Alessandro didn’t stop her.
Just watched her go.
And for the first time—
He didn’t feel in control anymore.
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