SELENA'S POV
"No."
Alexander's voice cut through the air, sharp, cold, final. The woman froze instantly, her excitement collapsing into stunned silence. Even the little girl went quiet, sensing the shift in temperature.
Just like that, he was back. The Alexander Blackwood everyone feared.
I didn't hesitate. "Ma…" I stepped in quickly, slipping my hand into his and squeezing gently, like I was grounding him. "We actually want to keep our location private, away from fans and all that." My voice stayed light, almost playful, but my eyes were pleading. Please don't escalate this.
The woman blinked, then nodded, though I could still see the excitement bubbling just beneath her restraint. "Oh — yes, of course."
"And I'm trying to keep my face from the public for now," I added.
Her eyes we
