Chapter 004
1053 Words
Chapter 004
Alessandra's POV
The walls seem to be closing in on me. Dominic's presence is oppressive and weighty. Without him there, constantly observing and anticipating, I couldn't breathe. With presents, praise, and assurances, he draws me back in every time I feel like I can move away from him. They all serve as reminders that he is not looking at me. He spots Noelle. I detest his persistence. But because he is so persistent, it is difficult to push him away. He has created chaos around me, and I have no idea how to escape it.
And Luca comes next. Luca is a man of danger and darkness. There's more to the draw I have for him than just physical attraction. He continues pressuring me to recollect things I've hidden away and didn't want to think about. Every word he says tugs at the fabric of my thoughts like a thread. I feel exposed and vulnerable, as if he's noticing something about me that I don't even understand.
Dominic says, "Alessandra," in a gruff, deep voice that sounds like gravel rubbing across metal. "I've been contemplating. Perhaps we could go for a walk—
Before he can finish, I interrupt. "No, Dominic. Never again.
He grins, but it's not a genuine grin. It's tight and thin. "You believe you can get out of this? Do you really think I'll let you go so easily?
I don't respond. What's the point? The fact is that I can't completely avoid him. His touch, his looks, and everything he does serve as constant reminders that I am his.
I flinch as the door behind us crashes open. Luca intervenes, his eyes dangerously sharp. He scans the situation in a single glance, first looking at Dominic and then at me.
"Alessandra, how are you?" Luca's voice is filled with anxiety as he asks. However, something more—something possessive—is present.
I lie and say, "I'm fine."
Dominic laughs ominously. "Look who decided to show up at last." Despite his mocking tone, there's more to it. Perhaps fear? Or perhaps he simply dislikes being pushed. "Luca, do you think she'll pay attention to you? Do you believe she will approach you rather than me?
With his jaw clenched, Luca advances. Dominic, I believe you've got enough time. I believe it's time for you to go.
The room becomes quiet. The air is crackling with tension, and I can feel it. I can feel the rage rising inside Dominic as his eyes narrow.
He snarls, "You're not taking her from me," and advances with his fists clenched. "I own her."
With my heart thumping in my chest, I step back. What's going on? Why are they unable to simply leave me alone?
Luca steps in front of me, his body acting as a barrier between Dominic and me. "She is not your property. You have no authority to determine who owns her.
The atmosphere is filled with the weight of the words. Dominic's face contorts in rage, but he doesn't move. However, he remains motionless.
With his teeth clenched and his voice low, Dominic declares, "I will make you regret this."
With a low growl, Luca responds, "You've already made your move." "And it's mine now."
My heart is pounding, and my breath is caught in my throat. Like an impending storm, the tension between them is intense. I find myself in the midst of their escalating struggle for dominance.
When Dominic's eyes meet mine, I briefly glimpse anything apart from rage. I observe a desperate situation that I am unsure how to deal with. However, Luca moves once again to obscure Dominic's vision of me before I can process it.
With a hard and icy tone, Luca declares, "This is over now."
To stop them, I want to yell, say something, or do anything. But I can't. I'm immobilised. Their argument has engulfed me, inciting a surge of fear, perplexity, and rage. I have no idea how to resolve this. I have no idea how to get out.
I feel confined. As if I were choking.
"Alessandra..." Dominic says in a gentler, almost beseeching tone. Just come with me, please. This is not required of you. We can fix everything.
With jumbled ideas, I shake my head. "Dominic, I'm not sure what you're asking of me. I have no idea how to resolve this.
With an overwhelming presence, Luca moves ahead of me. You don't need to fix anything. All you have to do is decide who you want to spend your time with.
My heart is pounding, divided between the two. How should I make a decision? When they're tugging me in different directions, how can I make a decision?
I mumble, my voice cracking, "Enough."
However, they pay no attention. With their eyes fixed on one another, their conflict is becoming more intense by the moment.
"Avoid my path," Dominic snarls at Luca.
With a quiet, menacing assurance, Luca responds, "I'm not going anywhere."
I have reached my limit. I put out my hands to stop them from fighting. "Stop it!" I yell. "Stop!"
The ensuing hush is deafening. I try to catch my breath, but the weight of their looks makes my chest heave.
Dominic's expression is a mixture of hurt and wrath as he glances at me. He whispers softly, almost as if he's begging me, "You're making a mistake."
Luca never takes his eyes off of mine, looking for something that I am unable to provide. His voice is almost gentle as he replies, "Alessandra, you're not a mistake." "But you have to make a decision."
My thoughts are racing. How did things become so difficult? How did I find myself in a situation where two men are fighting for dominance?
I want to scream because I can feel their expectations bearing down on me. I want to flee, to get away from everything. However, I am unable to. I find myself trapped in this perverse game, unsure of how to break free.
"Now what?" I ask, hardly raising my voice above a whisper.
Luca remains silent. Neither does Dominic.
However, their conflict is far from done. What comes next? Will I always be in this role, or is there an opportunity for me to step away from this situation?
- Writer
