Chapter 37

Z A R A

"Wait!" I run after Alejandro.

He stops but doesn't turn around. "I'll have your things sent to wherever you'll be going. Any form of communication between us will be exchanged through Mar—"

"Will you turn around and look at me?" I say softly. He listens, slowly turning around to face me. His expression is darker than it was minutes ago but instantly changes when he meets my eyes. Now, he's just confused as to why I'm here with him and not with Elijah.

"Can we drop by a shawarma place before heading home? I've been craving it recently," I say casually, copying the trait of his where he speaks plainly during a completely uncasual situation.

"Can we—what?" He pauses. "Zara, what are you doing here?"

"Going home with you only if you promise to buy me shawarma on the way there," I say as I walk slightly ahead of him. He only blinks in further confusion.

"Alejandro, I'm married to you, I'm your wife. I have no home except with you." This whole situation feels bizarre. I'm here because everything just feels so off. He stands there silently, not uttering a single word. Sighing, he begins to walk ahead of me and I follow him. Once we reach his car, he opens the passenger side door for me to get in. The drive was silent throughout. Again, not a single word was uttered. He even stops by my favorite shawarma place and buys me a wrap.

"You're not going to tell me why you were so willingly giving me a way to Elijah?" I finally break the silence.

"You want to leave." It's a statement, rather than a question. "I do but you're not the type to give away your things so easily." I emphasize the word 'things' in a way that would show I think he sees me.

"You're not a thing, you're my wife," he says.

Oh? I'm now suddenly a wife? "Then, giving me away so easily should be out of the question." Something's wrong... what can it be? What is he hiding?

"Philip!" My thoughts accidentally slip out of my tongue. "I mean, what did Philip say? He must've said something to set you off." He doesn't answer so I place my hand on top of his that's resting on the gear shifter. "It won't do any harm to me if you let me know. It's okay to share things sometimes."

He sighs in annoyance, shaking my grip off his hand. Maybe I should've just left with Elijah, I think to myself. But even Yasmeen looked skeptical and if she wasn't convinced then I couldn't have made the wrong decision. Nevertheless, I pout while looking out the window, munching away at my wrap. Alejandro never tells me anything but expects me to share everything with him.

Once we reach home, we're still not on speaking terms. So I go straight to our bedroom, sitting down at the edge of the bed, feeling absolutely drained.

Alejandro leans against the doorframe, watching me in the dark.

"What?" I ask while looking up at him nervously.

"Philip wants you dead," he says in a low voice. "He said he'll do to you what I did to his father." My heart feels like it stopped for a second. "He—What?"

"He said he'll exact his revenge on me by destroying the people close to me," he continues. "I informed him there's no one in my life he could use as a pawn and I was pretty damn convincing. But I know there was a part of him that doubts me. I know he'll come after you just to make sure."

"So, your plan was to send me away with Elijah?" I raise a brow.

"No, but Elijah presented me with the opportunity and even though the thought made me want to burn down the world, it was still better than having your head served to me on a platter," he says.

"What would you have done if I chose Elijah?" I ask.

"What? You thought I would leave you with him?" There's a hint of playfulness in his tone. "Now, that would be very unlike me." He chuckles darkly. "I would've wiped out Philip and his people, then come back to take you back for myself." That sounds more like the Alejandro I know. "Now what do you plan on doing?"

"Destroying Philip to pieces before he even thinks about laying his eyes on you," he states as if it's that simple for him.

Chills run down my spine as I watch Alejandro begin to undress. One by one, he drops a piece of clothing on the couch in the corner of our room. It's astonishing that no matter how many times I've seen this man naked, I still blush at how perfectly built he is. There's no denying he's incredibly handsome. He notices me staring and smirks. I quickly look away to stare out the window. I can hear him shuffling toward me and my heart begins to race.

He places his index finger under my chin to bring my face towards him. "You know you're allowed to look and touch me as you please." He grabs my hand and places it on his hard chest, running it down only to stop right before the edge of his belt. My breathing hitches as he uses his thumb to caress my bottom lip. "I was extremely angered by your interaction with Elijah today. Angered and envious."

"You're the one who proposed I go along with the idea," I frown. "You are correct," he admits. "Yet, I wanted nothing more than to bash Elijah's head against the pillar. I would've enjoyed watching his blood splattering across the walls."

"Alejandro—"

He shoves his thumb into my mouth unexpectedly, making me jump. "Suck on it. Suck on it like you sucked my dick back there."

Two can play this game, I think to myself.

I grab his hand with both of mine as I work my tongue around his finger. I look up at him through my lashes, adding to the doe-like effect, making me look desirable enough to drive him insane. Have I figured out his sexual weaknesses along the way? Yes. Will I exploit it? Most definitely.

His finger stiffens slightly as he watches me willingly do this, his stance no longer confident. Bingo, I hit the spot. He's literally weak at his knees.

"Enough," he pulls his finger out.

"Don't enjoy losing control over yourself because of me, Mr. Genovese?" I smirk.

"I'll fuck you up if you keep running your mouth like that, Missus Genovese," his tone is deep. "Literally and figuratively."

"And what if I want to be fucked, but literally?" I smirk. He raises his eyebrows, not believing a single word coming out of my mouth.

"Fuck me, Alejandro," I whisper. "Fuck me like you hate every bone in my body, fuck me until I forget how shitty everything is." Oh, I've really lost my mind this time.

He doesn't hesitate to push me onto the bed, crashing his lips onto mine, exploring every inch of my mouth with his tongue. He takes off my clothes before I could even have a chance to catch my breath, leaving nothing but my tights and underwear on.

He kisses down my jaw to my neck until he reaches my nipples. He tugs them with his teeth, rolling them using his tongue and I feel a burst of ecstasy ravishing my body.

He flips me over, kissing down my back. "Get on your knees, my love," he says hoarsely into my ear. As I get on my knees, he lifts my chin up to face the mirror. The same mirror that I had to look into while he violated my body but this time I'm in control of myself. "I want you to watch while I fuck you from behind."

"Gladly," I reply.

His fingers caress me between my legs, on top of the fabric he still hasn't taken off of me. "Beg me to fuck you," he demands.

"No, I can wait," I simply say. "Take your time."

"Oh? Can you?" The amusement in his tone is followed by the increase of speed in his rhythm. "It looks like your pussy is begging to be dicked down from how wet it is."

"Whenever you're ready, Alejandro," I smirk but in reality, my knees are starting to give out. I want him to make me cum so bad but he'll never know.

"Ah, fuck this," he groans, tearing off my tights and underwear in one swift motion. He aligns himself in between my legs after slipping out of his own bottoms. He begins thrusting in and out in a steady manner. He holds my hip with one hand and has his other hand on my throat, directing my gaze at the mirror. He looks at me through the reflection, sweat dripping down his forehead. Damn, not only does he look downright sexy, he's mine to use—at least for tonight.

"You win this time, my love," his words stagger as he thrusts. "But I promise you, next time, you won't be this lucky."

"We'll s-see about t-that, loser," I chuckle breathily but I'm thankful he gave in so easily because if it went on for a second longer, I would've given in.

This is almost comedic. We're in the most comprising position, he's fucking my brains out and I'm speaking to him like it's a normal conversation. The power I hold right now is addictively immaculate.

His fingers trail down from my hip to slide beneath, seeking my swollen clit to rub with the same feverish pace of his hips.

And that's what does it. My back arches as the climax pulses through me as he thrusts himself inside of me, along with the fingers that didn't stop against my clit. The feeling spread numbness throughout my body, making every logical thought disappear into a sea of pleasure. I feel Alejandro come inside of me, pushing his hips further in to ensure that I'm filled with every last drop of him.

Once he pulls out and the high subsides, I start to groan as I feel the slight soreness increasing in between my legs. I push myself up, for my elbows to give out. But a pair of steady arms catch me. I push myself against his chest as he wraps his arms around me.

"You're still a horrible man," I mutter against his chest.

"I know," he answers, caressing my head.

"I still hate you," my voice is quieter.

"I know," he repeats. "And some things may never change."

Look at me, I'm lusting after a man who ripped through my sanity, leaving me in pieces. But damn, does it feel good to watch him unravel for me. I have truly lost all sense of logic because all I wanted was for him to fuck me to infinity and he completed the task beautifully.

• • •

Y A S M E E N

The drive home with Marcus was silent. This is the first time that I didn't make a conversation because my thoughts are clouded by the scene that unfolded in front of us. The sudden offer made by Elijah didn't sit right with me at all. I would've wanted Zara to jump at the opportunity to leave Alejandro behind but something nags at me, telling me she'll be safer with Alejandro.

I noticed that Zara felt it too, that's why she backed away from Elijah last minute. It wasn't because of an emotional attachment to Alejandro, it was because some logical reasoning in her told her it was a bad idea. Or that Alejandro is the better option for her currently. I feel almost guilty for not encouraging her to leave with Elijah but I couldn't ignore the unsettling feeling. I don't know if Alejandro was being genuine when he was giving her permission to leave him, I don't know what Elijah's intentions were. I don't know if both the men are playing with Zara's life; and if they are, I'd rather it be Alejandro, no matter how horrible it is for me to say this.

"Do you think it was a good decision on Zara's side not to leave with Elijah?" I break the silence in the elevator.

Marcus only shrugs.

"You never have an opinion on anything, do you?" I chuckle. Marcus doesn't answer.

I sigh. "Why? Alejandro would ask for a limb or two from you if you ever insert your own viewpoint on a topic?"

"No, never." He quickly shuts down any Alejandro slander. I give him a small smile. "Of course not. He'd ask for other services instead, I assume?" Marcus flinches ever so slightly.

My smile drops, I didn't mean to make him uncomfortable. "Sorry, I didn't intend any harm."

He doesn't reply, instead just waits for me to go inside my apartment.

"Won't you come in?" I ask, hopeful that he'll notice that I don't think I'll be okay alone right now. He shakes his head, declining the offer. I know, I know, I seem desperate but tonight, I'm genuinely overwhelmed. I feel like being alone will only cause inner destruction, I'll overthink about everything and explode. These moods don't occur to me often but recently, it's been getting worst. I'm constantly surrounded by stressful situations that surpass my usual threshold. I'm scared I'll snap and go down a whirlwind of emotions that'll be troublesome for others, especially Zara. She's busy with so many of her own issues and if she finds out I'm stressing, she'll throw away the care for herself in order to look after me. I can't do that to her, not now.

"Stay, please?" My voice cracks and I realize I shouldn't have said that. I shouldn't have broken out of character. I quickly clear my throat, "I mean, you're probably a little thirsty or something. Stay for a glass of water? Maybe tea?"

After staring at me for a couple of seconds, Marcus reluctantly agrees. "Just a glass of water," he states. "In silence," he adds.

"Oh, come on! There's no way I can stay silent." I frown.

He turns away to walk out but I put up my hands in defeat. "Okay, okay. I'll try to be as silent as I can." He takes a seat at the barstools in the kitchen as I grab him a glass of water.

"I can't do it, I can't! I need to speak! Please allow me to speak, I beg of you! Release me from this wicked curse!" I dramatically fall to the floor. Marcus only rolls his eyes. "You'll talk my ears off even if I ask you not to."

"So, is that a yes?" I grin playfully.

He looks defeated and nods.

"Okay, because I just have to say that I don't understand how one person can live in such a big apartment by themselves," I say. "I literally go insane. I started talking to the fireplace once, asking it if it was too warm in here."

"You're always allowed to move out," he proposes.

"How rude, you want me out that badly?" I pout.

"What do you think?" He rolls his eyes.

"No, I think you want to keep me around. Add some Yasmeen spice to your life," I giggle.

I can tell he's getting annoyed with me but in a way where he's amused. I settle down on the barstool beside his, looking out the large, floor-to-ceiling window at the skylights. "Don't you feel alone?"

Marcus knits his brows together. "Excuse me?"

"Do you get tired of being alone?" I repeat myself.

He raises a brow. "I don't understand."

"I know how you feel towards Alejandro but not having that reciprocated must feel lonely," I say. "Don't you want someone to make you truly happy?"

Marcus doesn't answer, he stares at his half-empty glass, pondering on the question, perhaps. "I'm not saying this to push my own agenda. I'm not saying this because I want you to suddenly open up your heart to me. I know I can't force such things and I would never let it become a burden for you," my voice gets quieter. "Please, don't hesitate to let me know if it becomes a burden. I will stop faster than you can think. I'm not saying to find happiness within me; I mean, maybe someone else can fill that emptiness for you?"

"No," he states.

"What?"

"I'm answering your question, no, I don't need someone to make me happy." He avoids my gaze as he speaks. I'm taken aback by his answer.

"I don't enjoy depending on others and I don't enjoy being vulnerable. I have boundaries and I prefer being careful around others," he continues. "I don't want to latch onto someone else because that would only blur my own vision. I would end up being in the darkness myself, always trying to see the world through the other person's eyes." I didn't realize how much bitterness and resentment lied inside Marcus until now. "Isn't that the beauty of falling in love? Being able to open your eyes and your soul up to a different view of life?"

"Not interested," he says flatly.

"What about the feeling of when gravity itself is pulling you towards this person as if the universe is yelling that it's your time? What about when the mere feeling of holding them in your arms feels like the universe is at your feet? Or the feeling of falling for someone but instead you feel as if you're flying—soaring through the skies?" I can see him watching me attentively, maybe even admiringly, from the corner of my eyes, sending sparks flying within me.

There's silence, not an uncomfortable one but one filled with immense thought.

"Do you think you'll ever love again?" I ask.

"Perhaps but it's doubtful," he's quiet.

"There's something else I'd like to clarify. You're definitely irritating—" he pauses, making me frown slightly, "—but you're not a burden." I giggle, "I'm glad because I'm not sure if I would've been able to stop my clown fanatics."

He smirks, ever so slightly but enough to make my heart skip too many beats. God, this man has way too much power over me and he doesn't even know it. His littlest expressions send me over the edge.

He stands up to take his leave, "Thank you for the water."

"No need to thank me, it's my job. Alejandro is paying me triple to take care of you." I purse my lips in order to not burst into a fit of laughter.

"Very funny," he glares at him.

"I think it was hilarious," I grin. "By the way, what's the view like from apartment 62W?"

He raises a brow. "It's good?" By now, he's not even surprised that I know his apartment number.

"Can I stroll by your home whenever I please now that we're on a less sour note?" I pout.

"No," he states.

"Yes," I bicker back.

"Yasmeen," he says my name warningly.6

I pout. But, oh, does the sound of my name escaping from his lips make me see the stars. The fact that his tone is authoritarian and assertive doesn't help my case either because it makes my knees quiver.

He sighs. "Do whatever you please."

"Oh, I will." I grin.