Chapter 28

Alexander

He couldn't stop himself from touching her. Her alluring scent, her little frail body wriggling away from him. He couldn't help but surrender to his demons.

He was on top of her in an instant, trapping her hands over her head on the bed. Her eyes were filled with tears and were filled with dread. He was enthralled by the gleam in her eyes.

No, this cannot be happening!

She pondered to herself. She was frightened and afraid for her dignity, which was on the verge of being stolen by the man above her.

On the other side, Alexander enjoyed seeing her in that state. Unable to restrain himself, he seized her jaw and smashed his lips on hers, forcing her to close her eyes firmly and press her eyelids together. She struggled and did everything to get away from him, but once his heavyweight was on her, it was impossible.

His other hand slipped down to her body, exploring around. His rough touch melted her smooth and delicate flesh. His hand contacted her creamy thigh and squeezed it, causing her to wince.

Emma couldn't take it any longer and shoved him with her hands on his chest. The kiss was broken as he was pushed slightly by her. She couldn't move him off of her, but she pushed hard enough to make a little gap. He stared her in the eyes but said nothing. There were no words, no way to express what he saw in her eyes.

Peace.

That was all he could think of at the time. His fingers trailed down her lips, lingered there a little, and caressed her cheeks tenderly. For him, they were as delicate as flowers.

Her mind was telling her to shove him off of her, and her body was shaking violently. She pushed him with her trembling hands on his chest. His face and chest were inches away from hers, but his lower body was still pushing against her, preventing her from moving.

Alexander's eyes were glazed over. It wasn't just a case of lust. It was something else that was difficult to describe. It was the first time he'd ever felt like that. It was the first time his eyes sparkled brightly. He felt different like he was whole.

It wasn't difficult to see that he was in love with her. He was head over heels in love with her. Without even realizing it. Without even comprehending.

He stepped away from her and sat on the bed. She jumped up quickly and scooted back till she reached the edge of the bed. He didn't say anything and simply gazed at her. His eyes remained riveted on hers, and he didn't move an inch.

Emma's terrified state was gravely suffering from vertigo. The terror she was experiencing was indescribable.

She was with the man who had left the most blemishes on her. Under his dangerously glazed eyes, she felt like prey. Her lips quivered, and her breathing halted. In her vision, black specks began to appear. She closed her eyes and wrinkled her brows, her palm gently rubbing her temples to prevent collapsing in front of him. That was not something she desired. She didn't want him to take advantage of her in any way.

He watched her body collapse into his bed, her eyes slowly closing and her hands falling to her sides. He approached her and stroked her cheek. Her body was overheating. He took her hand in his, rubbing her palms together.

His eyes were cold as ice as he stared at her. He knew she was scared of him. He knew she would never accept a man like him. He thought that, rubbing her hand thoroughly, clenching his teeth.

When he came to a halt, his hand returned to her face, tenderly stroking her cheeks. Her skin was beginning to chill. She was no longer perspiring. Her breathing had returned to normal, but she was still dazed. He rose to his feet and bent down towards her, supporting himself by resting his left leg on the bed, before picking her up in his arms. In his muscular arms, her tiny body felt like cotton.

He exited his room, holding the girl in his arms. His eyes remained fixed on her as he proceeded down the steps, only to be greeted with surprised and prolonged glances from everyone below. When he walked down the stairs, the maids and Ela were just there, completing their normal chores.

"Ela!" He called for her. She rushed herself to him.

"Yes, master?" She questioned.

"Bring a bowl of water and a clean cloth. Her body is burning hot," she looked at Emma.

"Did you even hear me?" Alexander growled.

Ela quickly redirected her eyes from Emma to her feet again and nodded her head.

"Yes, master. I will bring them right away."

"I will take her to her room. You two, come with me," he pointed at Isabelle and Alexa. They both nodded and followed him to her room.

He was carrying her gently, carefully so that he would not wake her up. He entered her room and put her on the bed, pulling the blanket over her.

The maids said nothing and stood there like a mute. It annoyed Alexander and he turned around to them.

"Change her into something comfortable," even though he did not mind doing it on his own. He did not want to rush into things. Because he knew sooner or later he would see all and he would feel all.

He smiled sadistically at the thought. He could hardly wait. But he must wait. She was scared, nervous, and uncomfortable, but he was aware, soon she would give in. She would get used to him near her, get used to his touch, and that she was his and there was no going back.

***

Hours had elapsed. She'd awoken two hours ago, but Ela had instructed her to go back to sleep. She needed it. Her body temperature had returned to normal. Her face was no longer as pale as it was. Her beautiful lips were no longer parched and white. She was properly nourished with nutritious foods. She was wearing grey sweatpants and a light blue T-shirt. Her hair was strewn open. The hair tie was dangling freely from her hair. One of the maids present removed it. Her unkempt hair was now all over the pillow.

Alexander had left for his office. He had some important papers to complete.

Alexander was never a man who cared about anyone other than his mother and brothers. Certainly, Lucas and Sofia were not as close to him as Liam. He never discriminated against them in any way. He used to shield all three of them from harm when they were little. But it was clear that he adored Liam more. Despite the fact that he never expressed them.

Aside from these people in his life, he never cared about anybody, not even his pathetic excuse of a father who cared about nothing but money, and not even his own family.

But Emma's arrival had done something to him... something magical. Something exceptional. He didn't believe it would help him. He mistakenly believed he desired her body. He wanted her body, he wanted to touch her, he wanted to own her. What he didn't know was that he was falling for her. He fell for her. Unknowingly. Surprisingly.

He wanted her and her alone. How could someone like her bring so much peace to him? How did she do something so impossible?

If it was not love then what was it?

It was love. It had always been love.

But it was not any prince charming who fell for the beauty,

it was the BEAST who had fallen for her.

But the question was...

Would she ever love him back?