LOGINALECI’d won plenty of fights before, but this one felt different. It wasn’t the victory that mattered. It was the fact that I wouldn’t have to do it again.After I cleaned up and changed, I returned to Jenna. She looked me over, her gaze lingering on the swelling around my cheek. “You look terrible.”“Missed you too.”“I’m serious.”“You should see the other guy.”She snorted. “I’m sure he’s thrilled to have met you.”I sat beside her, and she immediately reached for my face. “Does it hurt?”“Are you going to kiss it better?”She gave me a look. “Absolutely not.”“Cruel woman.”She shook her head, but she was smiling when she pressed a quick kiss to the uninjured side of my face.“Better?”“No, I want more.” I caught her hand and kissed her knuckles before standing. “But let’s get out of here first.”She rose beside me, slipping her arm through mine as we headed toward the exit. But I should have known things wouldn’t be that simple. Darius was waiting near the door.“Leaving alread
ALECBy the time I got back to the house, Jenna was asleep.I stood in the doorway for a moment, watching her curled beneath the duvet, her hair scattered across the pillow. She’d clearly been exhausted, and I was glad she’d managed to get some rest. After everything that had happened at dinner, she deserved a few hours without someone demanding something from her.I pulled the door shut quietly and went to my room.The following morning, I woke to a message from Roman asking whether I was still serious about quitting the fights.I sent him a single reply. *Dead serious.*Then I dropped my phone on the bed and headed for the shower.I had things to do before the evening, including checking on the building and making a few calls about the work I wanted to get started. I’d been putting off some decisions for too long, and if I was going to move forward, I needed to stop treating my plans like something I’d get around to eventually.By the time I came downstairs, Jenna was in the kitchen
A/N: Okayyy guyssss! Alec sent a message. He asked me to tell you all to BUCKLE UP, because we’re about to enter the real dark romance part. Yeah… all those things you’ve read so far? That wasn’t dark.That was just the tip of what Alec has in store for you. You’re about to meet the unhinged side of him. And apparently, he said Jenna, you, and I are going to enjoy every bit of it. 👀He also asked me to warn anyone who isn’t comfortable with dark romance themes because we’re getting more into:Dub-con. Possessiveness. Obsession. Power imbalance. Violence. Manipulation. Dangerous situations. SadismXMasochism. And morally questionable decisions.He said and I quote “You are advised to STOP READING NOW. You won’t be warned again. But if this is your forte… Be a good girl and keep turning those pages.” 🖤ALEC’S POVThe bastard had the nerve to look offended when he spent the entire evening trying to make Jenna feel small, and somehow, he was the victim because someone had fin
JENNA“So, Jenna,” my mom said, setting her wine glass down. “Have you thought about what you’re doing for the summer?”I looked up from my plate “Summer is still months away mom, it’s not even new year yet”“Which is why we should start making arrangements now,” she replied, cutting into her turkey. “Joe and I have been talking about it, and we think it would be a good idea for you to spend the summer in Boston.”My fork stopped halfway to my mouth.“Boston?”There was no fucking way I was agreeing to that. This was obviously planned by Joe.“Yes, sweetheart. Joe’s company is taking on interns next summer, and he’s willing to make a place for you. It would be a wonderful opportunity to gain some experience and make connections before you graduate.”I stared at her, waiting for the part where she asked me whether I wanted to do it, but it never came.“I haven’t even applied for an internship,” I pointed out.“You wouldn’t have to go through all that trouble. Joe has already spoken to
JENNA’S POVMy phone buzzed on the nightstand, forcing me to open my eyes. I picked it up, seeing Lisa’s name on the screen, and slid it to my ear.“Happy Thanksgiving, gorgeous!” Lisa’s cheerful voice burst through the speaker.I couldn't help the small smile that touched my lips. “Happy Thanksgiving, Lisa. What are you doing today?”“Honestly? Not much yet. Just lying in bed trying to decide what to wear.”“You should come over here. You don’t have anyone to celebrate with today anyway. Come join us for dinner.” I said, sitting up and pulling the blanket around my shoulders as I glanced around the room.Where did Alec go?.“Oh, no way. Don’t worry about me,” Lisa chuckled. “I’m actually going to a party later tonight with some guys and a couple of friends from work. I’ll be totally fine.”“Are you sure?” I pressed, not wanting her to spend the holiday with strangers. “It’s no trouble at all. And I’m sure Anna wouldn’t mind.”“I’m positive, Jen. You enjoy your family dinner. I’ll cal
Trigger Warning: This chapter contains references to sexual assault involving a minor, coercion, and psychological abuse. Please read with care or skip this chapter if these topics are triggering for you.~~~My fingers tightened around Alec's hand, clinging to him like a lifeline as the memories rushed back.FLASHBACK It all started when he moved in.Every time my mom brought a new boyfriend home, I made sure they never lasted more than three months. I had my ways.A week after Joe moved in, I decided it was time to run my usual routine. I set my first trap, having no idea how badly it was going to backfire.I offered to bring him a cup of hot tea, then intentionally spilled the blazing hot liquid on his arm.I expected him to yell. I expected him to curse at me, lose his temper, and report to my mom. And then they will fight and break up. That’s what had always happened in the past but Joe didn't even flinch. He closed his eyes, leaned his head back against the chair, and let out
After long hours of different lectures, with Liza by my side of course, it was finally time to go home.And that was when I realized something very important.I had no transportation.And worse, I didn’t even know my home address.I pulled out my phone and dialed Dad’s number. It rang then went str
JENNA’S POVTell me why I had been trying to start this stupid car for almost thirty minutes and it still wouldn’t budge.Did Dad seriously give me one of his beat-down cars just to get me to shut up and leave him alone?I groaned and leaned back in the seat before grabbing my phone from my purse.
A knock on my dragged me out of my dream.“Jenna?” Anna’s voice floated through the door, soft and overly excited for 7 a.m. “Sweetheart, it’s your first day. You have to get up!”Right, First day of school in these new town.I shot up from bed with a burst of energy I definitely didn’t have last n
If my mother lectured me any harder, the entire steering wheel would melt from the heat of her disappointment. “Jenna, I am begging you, please behave yourself this time.” She said. For the tenth time. In twenty minutes. I slouched deeper into the passenger seat, pushing one earbud in. Not bot







