Semua Bab Bound by Contract : Bab 11 - Bab 17

DON'T CROSS THE LINEAria did not slam the door to their suite as she entered it with soft, intentional steps. The room was quiet, only the soft rustling of the curtains as a breeze drifted through the partly opened window. Alexander was standing at the opposite end of the room, facing the window, his back to her. He was looking out at the garden below, his face sharp and remote.She closed the door after her with a soft sound that was inaudible. There was an atmosphere between them; something heavy, something unsaid which neither of them had been willing to tackle.She didn’t do anything for a while, not knowing whether she should break the silence or just wait for him to say something. Then he did, in a low voice as if he had been waiting for her to come back.“I did not expect you back so soon”.“I wasn’t long gone,” she answered, low, standing close to the door.The thick and taut silence that followed was deafening. It wasn’t uncomfortable—not exactly. However, it was loaded wit

Strifes of the HeartIt was impossible for Aria to take a breath. She spilled her coffee on the saucer when Alexander shifted his attention and began whispering to her."When?" he was facing away from her as he asked the question. So, how will things progress?She was not able to stand firmly. "Alexander, please—"He put a hand out to stop her as he talked with the other man. I need to find the best person for the job. Paying for it is not a problem. Yes, immediately."Every second felt like I was being put through hell. All kinds of bad thoughts entered her mind: had her father suffered a collapse? Is there something that happened during his treatment? A picture of his weak body lying in the hospital room appeared to her.To conclude, Alexander put an end to the conversation. He controlled his facial expression as he turned to talk to her.He said in a measured voice, “There has been a setback.” Your father suddenly began having a cardiac arrhythmia.The room gave the impression that

Alexander finally looked at her, his expression unreadable. "I think it would be best if we reviewed the terms of our agreement."Aria's stomach dropped. Was he ending it? Now, when everything felt so uncertain? "I see.""Do you?" he asked, an unexpected edge to his voice."You want out," she said bluntly, surprised by the pain that lanced through her at the words. "The merger is secure, so the arrangement is no longer necessary."Alexander's jaw tightened. "That's not what I said.""Then what are you saying?" she demanded, her composure cracking.He stood abruptly, pacing to the window and back. "I'm saying that our current agreement doesn't account for... complications.""Complications," she repeated. "Like what?"He stopped, looking at her with an intensity that made her breath catch. "Like the fact that I can't stop thinking about you. Like the fact that when you kissed me goodbye at the helipad, it felt more real than anything has in a long time."Aria stared at him, stunned into