Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 289

Chapter 289

Elsa

Bruce cleared his throat beside me, his expression darkening like a gathering storm. “I was handling it just fine, he muttered, loud enough for both of us to hear. “You didn’t need to play hero, Allen.”

I turned to Bruce, suddenly irritated by his possessiveness. My jaw clenched as I felt heat rising to my cheeks. “I’m here as your damn guest, Bruce. When I get insulted and nearly exposed in public, doesn’t that reflect poorly on you too?” My fingers gripped the lapels of Allen’s jacket tighter, pulling it closer around me like armor.

His eyebrows shot up, clearly surprised by my logic. I could almost see the wheels turning in his head as he processed my words. Finally, he nodded, seemingly placated by the idea that my humiliation would have been his embarrassment too.

“You’re right,” he conceded, his tone softening. “I should have acted faster.”

Allen’s eyes flick

us before he suggested, “Perhaps some fresh air would help? The garden is quite beautiful at night.

“God”

sl

I agreed quickly, desperate for an escape from the suffocating atmosphere of the ballroom. My shoulders

the prospect of getting away from the judgmental stares and whispered comments.

ned as he watched Allen and me, his nostrils flaring slightly. “I should join you-*

Garcia’s voice called from across the room. “I’d like to introduce you to my son. He’s very interested in your tech innovations.”

d, clearly torn between social obligation and keeping an eye on me. His fingers twitched at his side as if he wanted to grab my with a reluctant nod, he excused himself, but not before giving Allen a warning look that wasn’t lost on either of us.

led me toward the garden doors, I felt Bruce’s eyes boring into my back like hot coals. I shivered involuntarily. The cool night air was a me relief as we stepped outside, the scent of night-blooming jasmine enveloping us.

tried to shrug off Allen’s jacket, my shoulders rolling awkwardly as I attempted to remove it. “Thanks, but I should-

He gently stopped me, his fingers barely brushing against my arm. “Keep it,” he insisted. “It’s chilly out here.*

The moonlight bathed the garden in a silver glow, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns and flowering bushes. We walked in comfortable silence until we reached a stone bench partially hidden by a weeping willow. My heels sank slightly into the soft grass with each

step.

“Should we head back soon?” I asked, suddenly aware that we’d left the party behind. I bit my lower lip anxiously, tasting the remnant of my

nectful to Ms. Garcia to leave so early.” lipstick. “The celebration just

Allen nodded,

respite.”

1. “Of course. I wasn’t suggesting we leave altogether. Just a brief

with shaky handy. Tm surprised to see you here

9:35 am P

Chapter 289

“Yes,” he replied. “Joseph wanted someone from the family to attend, and…” He trailed off, a small smile playing at his lips. “I volunteered.”

“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow, curious about his tone. My fingers absently traced patterns on the cold stone of the bench.

Allen leaned back slightly, his posture relaxed. “I haven’t been at the company much lately. I’ve been offered a position at Twin Moon University, teaching history as an adjunct professor.”

“Really?” I couldn’t hide my surprise, my eyes widening. “That’s… unexpected.”

“Why? Don’t I seem the academic type?” His eyes crinkled with amusement.

I studied him for a moment, tilting my head slightly. “Actually, you do. You have that professorial air about you – cultured, gentle, scholarly.”

He laughed softly. “Is that how you see me, Elsa? All gentle and scholarly?” There was a hint of something else in his voice a challenge, perhaps. “Would it surprise you to see my other side?”

“Everyone has different sides,” I said carefully, my fingers now knotting together in my lap. “We all have moments of strength and moments of softness. It’s what makes us human… or well, wolves, I suppose.” I let out a nervous laugh that sounded hollow even to my own ears.

Allen watched me closely, and I felt myself growing warm under his scrutiny. The silence stretched between us, not uncomfortable but charged with unspoken words. I licked my dry lips, tasting the night air.

“I’ve missed seeing you,” he finally said. “You’ve been avoiding my calls.”

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