Page 40 of His Dark Pull

I freeze in place, then take a deep breath.

Run, Ava, run!

Just as I’m about to turn and run, another car pulls up beside me, its familiar sleek silhouette and tinted windows. It’s Alexander’s car, with Mendel behind the wheel.

I let out a deep breath as I stumble towards the open door and slide into the back seat, the familiar scent of leather and Alexander’s cologne meeting me. “Thanks for staying,”I whisper, my voice shaky as I try to catch my breath.

Mendel nods silently as he puts the car in gear, and we speed away from the pier.

“I can’t take you home,”he says, his voice low and even. “Alexander has requested your presence.”

Of course, he has.Alexander, with his need for control, his desire to protect me, even from myself.At least he is okay.

Chapter 12

The Full Confession

The sleek black car pulls to a stop before the facade of Alexander’s mansion, its gleaming black marble walls reflecting the moonlight like a dark mirror. Even after countless visits, the sheer grandeur of the place never fails to take my breath away. It’s a reminder of the world he inhabits, a world of wealth, power, and secrets.

The two guards flanking the ornate wrought iron doors stand at attention, their faces unreadable.

Copies of Mendel? Maybe a relative? A twin?

Lilies. Their perfume fills the foyer, a suffocating sweetness. I hate lilies.Funerals. Coffins. The scent is a ghost, a phantom touch of the grief I felt standing at my parent’s grave.

The vast foyer stretches before me, its high ceilings lost in shadow, theonly illuminationcomingfrom a single crystal chandelier that casts fractured rainbows across the polished marble floor. My hesitant footsteps echo in the stillness, a lonely sound that makes the mansion feel even more vast, moreempty.

The grand staircase, a sweeping curve of polished wood and wrought iron, stands before me, leadingto the upper floors,the floors thathold memories of stolen moments and whispered promises of passion.

Alexander waits at the foot of the stairs, his tall frame clad in nothing but a pair of silk pajama pants that cling to his lean, muscular form. His dark hair is tousled as if he’s been running his hands through it in frustration, and his eyes, usually cold and guarded, are heavy with sleep and a vulnerability that makes my heart ache.

“Ava,” he says, his voice a low rumble that sends warmth to my lower regions.

My gaze is drawn to the contours of his chest, to hisdefined muscles.I avert my gaze in case he can see my undeniable longing for him.

“What’s this about, Alexander?” My voice comes out sharper than I meant it to. “We’re over.”

“I know,” he replies, his voice hoarse. “But I had to warn you. There’s a man who has been following you. I need to keep you safe.”

A shiver of dread course down my spine as I recall the chilling encounters with Kovacs, his threats echoing in my ears. “You mean Kovacs?” I ask.

“Yes,” he confirms. “How did you know?”

“He’s been to my office,” I confess.

His expression hardens, his jaw clenching. “You should have told me,” he growls, his voice rising. “I could have protected you. I can’t believe you kept this from me.”

I flinch at his outburst, but my chin lifts. “I don’t need your protection, Alexander,” I say, my voice trembling slightly despite my effort to sound firm. “I can take care of myself.”

The fire in his eyes flickers, replaced by a heat thatmakes my breath catch. He steps closer, close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating from his body. His eyes, dark and intense, hold mine, a silent plea in their depths. “I know you’re strong, Ava,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing against my cheek, a jolt of electricity shooting down my spine. “But I need to know you’re safe.” His voice is rough. “I can’t— I won’t—stand the thought of anything happening to you.”

I don’t know what to think.

His touch, hiswords,ignite the usual fire within me, a longing for the safety and comfort of his arms, a yearning for our love.Butthe knowledge ofhis connection to the mafia holds me back, a barrier I can’t seem to overcome.

“I’ll be fine,” I say, though even I don’t believe the words.

“Please,” he pleads, his eyes filled with a desperation I haven’t seen before. “Let Mendel protect you, even if you won’t let me do it. He won’t bother you. He will just stay close.”

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