Page 19 of The Alpha's Forbidden Heir

“It’s the only one you’re getting.” His voice is cold now. My father has never used this tone with me.

I stare at him, my chest heaving. “Why can’t you just tell me the truth?”

“Because there’s nothing to tell!”

His outburst startles me, but I force myself to stand my ground.

“Do you really expect me to believe that?”

He leans in, his face inches from mine, his eyes blazing. “What I expect is for you to remember who you are. To remember who I am. I don’t answer to you, Aria. And I certainly don’t answer to him.”

“If you’re so innocent,” I say, “then why are you so defensive?”

He straightens, his jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think he might actually respond. But instead, he pulls out his phone, glances at the screen, and shoves it back into his pocket.

“I have a meeting,” he says curtly, already moving toward the door.

“That’s convenient,” I mutter, more to myself than to him.

He stops in the doorway, his hand resting on the frame, and looks back at me. “Don’t ever question me like this again.”

The door slams shut behind him, and I’m left standing in the middle of the room. My legs give out, and I sink back onto the bed.What did I do to have my entire life fall apart like this?

Two months later

“Miss Aria, wake up! Breakfast is ready!” Maeve’s voice cuts through my dream, sharp and clear.

I snap upright, my heart pounding like I just sprinted a marathon.What is wrong with me? What did I just dream about?

The sheets are tangled around my legs, and my nightgown is damp against my skin.

“What the hell?” I mutter under my breath, raking a shaky hand through my hair. My body feels like it’s on fire, my cheeks burning with embarrassment, even though I’m the only one in the room. Why does he keep invading my dreams like this.

“Miss Aria?” Maeve’s voice comes again, and it is closer this time. A knock follows.

“I’m awake!” I call out, a little too sharply, and I wince at my own tone.

“Breakfast is ready whenever you are,” she says. I can almost hear the smile in her voice. “Take your time.”

Take my time? Sure. If only I could take backthatdream while I’m at it.

I swing my legs over the side of the bed, the cool floor wakes me up fully as I bury my face in my hands. What is wrong with me? One time. One stupid, infuriating, toe-curling first time sex, and now he’s invading my subconscious like some dark, brooding parasite.

No. No way. This ends now. He didn't want me and I will not wallow in this.

I march to the bathroom, stripping off my nightgown as I go, and turn on the shower. The cold spray hits me like a slap in the face, but it does the trick. My thoughts slowly return to the present, and I scrub my skin like I can wash away the memory of his touch.

By the time I’m dressed and presentable, Maeve is waiting for me at the door.

“Good morning, Miss Aria.” She hands me a small tray with fresh tea. “Your father’s already left for the day.”

I pause, my hand tightening on the tray. “He left?”

Maeve nods. “He had some urgent business to attend to. He hasn’t left the house since…” She trails off, not needing to finish the sentence. Since the kidnapping.

My heart pounds for a different reason now.This is my chance.

“I’ll be down in a minute,” I say, forcing a smile.

---