Page 51 of My Captive's Heart
“You also can’t allow this fear to stay with Matt. I knew the risks when I went after you. Protecting my relationship with him is not your burden to bear.” Tilting my face, he brushes my tears away. “Don’t marry him, Molly. You’ll be hurting him far worse with this decision. It’s not fair to either of you. And I’m not saying that because I want to steal you for myself.”
Alexander stares at me earnestly as I absorb his words. My heart beats for him, but my tattered morals are keeping me from listening to it.
He sees the shutter going down in my eyes as I inch back.
“Molly,” he utters brokenly.
“I owe it to him to give our relationship a chance. It’s what’s best for everyone,” I say resolutely. “I got over you once. I’ll do it again.”
NINETEEN
MOLLY
A week passes,and nothing changes.
Alexander and I walk on eggshells around each other. An ache forms behind my ribs every time I’m around him, but it’s become bearable.
I constantly remind myself it’s the right thing to do.
Matt is giving me space, not initiating sex again. It’s a blessing because my libido is nonexistent. I need to fix my emotional imbalance before moving on to the physical.
Tossing the blanket aside, I turn on my back. Matt snores beside me, oblivious to my frustration. We’re once again spending the night at his house and I’m unable to fall asleep like last time.
My throat is parched, so I get up from the bed and stalk downstairs to the kitchen. I sigh in pleasure as I gulp down cool water. I’m marching toward the staircase when I see light coming from the living room.
Curiosity gets the best of me.
I’m lying—it’s who I’ll find there that draws me. I’m only torturing myself, but I can’t help it. A pulse comes to life between my thighs as I see him.
Traitorous libido.
Alexander is lounging on the couch in the living room. The fireplace is lit up. It’s become chilly at night. One corded arm thrown over the back, he watches a football game on mute. The reflection from the television highlights the sharp and sinful contours of his face.
Sensing my presence, he commands without turning his head my way, “Go upstairs, Molly.”
I’m shell-shocked at his indifferent tone. It pisses me off when it shouldn’t. I cock my hip, and reply, “Is this how it’s going to be?”
“I won’t repeat myself.”
“You’re being rude.”
“I’m treating you like a father-in-law would.”
“You sound more like adaddy.”
His head swings my way, eyes piercing and heated.
I smirk, satisfied at earning a reaction from him. With a twirl, I sashay away to the bedroom.
Ticklingon my legs wakes me up. The room is dark with moonlight filtering in through the window.
Something trails up my calves, drawing my attention to the foot of the bed.
The huge silhouette of Alexander looming over me has me flabbergasted. My stomach tightens with desire, adrenaline, and fear.
What the hell is he doing?
Can’t he see Matt is lying beside me?
