Love Unspoken

Alexander's gaze was fixed on her fingers, his expression a study in tranquillity. Quinn held her breath, lifting her eyes to meet his profound gaze. She began to gesture again, but he intercepted her hand before she could complete her motion. In a low murmur, he asked, "Have you forgotten what I said before?"

Quinn's eyelashes fluttered, a bitter laugh escaping her lips as her hand fell weakly to her side. His words reverberated in her mind. He had warned her not to fall in love with him.

Alexander sighed, his stern expression softening. He brushed away her tears, comforting her as one would a child, "Stop crying. Look, it's just the two of us here. No one will disturb us. Isn't that nice?"

Quinn turned away, evading his touch.His gaze flickered, and he gently but firmly turned her to face him again."You agree, don't you?" he pressed.

Quinn bit her lip, refusing to meet his eyes. She didn't know when it had started, but now, seeing his face, which she used to dream about, felt suffocating. It felt as though he had tethered her to this house with a collar around her neck in the name of family. She had no friends, no freedom. She had nothing left.

answer for him, but

filled with beguiling power. Quinn attempted to pull away, but Alexander drew her into his embrace, lowering his head to kiss her. She turned her head to avoid the kiss, but he

the disparity in their strength was undeniable. Before she knew it, she found herself pushed onto the

mingled instantly, saliva and blood choking Quinn as she

onto the floor from the couch, propping herself up with her hands and spitting out blood. She gasped for air, mouth wide open, taking long breaths before she finally started to regain her composure. Alexander casually seated himself beside her. He crossed one leg over the other and rested a hand on his knee. After wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, he

and cast a glance his way. He smoked quietly, his hair disheveled, and shirt rumpled with two missing buttons at the collar.

her, his expression now calm.

downward, her fingers knotted together. After a long moment, she mustered the courage, opened the drawer in front of her, and presented Alexander with the