Love Unspoken

Quinn's fingers clenched tightly, her eyes scrutinizing the man's impassive countenance. Her gaze drifted momentarily, lost in the enigma that was his thoughts. She had always found it impossible to decipher what was going on in his mind. Alexander's grip on her chin tightened, his voice pressing, "Do you hear me?" Quinn winced at the pain, her nod of understanding coming only after she had managed to pull herself back to reality.

"This is your final warning," he threatened, his tone deadly serious. "If you disobey me again, I'll break your legs and lock you up. Do you understand?" Quinn's body stiffened at his words. There was no doubt in her mind that he was capable of carrying out his threat. She nodded again, this time with visible difficulty.

Only then did Alexander loosen his grip on her, his hand moving to caress her cheek as he murmured, "That's more like it." He leaned in to kiss her, but Quinn, remembering the doctor's warning, instinctively turned her head to avoid his lips.

Alexander's eyes narrowed, his hand turning her face back towards his. His voice held a dangerous edge as he chastised her, "Forgot what we just talked about? You truly are forgetful." Quinn tried to explain herself through gestures, but her flustered demeanor only seemed to make her appear more defiant. With a swift move, he grabbed her hand and tied her wrists together with his necktie. Quinn shook her head in desperation, her struggle so intense that she tumbled off the couch onto the floor, the impact leaving her disoriented.

holding onto the collar

didn't quite reach his eyes. "Why?" His gaze bore into Quinn's, as if trying to search her soul for an answer. "Why are you afraid of me?" Quinn closed her eyes and turned her

her greed that had led to this? Longing for his love while

her into his very being. His tone softened, and he murmured, "Don't be afraid.

was her favorite. She had once heard that gardenias symbolized a lifelong wait. She had fallen in love with the scent of gardenias, and whenever he wore the clothes she had laundered, carrying the scent of

those who deceived themselves. They were the most pitiable. Alexander loosened the necktie, cradling her face in his hands to wipe away her