Survive

I step into my modest apartment, immediately noticing the front door ajar. I won't even ask how it's been unlocked—. The space isn't much, just a cozy three-bedroom, but it's always been enough for me. I close the door behind me, letting the familiarity of home settle me for a moment.

But that comfort doesn't last long.

I find myself drawn to my bedroom, and when I push open the door, my breath catches. There he is—my mysterious alpha, sitting in the corner of my bed, bathed in the soft afternoon light streaming through the window. I'd seen glimpses of his face before, enough to know he was handsome, but this... seeing him in full? It's overwhelming. He's tall, broad, and so impossibly out of place in this room, in his sharp, tailored suit. He looks like he belongs on the cover of some luxury magazine, not perched casually on my humble bed.

His head lifts as I enter, and his lips curve into a slow, devastating smile.

My heart stutters.

I fight the embarrassing urge to drop to my knees and arch my back right then and there, blame it on these damn hormones. They've been driving me crazy lately.

"You're awfully comfortable in someone else's apartment," I manage to say, folding my arms as I lean against the doorframe. I'm suddenly hyper-aware of my work uniform—wrinkled from the long shift and not remotely flattering. I try to ignore the insecurity gnawing at me, brushing my hair behind my ear in an attempt to look more put together.

"You gave me permission when you asked me to find you," he replies smoothly, leaning back on the bed. His legs spread slightly, claiming the space with an easy confidence that makes the room feel smaller.

In his left hand, he produces something familiar—a tie. The tie I stole from him months ago. He dangles it lazily, the glint in his eyes teasing and predatory all at once.

"So, what's my reward, your highness?" he asks, his voice a low, silky drawl, that makes my stomach twist in ways I don't want to admit.

I snort, trying to play it cool. "It's null and void. It's been months. Statute of limitations and all that." I stride toward him, reaching for the tie, determined to snatch it back.

But Zander is faster. He grabs my wrist, pulling me forward until I stumble into his lap. My breath hitches as I steady myself, my palms bracing against the hard planes of his chest.

"You shouldn't make promises you can't keep," he murmurs, his dark eyes locking onto mine. "And unfortunately for you, whether you've changed your mind or not... I haven't."

His gaze is intense, consuming, and I swear I feel myself melting under its weight.

"You're even more beautiful than I remember," he says, his voice softer now as his thumb brushes across my cheek.

I roll my eyes, though my pulse is racing. "Liar. I'm sweaty and gross from work."

"Really? I hadn't noticed." His thumb moves to my bottom lip, lingering there with an intimacy that sends a shiver down my spine.

I force myself to stand, pulling away from his hold before I lose what little composure I have left. His expression darkens, irritation flickering briefly across his face. I hide my smirk, pretending not to notice.

"So," I say, clearing my throat and turning toward the window, "what's the plan? Surely you didn't orchestrate my day off just to stare at me in my cramped apartment?"

He sighs, leaning back against the bedframe. "We're going out."

I raise a brow, glancing back at him. "Out? I don't have clothes for anything fancy, if that's what you're thinking."

"I've taken care of that," he says, gesturing toward a pile of shopping bags at the foot of the bed. How had I missed those? Oh, right—he had completely distracted me.

"Well, I'd like to take a shower and change first," I say pointedly.

Zander doesn't move. Instead, he crosses his arms, the corner of his mouth lifting in a faint challenge.

We stare at each other for a moment, locked in a silent battle of wills.

Finally, he relents, standing to his full height. He towers over me, his presence so commanding it's almost suffocating, but in the best way.

"Fine. Take all the time you need," he says, his voice low, brushing past me as he heads toward the door.

As he passes, his hand grazes mine, the touch fleeting but electric. It sends a jolt through me, leaving my skin tingling in its wake.

I watch him go, the scent of his cologne lingering in the air long after he's left the room. It's intoxicating.

I exhale slowly, pressing a hand to my racing heart. Whatever tonight has in store... I'm not sure I'll survive it.