Her gaze shifted to Alistair, who wore a smirk while locking eyes with me. There was a subtle smile on her lips as she glanced back at me before finally uttering words that held a yet-unknown significance. “Oh, I’m sorry … I didn’t mean to offend you.“ She said and my brows creased as I noticed the amusement on Alistair’s face. Sense of Alistair's unspoken intention lingered; perhaps he refrained from pointing out my apparent jealousy to spare his friend's feelings or merely to tease me. I turned towards the young lady with a forced smile, battling the urge to blurt out that I wasn’t his girl but was merely under contract, overwhelmed me. “None taken.” I replied and she smiled before she finally walked away, after sparing another glance at him. “Jealous I see.“ Alistair finally spoke and my brows curled into a frown. I was annoyed by his statement and the fact that he had assumed I was jealous. He was wrong, totally wrong. Though my action were of that of someone jealous, I wasn’t

ALISTAIR’S POVWith a blindfold covering my face, visibility was almost nonexistent. Attempting to feel around for any weapons in the vehicle proved futile. As I groped in the darkness, someone's boot came down hard on my hand, crushing it. The pain surged, and I reluctantly gave up on the idea of finding anything useful."What are you trying to do?" he asked, but I remained silent. If only I knew the identity of these assailants, I thought. I would have made them pay for the humiliation I endured. Imagining their faces, I envisioned a scenario where they were on their knees, pleading for their lives, and I reveled in the fantasy of making them suffer for what they had done to Chloe."I can double the pay," I said aloud, desperately hoping my words would reach and resonate with them. Aware that threatening them would likely worsen the situation, I considered the only option I had—making an offer. If they were working for someone, and the man in the video seemed a plausible connectio

For a fleeting moment, time appeared to stand still, and a wave of relief washed over me as I held Alistair close. Unbeknownst to me, a tear had slipped down my cheek, a subconscious expression of the emotions coursing through me. I held him tighter, heedless of the bloodstains that marked both of us. "Are you alright?" Alistair's voice finally penetrated the cocoon of peace we had shared, bringing me back from the realm of fantasy to the reality of the present. As I pulled away, I became aware of my surroundings. Not just Jayden, but everyone in the room wore expressions of surprise at the unexpected display of affection. The intensity of the moment lingered, and I found myself grappling with the mix of emotions that had unfolded before the watchful eyes of those present. The aftermath of our unexpected embrace left me feeling awkward and yearning to escape, wishing for any place other than where I currently stood. A quick glance at Alistair's face revealed a slight frown, not con

“Thanks a bunch,” I grinned, snagging the two scoops of cotton candy from the vendor with delight. Returning the favor, he accepted the cotton candy as I turned around. Handing one to Alistair, he took it, and his expression gave away a slight discomfort, which I found a bit amusing. He didn't strike me as the type who enjoyed being seen in public, evident in his choice of a cowboy hat and sunglasses. Dressed in a matching white tank top and shorts that showcased his muscular arms, he glanced at the cotton candy and then shot me a look. His eyes betrayed a sense of boredom, contrasting with my own smile. “What? It’s nice.“ I said to him as I ate a bite from my candy and flashed him another smile. We found ourselves at a park, where I had envisioned spending the day together. I had stayed up all night jotting down notes on the activities we could do today. Alistair didn't seem overly thrilled about it, but he had still chosen to go along with the plan."Do you do this often?" he inq

Perched on Vanessa, a mini panic attack threatened to engulf me as she let out a neigh. Maddie's reassurances echoed in my mind, but the revelation that Alistair owned the ranch added an unexpected layer of surprise. He confirmed his ownership, disclosing that he had acquired the property from its previous owner."Are you good?" he inquired, and I nodded nervously. Soon, he joined me on Vanessa, settling in behind, his hands gripping the reins. A swirl of emotions churned in my stomach at the closeness between us, an inexplicable feeling I wouldn't trade for anything. Alistair, a breath of fresh air, emanated an alluring cologne that filled my nostrils as Vanessa galloped towards the expansive pathway leading deep into the forest. Meanwhile, Minnie’s stubborn refusal to move left Alistair with no alternative but to ride alongside me on Vanessa.The sensation of the wind caressing my face brought forth a delightful feeling, prompting a smile as I closed my eyes, momentarily shutting o