Another Chance for the Luna Queen novel

Chapter 0119 Alexander POV +25 BONUS Ella was still asleep long after I had woke n up , which was to be expected after what shed been through the previous day .

I had no intention of waking her ; she would get up when she was ready .

In the meantime , I walked quietly around the apartment , handling the business of the day that couldnt be put off .

I sent emails and text messages and gave orders to my pack and employees to ensure that things continued to run smoothly despite my absence .

It was a sign of a poorly run business if the absence of a single person caused everything to come to a screeching halt .

I took pride in the fact that my business could operate well without me , at least for a while .

It meant I had successfully established the business and hired the right people .

Arranging for work hadnt taken nearly long enough , and it was the only reliable distraction I had .

Once it was done , I had nothing to think about except for Ella .

It was pointless to try to hide the fact that I was genuinely attracted to Ella .

There was nothing wrong with that ; she was a beautiful woman .

Considering the nature of our arrangement , it was better if my attraction for her was genuine .

It took some pressure off my acting and made our interactions feel more natural .

I had even entertained the idea of pursuing her genuinely , but I dismissed it .

Ella didnt seem ready for that , and I wasnt sure she would be anytime soon after what shed been through with David .

The bigger problem , though , was that I wasnt ready for a real relationship , and I knew it .

It was unfair of me to even consider it .

There was a reason so many women had come forward to warn Ella about me .

My reputation as a bastard to women was well earned ; I had made a lot of mistakes and treated many people poorly .

Much of that stemmed from the simple fact that when I had allowed myself to truly fall in love , I had ended up with a broken heart .

I wasnt in any rush to let someone get that close to me again it could only end badly .

I already knew exactly how bad things could get , and I wasnt going to subject myself or anyone else to that kind of misery .

So if things with Ella were going to be physical , that was fine , but that was all it could be .

I wouldnt take her heart , and I wouldnt give her mine .

Ella POV Alexander had woken me from a doze last night with a plate of food and a clean pair of pajamas .

Lhad eaten , showered in awkward silence , and eventually fallen asleep in his bed while he did something else in the living room .

I assumed he was working , but since he offered no explanation , I couldnt be sure .

He had been distracted and , if I was honest , he seemed upset .

I worried that he deeply regretted what had happened between us .

The thought made me feel awful .

Not only because I never intended to make Alexander feel bad , but because it made me feel self conscious .

If I had disappointed him in some way … but that didnt matter .

It was clear that it had been a mistake for us to sleep together .

I should have listened to myself and not given in to my desires so easily .

I would only get myself into more trouble if I became impulsive like that .

I couldnt let it happen again .

1/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 0119 When I woke up this morning , Alexander still wasnt in the room with me .

I could hear him pacing around the kitchen , and it took a few minutes for me to work up the nerve to go out and speak with him .

When I entered the kitchen , he glanced up at me , a tight smile forming on his face .

Good morning , he said .

Good morning , I repeated , awkwardly .

How did you sleep ? Alexander asked .

Fine , I answered softly , then added , I didnt mean to take your bed , There was a brief pause before he replied , You were recovering .

I thought you could use the space , and I didnt want to disturb you by tossing and turning .

I nodded , struggling to find any words .

The silence between us felt thick , almost suffocating .

Ill have breakfast brought up now that youre awake , he said , his tone lighter , as if trying to ease the awkwardness .

Are you feeling better ? Should I have a doctor come up to- Im fine , I cut him off quickly .

Theres no need for that .

Im glad to hear it , he said , but the tension in the room persisted .

I couldnt tell if I was projecting my own discomfort onto him or if he was feeling just as uneasy .

Either way , was hard to even look at him , feeling like such a fool for letting things go as far as they had .

it Listen … about last night , I started hesitantly , my voice barely above a whisper .

I think … we might have made a mistake .

I kept my eyes glued to the countertop , too afraid to meet his gaze , feeling the weight of my words hanging in the air .

Is that so ? Alexander asked , his voice calm but unreadable .

What makes you think that ? I just … I think it would be better for both of us if we stick to our contract , I said , my heart pounding as I spoke .

We shouldnt let ourselves get … emotionally involved .

He didnt respond right away , and the silence between us stretched out .

I forced myself to look up and meet Alexanders eyes .

There was a distant expression on his face , as if , for a moment , he was somewhere far away .

Then his gaze met mine , and he smiled that same tight , controlled smile .

I agree , he said in a detached , professional tone .

This is a business relationship , nothing more .

I apologize if its awkward for you .

No , I said softly , trying to steady my voice .

Im glad were in agreement .

Ill drive you home once youve eaten , he offered .

The thought of being alone in the car with Alexander for an hour made my heart twist painfully .

I had too many conflicting emotions swirling inside me , and I knew I couldnt handle the unbearable silence for that long .

Thats not necessary , I said quickly .

I can have someone pick me up .

My father will probably be coming by the capital to deal with the situation anyway .

Youre probably right , he replied , his voice cool and unaffected .

Ill make the arrangements for breakfast .

With that , Alexander turned and walked out of the kitchen , leaving me standing alone in my pajamas on the cold tile floor .

A chill crept over me , not just from the coolness of the room but from the emptiness that settled in my chest .

Chapter 0119 I felt ridiculous standing there , and a deep sense of regret washed over me .

Had I just made a terrible mistake ? But I couldnt let myself get caught up in those feelings .

It was too much of a risk to give in to whatever was building between Alexander and me .

It wouldnt be fair to him , either , How could I let him invest his feelings in me when I knew I could never be the woman he needed ?