Another Chance for the Luna Queen novel

Chapter 0126 Ella POV The air around us felt heavy after I answered Alexanders question .

It was probably too much for me to admit , but it was the truth , and I couldnt stand the thought of him or anyone else believing hed taken advantage of me .

The effects of the drug had been powerful , but Id been fully aware of my actions , and I was grateful to have had Alexander there .

It was better to have someone I trusted beside me .

Alexander seemed struck by my words , though he did his best to hide his reaction .

He shifted slightly on the couch , his gaze dropping for a moment before returning to mine , his expression serious .

Ella , there have been a lot of … unexpected consequences to our contract .

I nodded , understanding what he meant .

Neither of us could have predicted how deeply entangled our lives would become once we agreed to work together .

I certainly hadnt anticipated Davids relentless interference .

As difficult as it had been for me , it had also impacted Alexanders life , something I felt responsible for Yes , I agree , I said softly .

Im sorry about that .

I understand if you feel I owe you something more to- Thats not what Im saying , Alexander cut me off , his voice firm .

Youve been put in a lot more danger than I could have expected , and it concerns me .

If Id been just a little bit later … I shuddered , a chill running through me at the thought of what might have happened if Alexander hadnt arrived at the hotel in time .

I glanced down , unable to meet his intense gaze .

Hed saved me in more ways than one , and while I felt vulnerable acknowledging it , the sense of security I found in him was undeniable .

Ella , he said softly , drawing my attention back to him .

Im afraid that staying with me may put you in more danger , and I cant guarantee Ill always be able to protect you .

If the risk ever becomes too much for you , if you want out of our contract , you only need to tell me .

Your safety matters more than our deal .

I stared at him , wide eyed .

Alexander had no idea what was truly at stake he couldnt know the full weight of what losing to David would mean for both of us .

But even so , he was willing to risk his own ambition to put my well being first .

It touched me deeply that hed consider giving up his competitive advantage , his path to power , for my sake .

I felt a small smile play at my lips as I shook my head .

I made a commitment , I replied .

Im not backing out of our contract .

Are you sure ? he pressed , his gaze searching mine .

Theres no guarantee you wont get hurt .

Theres no guarantee that ending things would make David stop , either , I pointed out gently .

If anything , I think our chances are better together .

Alexander ran his fingers through his hair , exhaling heavily as he leaned back on the couch .

A serious look settled -over his face as he considered my words , and I could see the internal struggle in his expression .

He was wrestling with both his desire to protect me and his determination to succeed .

The vulnerability in his eyes was rare , and it made my heart ache ; he was a man accustomed to control , yet here he was , faced with something far less certain .

Alexander reached for my hand , his warm touch immediately calming me .

His bright eyes locked onto mine , and he leaned forward slightly .

Well do it together , then , he said with a smirk .

Were a good team .

Well make him regret ever crossing you .

1/2 +25 BONUS Chapter 0126 I smiled back , feeling a blush rise to my cheeks as his thumb traced gentle circles over my knuckles , a soothing warmth spread through me .

I glanced down at our hands , and when I looked back up , he was closer his eyes searching mine with an intensity that made my heart race .

The thought that he might kiss me flashed through my mind .

It wouldnt be our first kiss , but after everything that happened last night … I felt a thrill , almost a nervous anticipation , about what it might mean now .

Just thinking about the way hed kissed me last night made my skin tingle .