Gai also stood up straight as well. “I’ll call her one right now.”


    “Not safe.” Olivia’s voice was quieter this time, more cautious.


    “She’s not fully conscious. Maybe it’s better if we book her a


    room nearby.”


    <i>I </i>stared at her.


    “Oh,” I said slowly. “How thoughtful. You’re really looking out


    for her, aren’t you?”


    She flinched at my tone, clearly unsure if I was serious or


    mocking her. I didn’t rify.


    But she had a point. The hotel would at least keep Jess out of


    further trouble.


    “Fine,” I said. “You handle it.”


    Olivia blinked. “Me?”


    “Yes. You suggested it. You stay with her. I have no intention of


    ying nurse tonight.”


    She took a half–step back. “Actually -I think a cab might still


    work…”


    But it was toote.


    Gai had already nudged Olivia gently toward the passenger


    door of my car. Before she could protest again, he opened the


    door and practically deposited her into the seat.


    “Have a good night, Alpha,” he said quickly, slipping away like a


    coward.


    I closed the back door behind Jess and got in beside her.


    The car started. And silence fell like a weight.


    Olivia sat perfectly straight in the front seat, her hands folded in


    herp, eyes on the road.


    Jess mumbled something incoherent and slumped sideways.


    Then, as we drove past the bridge, she wentpletely limp


    and dropped into myp.


    Her hair spilled across my trousers. Her arm dangled uselessly


    off the seat edge.


    I didn’t move.


    Olivia didn’t say a word.


    But I could feel her watching, staring straight into the mirror.


    Her gaze pinned to us the entire time.


    Olivia’s POV


    I peeked into the rearview mirror again. Jess had just “lost her


    bnce,” slumping against Alexander like she had no control


    over her limbs.


    But Alexander didn’t even flinch. He caught her with one hand,


    as effortlessly as if swatting away a leaf. His jaw was tight, the


    muscle twitching under his skin.


    “Stop it,” he said sharply. “You’re not drunk.”


    His voice was like ice cracking.


    Jess froze for a moment before lifting her head, her lips


    trembling. “Why are you being so cruel to me?”


    Alexander didn’t blink. “I told you already–either sit down and


    behave or get out.”


    There wasn’t a hint of warmth in his tone. It sounded like he


    was one breath away from throwing her out of the moving car.


    I didn’t dare say anything. I just sat there in the passenger seat,


    quiet, my fingers curled tightly in myp. But I kept watching


    through the mirror, Jess’s eyes were shining. Not from the


    alcohol–there wasn’t a drop of it in her. Those were tears. And


    she was trying hard not to let them fall.


    She pressed her palm against the window suddenly. “I want to


    get out. Stop the car!”


    The driver tensed. His eyes darted to me, clearly unsure


    whether to follow hermand or wait for Alexander’s.


    Alexander didn’t say a word. He just stared straight ahead like she hadn’t spoken.


    I leaned forward slightly. “Lock the door,” I whispered to the


    driver.


    A soft click followed.


    And just in time. Jess’s hand had already reached for the handle.


    When it didn’t budge, she shook it, then slumped back with a


    choked noise.


    “Why do you hate me so much?” she whispered, curling into


    herself. “I’ve known you my whole life…”


    She hugged her knees and began crying quietly.


    I sighed internally. I didn’t like Jess–no woman would, under


    the circumstances–but watching her crumble like that still


    tugged at something inside me.


    I opened the center console and pulled out a packet of tissues,


    stretching one out toward her.


    But before Jess could take it, Alexander reached out and pushed


    433444641&


    my hand back without saying a word.


    That small gesture… I don’t know why, but it ticked me off. Not


    because he stopped me. But because just like Ethan–he could


    be so cold when he decided someone was no longer worth his


    time.


    Cheating, lying, stone–hearted. Men, I swear.


    The rest of the ride passed in silence. Tense, heavy silence.


    When we arrived at the hotel, Alexander opened the door on


    his side, got out without a nce back, and walked straight into


    the lobby like Jess didn’t exist.


    I was left alone with her.


    I turned toward her and forced a small smile. “Should I book you


    a room? There’s a guest desk just inside.”


    Jess wiped under her eyes and shook her head. “No need. I’ll just


    sleep in your room.“”


    My brows lifted slightly. “Oh… okay!” There was a spare bed in


    the suite. I wasn’t about to start a fight over it.


    We got out together and walked through the hotel’s rotating


    doors. As we entered the lobby, I noticed something that made


    me pause.