Chapter 195

"Aldenria."

"Holy hell, she's gorgeous." The tattooed man licked his lips as he rose from his chair, already reaching for Evelyn.

Before his fingers could graze her arm, an iron grip clamped down on his shoulder.

"Back off, Donovan. This one's mine."

Evelyn's breath hitched when she saw the speaker.

The man had striking aristocratic features - high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and piercing blue eyes that reminded her painfully of Liam Blackwood. His military-style leather jacket hugged broad shoulders.

"I thought you'd sworn off women, Alexander?" Donovan's laughter boomed through the warehouse. "What changed your mind?"

Alexander's lips curled into a smirk. "Maybe I just found someone worth breaking my rules for."

Donovan's grin turned predatory as he eyed Evelyn. "Fine. But I get her when you're done. A beauty like this shouldn't go to waste."

In one fluid motion, Alexander stood and blocked Donovan's path. "I'm calling first dibs. Consider it repayment for that shipment I let slide last month."

The other men hooted with laughter at the rare display of desire from the usually indifferent Alexander Blackwood.

Donovan finally shrugged and waved them toward a side room. "Don't take too long. I want my turn."

Alexander grabbed a cigarette from the table before seizing Evelyn's wrist. He dragged her into the storage room, slamming the door behind them.

Evelyn's knees trembled. Tears blurred her vision as she desperately scanned the windowless concrete walls for any escape route. In this heavily guarded compound, hope seemed futile.

Alexander locked the door and shoved her onto the cot. She scrambled up immediately, clasping her hands in supplication. "Please," she begged, voice breaking. "I have money. I can pay you—"

He lit his cigarette with deliberate slowness, the flame illuminating his sharp profile. "Start screaming."

"What?"

Exhaling smoke, he clarified, "Moan. Cry. Struggle. Make it convincing."

Understanding dawned, bringing a flush to Evelyn's cheeks. Her pulse pounded as she realized his intent. "I-I don't know how to—"

Alexander crushed his cigarette underfoot and closed the distance between them in two strides. "Never been with a man before?" His mocking tone sent heat rushing to her face.

Before she could respond, he yanked her against his chest, burying his face in her neck. His sudden movement startled a genuine shriek from her lips.

"No! Stop!" She thrashed in his hold.

Alexander's lips brushed her ear, his whisper barely audible. "Keep going. Louder."

Trembling, Evelyn obeyed, letting out choked sobs between pleas for mercy.

"Where are you from?" he murmured against her skin.

"My husband—he's with the Aldenrian Special Forces. I was shopping when they grabbed me."

Alexander snorted. "Of all the women in Phoenicia, they had to kidnap a soldier's wife." His grip tightened briefly. "Talk about shit luck."

Evelyn stilled, studying his face through her tears. "Do you...know me?"

Rolling onto his side, Alexander propped his head on one hand, his gaze sweeping over her with unsettling intensity. "Little Miss Wright, isn't it?"