Veil of Deception: The Replacement wife

No matter what

I feel Alexander's calloused, rough hands gently and delicately rub my legs. His attention seemed devised in a way between me and the movie. The warmth of his touch as his hand grazed my legs made me feel comfortable and safe in a way.

I can't help but deny there is a nagging thought at the back of my mind that knows beneath this tender, gentle exterior he is showing me there is something in Alexander that is much darker.

As the movie plays, I find myself slightly turning my head as I study his profile in the dimly lit room.

His strong jawline, his tattoos peeking from under his shirt, and the way his eyes seem to be constantly assessing everything around him.

It was a reminder of the world he's a part of—a world I'm now trying to understand.

I softly clear my throat. The silence suddenly broke. "Alex," I say with hesitation.

He looks down at me, his gaze softening as soon as he looks at me. "What is it, baby?" His hand rests on my leg, waiting for me to continue.

I take a deep breath. "Do you ever worry about what you do? What could happen because of it?"

Alexander's eyes darken slightly. He leans back against the headboard, his hand still resting on my leg. "I do," he admits after a moment. "Every day. But it's not just for me but for you too."

I knew he was dangerous, but hearing him say it brings me sudden anxiety. "But what if something happens to you?" I ask my voice barely a whisper. My chest tightens with anxiety.

Alexander's grip on my leg tightens slightly, a reassuring gesture. "Nothing's going to happen to me, Scarlett. I won't let it." His voice is firm.

"But how can you be so sure? This life... you choose... it's so dangerous. I'm scared, Alex." I say my voice trembling slightly.

He shifts closer to me, his hand moving to cup my cheek. "I know it's scary. I wish I could shield you from all of it, but I can't. All I can do is protect you with everything I have. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you, and I'm going to make sure I come back to you every single time." His words are a promise.

I nod, leaning into his touch. I know he means every word, but the fear remains in the corners of my mind. "I just want you to be safe. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you," I whisper, my eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Alexander's thumb brushes away a tear that escapes, and he presses a gentle kiss to my forehead. "You don't have to worry about that, okay? I've got you. And I'm not going anywhere."

He holds me close, and I feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my cheek. I want to believe him, to trust that he'll always be there. In this quiet moment, I let myself believe in his promise, finding solace in his embrace.

The movie continues to play in the background, but neither of them pays much attention. The reality of my words hangs heavy in the air. Alexander's hand continues to gently stroke my hair. I close my eyes, allowing myself to drift off, trusting that, for tonight at least, I am safe in his arms.

As I slowly drift to sleep in Alexander's arms. The warmth and comforting presence, along with the heat of his body. The peaceful beating of his heart and breathing were the only things that kept my fear at bay. I knew this moment was fragile, like a sheet of ice over water.

Now and then I feel his calloused thumb as he traces the curve of my cheek. As though he knows I am deeply worried.Though we both know that walking away from this kind of life isn't an option for him, Not now. Not ever.

In my half-haze, I feel him gently slide out from under the covers, though he tries not to wake me. I've always been a light sleeper. So I kept my eyes shut in the hope he was just going to use the restroom.

I feel his gaze looking down at me for a few moments. As though there was an idea that anyone could harm me, and it fills him with a fury he had to work hard to hide. He won't let anything happen to me. He won't let anyone take me away from him. You could tell from the look in his eyes.

I hear his feet shuffle on the ground for a moment, the door squeaking shut softly as he closes the door behind him.

Listening very carefully, his voice muffled through the door.

His tone and demeanor flipped a 180 the moment he stepped out into the hallway.
The tenderness he showed me is replaced by a cold, calculating resolve. He pulls out his phone and dials a number, his tone hardening as he speaks.

"Harry," he says in a low voice once the line connects. "We need to move faster. I want this job done by tomorrow night."

"I don't care if it's risky," Alexander snaps, his voice sharp with authority. "I don't want this dragging out any longer than it has to. We take care of Bobby now, or we'll never get another chance. Do you understand?"

Another pause.

"Good," he finally says, his tone cold. "And make sure it's clean. No loose ends."

He ends the call. There was a pause.

I faintly hear a strange sound as though Alexander leans against the wall of the bedroom.

I hear another noise as though he pushes away from the wall. Alexander returns to the bedroom and quietly opens the door. I pretend I'm sleeping. Trying to keep my frightened face neutral.

I hear his feet shuffle on the ground again as he walks over to the bed, sitting on the edge. He watches me for a moment. He reaches out, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

"I'll protect you," he murmurs, almost to himself. "No matter what it takes."

The resolve in his voice is clear, even in the stillness of the room. He won't let anything happen to me. Not as long as he's breathing.

Alexander stands up and carefully climbs back into bed, pulling me close to him. He wraps his arms around me, holding me tightly as if to shield me from the world outside.

Eventually, my breathing evens out as I sink into sleep, and Alexander no doubt allows his own eyes to close, his mind finally beginning to quiet. Tomorrow, the storm will come. But tonight, in this fleeting moment of peace, he allows himself to believe that everything will be okay.