Rachael's voice trailed off, habitually starting to say "Master" again.
"Thank you, Maste—"
Alexander's fingers gently pressed against her lips, silencing her.
"Alexander," he whispered, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Rachael's cheeks flushed.
"I'm sorry. Old habits."
Alexander's voice softened.
"Want anything, Rachael?"
Rachael's response was hesitant.
"No...o... Alex...ander."
Alexander's eyes sparkled.
"You can call me Alex."
Rachael thought better of it.
"Alexander," she said firmly.
Alexander chuckled.
"Yes, it is my nickname, but from you, I prefer Alexander."
Rachael's heart skipped a beat at the intimate undertone.
"Why?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
Alexander's gaze locked onto hers.
"Because when you say my full name, it sounds...different. More personal."
Rachael's cheeks flushed deeper.
Rachael repeated, her voice teasing.
"Alex... Alexander."
Alexander hummed, a low, husky sound.
"Say it again," he whispered, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Rachael's smile grew.
"Alex... Alexander."
Alexander's hum deepened, vibrating through his chest.
"Again," he urged, his gaze intensifying.
Rachael's voice dropped to a whisper.
"Alex... Alexander."
Alexander's eyes flashed with warmth.
"You know, Rachael?"
"Yes?"
"Every time you say my name, I feel it here," he said, tapping his chest.
Rachael's heart skipped a beat.
"Where?"
Alexander's voice was low.
"In my soul."
"You have a soul?" she asked, her voice laced with surprise.
Alexander chuckled, the sound sending shivers down Rachael's spine.
"Alexander, not devil," he whispered, his eyes sparkling. "Your former master is gone. I'm the man who stands before you now."
Rachael's gaze searched his.
"But the way you've been, so controlling—"
Alexander's expression softened.
"Protecting you, Rachael. That's all."
Rachael's voice barely whispered.
"I thought I'd lost myself to him... to the darkness."
Alexander's fingers brushed against her cheek.
"You're free now. You're mine, Rachael. Mine to protect, mine to love."
YOU ARE READING
Shadows Within The Past
Mystery / ThrillerIn the world of organized crime, loyalty is a luxury few can afford. The Thompson family's empire is built on bloodshed, corruption, and ruthless ambition. As the family's dark secrets unravel, Alexander, Ethan, and Lucas must navigate the treachero...
