Chained By The Alpha Jessica Hall

Book 2 Chapter 18

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"Are you sweet on her or something?" He leans back, arms crossed over his chest, eyebrows raised so high they nearly disappear into his tousled har

"Don't be ridiculous," I scoff, a sharp, humorless sound that leaves my lips before I can stop it

My grip on the steering wheel tightens instinctively, knuckles turning white as images of Maya flood my mind

"Seriously, man," Leo presses, his tone light but his eyes piercing

"Like I said, it doesn't matter." My voice is

clipped, but I can feel the heat rising from my neck to my cheeks

"Right," Leo chuckles, shaking his head as if he's just heard the world's worst excuse. "Whatever you say, man. She was hot, maybe she'll be back tomorrow, I will see what all the fuss is about."

My growl is thunderous but he only laughs

"Yeah, you like her," he chuckles

"So who is she?"

"No one, now drop it, Leo." The words snap out harsher than intended

"Fine, fine," he relents, but I can see the curiosity still dancing in his eyes. "Just don't act surprised when I ask about her again."

I let out a frustrated breath, glancing at him

sidelong. "You're impossible."

"Yeah, but you love me for it," he smirks, and I find myself fighting a reluctant half-smile

As we drive on, I try to push aside the nagging thoughts of Maya and the way she moved, the intoxicating scent that clung to her skin- something floral, dark, and entirely her own. I tell myself I shouldn't care, that I've got bigger problems, but every time I blink my eyes, I see her dancing, and the need to understand what lies beneath that surface tugs at me relentlessly

As we pull up to my house, a modest single-story building nestled against the forest behind the packhouse, I feel a wave of relief wash over me. The comforting familiarity of my surroundings welcomes me, even if they are less impressive than the Alpha's mansion. This place is mine-it's functional, practical, without the

grandeur that seems to suffocate the other homes around here

"Catch you later," Leo says, unbuckling his seatbelt and shooting me a look that tells me he knows I'm not done grappling with whatever's brewing inside me. I nod, watching him leave for his house which is only a short walk into the forest before I climb out of the car

Once inside, I close the door behind me and lean against it, taking a moment to breathe. The open plan living area greets me with its simplicity-a worn couch, a small table covered in papers, and the faint smell of old wood. I move toward the kitchen, ready to pour myself a glass of water, but my thoughts drift back to Maya again. I want to know why she works there? Is it the thrill, or does she genuinely like it like she clarmed?

Shaking my thoughts away I decide to have a shower hoping that ridding her scent from my clothes will get her out of my head. Walking into the bathroom I flick on the light. The single bulb overhead casts a harsh, unforgiving light over the cracked tiles and patches of mold that had begun to creep into the corners

I unbutton my shirt, my fingers catching on the rough fabric before I shrug it off and let it drop to the floor. As I step into the shower, I let the cold water rush over me. It's a biting chill that starts as a shock before settling into my bones

But it's a welcome feeling, one that helps to clear my mind. When the cold becomes unbearable I turn the heat on

As the shower roars in my ears and the steam begins to fill the room, I close my eyes. But instead of the peace I'm seeking, all I see is Maya - her dark blonde hair falling over her

shoulders, her eyes filled with defiance

Her body, lithe and graceful. The way she danced was captivating, each sway of her hips igniting a hunger within me I have not felt in ages. I close my eyes letting the water cascade down my back, a futile attempt to drown out the memory of her grinding her pussy against me