Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Acting Up

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Chapter 36

~Zara’s POV~

Snow’s grip on my arm tightened and for a moment, I thought he might snap but instead, his voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "You think this is just business? You think I’m doing all of this for some deal?"

He pulled me closer, his breath hot against my ear as he whispered through gritted teeth, "You’re mine, Zara. Stop pushing me."

I felt my heart race from his words’ closeness and intensity. His eyes were glowing, Glacier’s presence roaring inside him, barely held in check.

For a terrifying second, I thought he might lose control.

But instead of fear, I felt something else—something darker, more dangerous.

I was angry, yes. But I was also... drawn to him. The power radiating off him, the raw possessiveness in his voice—it both scared me and pulled me in.

"You don’t own me," I whispered back, my voice shaking but defiant. "You don’t get to control me."

His eyes flashed, and I thought he might snap again. But instead, he let go of my arm, stepping back, his breathing heavy. "Don’t test me. Not now."

His voice was barely controlled, but he was restraining himself and Glacier.

For a moment, we stood there, breathing hard. My pulse thrummed in my ears. I had never seen him like this—so raw, so... vulnerable, yet dangerous.

Just as I opened my mouth to speak, to say something, anything to break the tension, Ivan’s clap cut through the moment.

"Well, isn’t this entertaining," he drawled, stepping closer with that infuriating smirk on his face. "The perfect couple. Such passion, such fire." He looked between us, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "But Zara, you should know by now that Snow doesn’t share."

Snow’s head snapped toward him, his eyes narrowing. "Watch it," he warned.

Ivan chuckled. He was undeterred. "Oh, come on, Snow. Let’s not pretend you’re in this for anything other than the deal. We all know what this is about."

My heart clenched as Ivan’s words hit their mark. He was playing on my doubts, the same doubts that had been eating at me for days. I knew he needed me for the business deal but hearing your useless ex, state it, made it hurt as well.

Snow stepped closer to Ivan, his jaw tight. "You should leave," he growled. Thankfully, we were by the edge of the hall and not many people paid us any heed. "Before I make you."

Ivan shrugged. "I’ll leave. But think about what I said, Zara." His eyes flicked back to me, and I felt a cold shiver run down my spine. "You know where to find me when you’re ready to talk."

With that, Ivan turned and walked away. I let out a shaky breath. When I glanced through the corner of my eyes, Snow was still standing close. But now, more than ever, I needed answers. I needed to know where I stood.

"What was that about?" I asked, my voice coming out sharper than I intended.

Snow’s eyes flicked to mine, still glowing with Glacier’s presence. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice gruff.

I crossed my arms, trying to steady my nerves. "You’re angry at Ivan because what he said is true? You, using me to seal the deal with Marcus?"

He stared at me for a long moment. "Yes. I needed you, that much you know and you played along."

~Ivan’s POV~