Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 112

Chapter 112

Elsa

“Do you

like hiking?” Allen asked suddenly. “Silver Lake has some amazing trails. There’s one that follows the river up to a hidden

waterfall–it’s spectacular at sunrise.”

Despite myself, I felt a small spark of interest. The idea of open spaces, of forest and water far from corporate offices and Alpha posturing, tugged at something primal in me.

“I’ve never really had the chance,” I admitted. “But I’d like to try.”

Susan’s smile turned triumphant, and I immediately regretted giving her any ammunition. But Allen’s genuine enthusiasm wasn’t so easy

to dismiss.

“Well then,” he said, “that’s something we should remedy once you’re

settled.”

As we finished our meal, I noticed Susan checking her phone, then exchanging a series of texts with an increasingly smug expression. When she looked up, she gave an exaggerated gasp.

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“Oh! I completely forgot I promised to meet Kimberly for that thing tonight!” She started gathering her things, the performance so transparent I had to suppress an eye roll. “Allen, you can make sure

Elsa gets home safely, can’t you?”

Allen frowned. “Susan, what are you-”

“It’s fine,” I interrupted, already pushing back my chair. “I can call a

rideshare.”

Susan’s hand shot out, gripping my wrist with surprising strength. “Don’t be silly! Allen would be devastated if you left now. Wouldn’t

you, Allen?”

The look of mortification on Allen’s face almost made me laugh.

Almost.

“I’m sorry about my sister,” he said, shooting her a look that promised a conversation later. “She sometimes forgets basic social boundaries.”

“I’m just being efficient,” Susan protested, already backing away. “You like Elsa, she’s new to Silver Lake, you both love the outdoors…”

“I never said I love the outdoors,” I pointed out.

Susan waved dismissively. “Details. You two finish your coffee. I really

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must dash!”

And with that, she was gone, leaving an awkward silence in her wake. I sighed, looking down at the half–eaten salad in front of me.

“So,” I said dryly, “is she always this subtle with her matchmaking?”

Allen’s laugh was genuine, his embarrassment evident. “Usually she’s

worse. I apologize.”

Despite everything–my exhaustion, my cynicism, the shadow of Drake that seemed to follow me everywhere–I found myself smiling. A real smile, not the professional mask I wore at work.

“At least she’s honest about her intentions,” I said. “That’s more than I

can say for most people.”

When Allen insisted on driving me home, I was too tired to argue.

As we pulled up to my apartment building, I spotted a familiar figure leaning against the wall near the entrance. Sophia straightened when she saw me, her silver hair catching the streetlight.

“Thanks for the ride,” I told Allen, quickly gathering my things.

“My pleasure,” he replied, his eyes curious as he spotted Sophia.

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“Friend of yours?”

“My best friend,” I confirmed, opening the door. “Goodnight, Allen.”

Sophia’s eyebrows shot up as she watched Allen’s car pull away. “Well,

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well. Finally someone brave enough to challenge the tyrant CEO?”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s not like that. He’s Susan’s brother–the new intern at work. He was just thanking me for helping her.”

“Uh–huh.” Sophia fell into step beside me as we entered the building. “And does Mr. Possessive know you’re accepting rides from handsome

wolves?”

“Drake doesn’t own me,” I snapped, then sighed as guilt immediately followed my burst of anger. “Sorry. It’s been a long day.”

Once inside my apartment, Sophia flopped onto my couch. “So, have you told that cheap bastard you’re quitting yet? Ten years on contract and he pays you this pittance. Fucking dog of a man.”

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I winced. “Sophia, you know the walls are thin.”

“I don’t care if he hears me all the way in his penthouse,” she declared, throwing her hands up. “What’s he gonna do? Fire you? You’re already leaving. You know he’s not going to let you go easily,

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right? He’ll find some way to keep you under his thumb.”

My chest tightened at her words, because I knew she was right. Drake Stone didn’t lose–and he certainly didn’t let go of what he

considered his. And I’ve been his for ten goddamn years.

“I’m leaving,” I said firmly, digging deep for resolve I wasn’t sure I had. “Even if Alexander’s job offer falls through, I’m done. I can’t do

this anymore.”

Sophia’s expression softened. “Good. You deserve better than being

his dirty little secret.”

Dirty little secret. The words echoed in my mind, reminding me of Drake’s dismissive treatment in the hotel room. The way he’d called Susan’s clothes filthy, while tearing off mine with equal disdain. The memory made something twist painfully in my chest.

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