Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 186

apter 186

Elsa

I kicked off my heels with a loud “Fuck this” and flopped onto the

hotel bed, my body aching from a full day of meetings. My shoulders

felt like they were carrying the weight of the entire project, and my

head throbbed with tension. The hotel room was generic but

comfortable–neutral beige walls, crisp white sheets, and a view of

the city skyline that reminded me just how far from home I was.

Aiden had insisted we stay overnight to prepare for tomorrow’s

ribbon–cutting ceremony. “First impressions matter, Elsa,” he’d said

with that intense stare of his. “I need you sharp.”

I scrolled through my social media feed, my thumb moving

aggressively as I mindlessly liked photos until a familiar image

stopped me cold. Allen had posted a picture of a three–leaf clover he’d

found during his morning run. The caption read: “Good luck follows

those who make their own path.”

My stomach did a ridiculous flip–flop. I hit like before I could overthink it, and almost immediately, my phone buzzed with a

message from him.

Allen: You’re up late. Am I disturbing you if I call?

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“Holy shit,” I whispered to myself, my pulse suddenly racing. I

glanced at the clock–11:24 PM.

Not disturbing at all. I’m just winding down in the hotel. I replied, then added: Feel free to video call if you want.

The phone buzzed almost immediately, Allen’s name lighting up my screen. “Shit, shit, shit,” I muttered, frantically running my fingers

through my tangled hair and yanking down my rumpled sleep shirt

before accepting the call.

Allen’s face appeared, bathed in the soft glow of what looked like a

desk lamp. His hair was slightly damp, as if he’d just showered, and he

wore a simple gray t–shirt that hugged his broad shoulders.

“Hey,” he said, his voice warm even through the tiny speaker. “How’s

the business trip going?”

“It’s… going.” I tried to sound more enthusiastic than I felt, nervously

twirling a strand of hair around my finger. “The ribbon–cutting

ceremony is tomorrow. Apparently, I’m needed for my ‘expert insight

and professional presence.“” I made air quotes with my free hand,

rolling my eyes dramatically.

Allen laughed, the sound sending an unexpected ripple of heat

through my chest and down to my belly. “Well, you are pretty

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insightful and professional.”

I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t help smiling, my cheeks warming

traitorously. “Flattery will get you nowhere, Allen.”

His expression shifted slightly, becoming more serious. “I actually

wanted to ask you something.”

My heartbeat quickened so violently I was sure he could hear it

through the phone. “Oh?”

“I heard a rumor…” he hesitated, “about me and Ava Kim. I wanted to

clear that up.”

My mouth went dry as desert sand. I swallowed hard, trying to keep

my voice casual even as my fingers tightened around the phone.

“What about you and Ava Kim?”

“People seem to think we have some kind of… arrangement.” He

looked uncomfortable. “A marriage arrangement.”

I felt my cheeks burn hot enough to set off smoke alarms. “I–I didn’t

want to pry, but I had heard something like that. Is it true?” I bit my

lip so hard I nearly drew blood, hating how damn vulnerable 1

sounded.

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Allen’s expression softened. “It’s not what you think. Our parents had

this ridiculous idea when we were kids–like, actual children. They

called it a ‘cradle engagement‘ or something equally archaic.” He

shook his head. “It was never serious, at least not to me. And now Ava

seems more interested in my brother anyway.”

The relief that flooded through me was so intense I actually slumped

back against the headboard, letting out a breath I hadn’t realized I

was holding. “Oh. That’s….. good to know.”

“Was someone asking about it?” His eyes narrowed slightly.

“No, I just… heard things.” I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant

while my heart hammered against my ribs. “You know how pack

gossip spreads.”

A small smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Were you

concerned about my relationship status, Elsa?”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” I said, but my traitorous cheeks were burning

hotter than a goddamn furnace. “I was just curious.”

“Well, now you know. Completely single.” His eyes held mine through

the screen. “What about you?”

The question hung in the air between us, loaded with implications.

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My contract with Drake was technically still in effect, despite my

attempts to break it. I wasn’t sure how to answer.

“It’s… complicated,” I finally said, hating the cliché but unable to

explain the truth without diving into ten years of fucked–up history.

Allen nodded, not pushing further. “When you get back to Dual Moon

City, would you have dinner with me? Just dinner, no complications.”

My heart stuttered, and I found myself digging my nails into my palm

to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. “I’d like that.”

“Good.” His smile widened. “You look tired. I should let you sleep.”

I yawned, as if my body was responding to his suggestion, stretching like a cat and not missing how his eyes briefly tracked the movement.

“Yeah, big day tomorrow.”

“Goodnight, Elsa.”

“Goodnight, Allen.”

The call ended, and I stared at the dark screen for a long moment, a

warm feeling spreading through my chest that I hadn’t felt in years.

“Well, fuck me sideways,” I whispered to the empty room, flopping

back on the pillows with a giddy smile I couldn’t suppress, I fell

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