Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 248

Chapter 248

I listened to Drake s retreating footsteps in the hallway, my body relaxing only when I was certain he had left. The tension that had been coiled in my shoulders since I’d agreed to return to him eased slightly. I hadn’t expected him to leave in the middle of the night, but I wasn’t about to question this small

mercy

Without his dominating presence filling the space, without his scent overpowering mine, I could breathe more easily.

I pulled the blankets closer, allowing myself this moment of peace. Tomorrow would bring all the complications of living under Drake’s thumb again, but for

now, I could pretend I was somewhere else. Someone else.

Sleep came easier than it had in weeks.

Morning arrived with sunlight streaming through the floor–to–ceiling windows. I stretched, momentarily forgetting where I was until the scent of expensive sheets and Drake’s lingering cologne brought reality crashing back.

I checked my phone. 8:15 AM. No sign of Drake, though the rumpled sheets on his side suggested he’d returned at some point during the night. I showered quickly and dressed in one of the business outfits I’d left behind, grateful that at least my clothes were still where I’d left them.

As I grabbed my purse and headed for the door, my phone rang. Drake’s name flashed on the screen.

I’m on my way to the office,” I answered, cradling the phone between my ear and shoulder as I searched for my keys. “There’s still a lot to prepare for the

meeting, and I need to-”

“Check the files I left in the study first,” Drake interrupted. “They need your immediate attention.”

I sighed, glancing at my watch. “Can’t it wait until I get to the office? I’m already running late.”

“No.

Just that. One word, delivered with the absolute certainty that I would obey. I gritted my teeth.

“Fine. I’ll look at them when I get back this evening.”

“You misunderstand me, Elsa.” His voice dropped an octave, taking on that dangerous Alpha tone that made my spine stiffen. “You’ll check them now.”

“I’ve already left the apartment,‘ I lied, reaching for the door handle.

The moment my fingers touched the cool metal, a series of mechanical clicks echoed through the apartment. Red lights flashed on the security panel beside the door, and a computerized voice announced: “Security protocol engaged. All exits locked.”

My heart dropped to my stomach. “What the fuck did you just do?” I yanked at the handle repeatedly, my knuckles turning white from the force.

I know you’re still in the apartment, Elsa. Drake’s voice was almost amused. “The security system logs all entries and exits. You haven’t left since you

arrived two days ago.”

A chill ran through me as I slammed my palm against the door in frustration. “You’re monitoring me? Are there cameras in here too?” My mind raced through all the intimate moments we’d shared since I’d returned. The thought that they might have been recorded made me physically ill. I pressed my forehead against the cold door, fighting the wave of nausea that threatened to overwhelm me.

3/2

Chapter 248

“The security cystem only tracks movement through entry points, Drake replied coolly. And while there are cameras in the common areas for security purposes, they’re programmed to automatically overwrite footage every thirty days. I have no intention of using such footage against you, if that’s what

you’re worried about

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