Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 253

Chapter 253

90

Elsa

The afternoon sun glinted off the glass façade of Blue Jade Bay, a new high–end restaurant that had opened just last month. Drake guided me through the ornate entrance, his hand resting possessively on the small of my back. I fought the urge to shrug it off, my skin crawling

beneath his touch.

“I’ve heard this place has the best fusion in Twin Moon City,” he said, nodding at the maître d‘ who immediately recognized him. Of

course he did–everyone knew Drake Stone.

The interior took my breath away. Intricate carved wooden screens separated the dining areas, creating intimate spaces without sacrificing the open feel. Massive windows framed with delicate flower carvings overlooked a central artificial lake where small wooden boats drifted lazily across the water. The ceiling featured hand–painted scenes of mountains and clouds, illuminated by crystal chandeliers that cast dancing patterns on the polished marble floors.

“It’s beautiful,” I admitted, momentarily forgetting my resentment toward Drake as I absorbed the serene atmosphere. My fingers fidgeted with the hem of my blouse, a nervous habit I’d developed whenever I experienced conflicting emotions.

A young woman nearby posed for a photo against the lake backdrop, laughing as her companion captured the moment.

My hand instinctively reached for my phone, wanting to take a picture to show my mother when she recovered, but I hesitated and returned it to my purse, my jaw tightening. Fuck, I can’t even enjoy simple pleasures without second–guessing myself anymore.

Drake noticed my movement, his predatory eyes missing nothing. “Would you like a photo?” he asked, his tone unexpectedly gentle.

I shook my head, swallowing hard. “No, it’s fine.” My voice came out harsher than intended, betraying my inner turmoil.

We were led to a private table near the water’s edge. After ordering drinks, Drake gestured toward the small boats. “Want to take a ride before our meal? I remember your hometown is near the northern lake district.”

His comment surprised me, my eyes widening slightly. I rarely shared personal details with him, and I couldn’t recall mentioning this particular fact. How the hell does he know that? Has he been investigating my past?

“I never actually went boating as a child,” I admitted, my fingers drumming nervously on the table. “After my mother got sick, my father said it wasn’t worth the rental fee. That money could buy another week of medication.” The bitterness in my voice was unmistakable.

Something flickered in Drake’s eyes–was it pity? Anger? I couldn’t tell. My stomach knotted at being an object of his curiosity.

“Come on,” he said abruptly, standing and extending his hand. Before I could protest, he led me to the dock and helped me into one of the

small wooden boats.

“What the fuck are you doing?” I asked, gripping the sides as the boat wobbled beneath me, my knuckles turning white.

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10:52 Wed, Apr 29

Chapter 253

“Just sit,” he commanded, though his voice lacked its usual harshness. “It’s just a boat ride, Elsa. If you want to do something, do it.

What’s the big deal?”

As he guided the boat across the water, I studied his profile, confused by this unexpected consideration. My teeth worried my bottom lip as thoughts raced through my head. This temporary kindness is just that–temporary.

“Your father had no problem spending money on gambling,” Drake remarked, breaking into my thoughts. “Your hesitation must be

genetic.”

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