Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 265

Elsa

Ava looked like she wanted to say more, but the shooting range erupted in applause. Drake and Joseph had finished their match–a draw, apparently, though the tension in their handshake suggested neither was truly satisfied with the result.

I moved quickly to Drake’s side, handing him a bottle of water and a towel, helping him remove his shooting gloves. My fingers worked deftly, falling into the familiar pattern of service that made my stomach churn with resentment. “I’m sorry if I affected your score,” I said quietly.

“It’s just a friendly competition,” Drake replied, though his eyes remained fixed on Joseph.

“You could at least reassure her properly,” Ava interjected, appearing beside Allen. “A big boss like you, and you don’t even know how to comfort your own

assistant.

Drake’s head snapped toward her, his expression darkening. “And what are you trying to be now, Ava? You used to be a secret lover. Are you aiming to be an official mistress now?”

Ava blanched at his words. My eyes widened, and I nearly dropped the towel I was holding. What the actual fuck?

“Is that what you want?” Drake continued, his voice low and dangerous.

As Joseph and the others moved away to give us privacy, I watched Drake and Ava interact. Despite his harsh words moments ago, there was no lingering sexual tension between them. Instead, Drake’s posture seemed almost… protective.

Wher

Ava for her reckless behavior with Emily, his tone carried the exasperation of an older brother, not a former lover.

cally as she huffed, “You always treat me like I’m twelve, Drake. I can handle myself.”

yly, gesturing to the aftermath of her confrontation with Emily,

studying their dynamic, my teeth worrying my bottom lip. The familiarity was undeniable, but it lacked the charged undercurrent I’d expect

1. rs. My mind raced with possibilities–relative? Childhood friend? Pack connection? The curiosity was eating me alive.

denly, Drake’s hand reached out, firmly gripping my chin and turning my face toward him. His golden eyes bored into mine with unsettling intensity.

making my breath catch and my heart stutter traitorously,

“What are you thinking so hard

The question tumbled,

A smirk twisted hi

Don’t flatter

be Joseph

ed, his thumb brushing across my lower lip.

hat’s your relationship with Ava, really?”

itly. “Why? Jealous?”

way from his touch so hard I nearly stumbled. “I’m just trying to understand why you d accuse her of wanting tu

aten t

s fingers finding the zipper of my shooting jacket. You’re wearing too many layers, he said, voice dropping an octave

What the fuck are you doing? lussed, aty eyes wide as saterers, deutely aware of the others nearby.

19:22 am

Chapter 265

Making sure everyone remembers who you belong to,‘ he replied calmly, helping me slip the bulky jacket off.

Standing there in just my thin sweater, I felt exposed and violated. The weight of others‘ gazes prickled my skin though they all pretended not to notice, suddenly finding the floor or their equipment fascinating. My cheeks burned with humiliation as I crossed my arms defensively over my chest.

Drake moved behind me, his arms wrapping possessively around my waist. His breath was hot against my ear as he whispered, “You’re mine, Elsa. Is a simple hug really so offensive?”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify