Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 261

Chapter 261

Elsa

end

I needed to get out. The walls of the Silver Moon Manor felt like they were closing in on me with every passing minute. The contract Drake had presented sat like a death sentence in my inbox–ten more years of servitude with a termination fee that might as well have been a billion middle fingers to my face.

My fingers drummed anxiously against my thigh as I paced the room, feeling like a caged animal. Fuck this. Fuck him. Fuck everything.

‘I’m going for a walk, I announced, not bothering to look at Drake as he scrolled through his phone in the manor’s grand sitting room. I practically spat the words, my jaw clenched so tight it hurt.

He barely glanced up. “Don’t go far. We have lunch at one.”

“Actually,” I said, feigning casualness I didn’t feel, my voice strained as I twisted a strand of hair around my finger, “I heard there’s a shooting range on the property. I thought I’d check it out.”

That got his attention. His golden eyes flickered up, a hint of curiosity crossing his features. “I didn’t know you were interested in shooting.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” I replied, unable to keep the edge from my voice. I squared my shoulders, a small act of defiance that felt like a victory.

A dangerous smile played at his lips. “Is that so?”

I shrugged, already regretting my words, my stomach knotting with familiar dread. In public spaces, with other people around, Drake was less likely to be… well, Drake. At least that’s what I told myself as I headed for the door, my heart hammering against my ribs.

“Wait.” His command froze me in place. Damn Alpha voice. My muscles locked involuntarily, and I bit my tongue until I tasted blood. “I’ll join you.”

Of course he fucking would.

The shooting range was located at the eastern edge of the property, a sleek modern facility that smelled of gunpowder and polished wood. As we approached, I spotted a small group already there–Joseph Moonlight, Allen’s older brother and chairman of Moonlight Real Estate, along with his secretary

Ava Kim and another woman I didn’t recognize.

My shoulders tensed instantly. More people. More performances. More pretending

was fine.

“Drake, Joseph called out, his voice carrying the easy confidence of old money. “I didn’t expect to see you here today.”

Drake’s hand settled possessively at the small of my back, his fingers digging slightly into my flesh. A gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by the others. I fought the urge to squirm away, knowing it would only make things worse.

“Joseph. How’s business?” Drake’s voice was cool, controlled.

Thriving, as always,” Joseph replied with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. His gaze shifted to nie. “And Ms. Hale, it’s been too long.

Ava brightened. “Elsa, good to see you!”

1

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enter

9:31 am

Chapter 261

1. MM.

I nodded, forcing a smile that felt like cracking glass across my face. “Ava, it’s been a while. My voice came out steadier than I felt, a small miracle

Joseph gestured to the elegant brunette beside him. “This is Emily Davis.” The woman gave me a cool once–over, her assessment almost predatory. I fought the urge to cross my arms over my chest, instead lifting my chin slightly.

“Care for a friendly competition, Stone?” Joseph suggested, a challenging glint in his eye. “CEO against CEO?”

Drake’s fingers tightened painfully against my spine. I winced, but kept my expression neutral. Another dick–measuring contest. Fantastic.

“Why not?” Drake’s tone was casual, but I felt the tension radiating from him.

“Perfect,” Ava chimed in with forced cheerfulness. “Joseph and I can be one team, and Mr. Stone and Elsa can be another. Emily can judge.”

Emily’s displeasure at being relegated to judge was evident in the tight press of her lips, but she nodded anyway.

In the changing room, I struggled into the heavy shooting vest, my fingers fumbling with the straps. The weight of it pressed uncomfortably against my

chest, and I tugged at the collar, trying to find some relief. Sweat beaded along my hairline despite the room’s cool temperature.

J

“Shit, shit, shit,” I muttered, glancing around the empty room. My breath came in short, shallow gasps. These competitions between CEOs were never just friendly matches–they were displays of dominance, thinly veiled negotiations conducted through the barrel of a gun.

When I emerged from the changing room, Drake’s gaze immediately tracked to my discomfort. I saw his nostrils flare slightly–he could smell my anxiety, damn him. Without a word, he signaled to one of the staff.

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