Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 290

Chapter 290

Elsa

When I didn’t immediately respond, Allen’s voice grew more intense, his body leaning closer to mine. “Elsa, you know I care about you. This isn’t about you working for my brother!”

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling between us like a physical presence. Of course I knew. I’d known for months that Allen had feelings for me. He’d never stated it outright before, but the signs had been unmistakable – the way his eyes followed me, the thoughtful gifts, the persistent invitations.

And I’d been running from it. Because despite everything – despite Drake’s cruelty and manipulation, despite the way he’d used me for ten years – there was still something there.

I felt sick with guilt, my stomach churning. Allen deserved better than my divided heart.

The silence stretched between us until Allen finally broke it. “I know you’ve been avoiding me, Elsa. But you really don’t need to.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but he held up a hand. I snapped my jaw shut, teeth clicking together.

“I like you, Elsa. I really do. I know about your past with Drake, and I don’t care. I know there’s history there, maybe even feelings still, but I’m willing to

was steady, his eyes never leaving mine. “I’m not perfect either. I have my flaws and my past mistakes. But I’d like

me all of me not just what you’ve seen or heard.”

the pl

d I was sure he could hear it. Holy shit, is this really happening? My breath caught in my throat as Allen reached for warm, gentle, so different from Drake’s possessive grip that always left bruises on my skin.

for an answer right now,” he continued softly. “Just… think about it. I believe we could be good together, Elsa. If you’d give us a

ake

nlight caught in his hair, giving him an almost ethereal appearance. He sat quietly, waiting for my response, his hand still holding

stared at him, completely at a loss for words, my pulse racing wildly as I tried to process what had just happened.

The moon cast silver light across the garden below as I stood at the second-floor balcony, my fingers tightening around the railing until my knuckles turned white and the wood creaked beneath my grip. The beast inside me paced restlessly, snarling with each passing moment.

I could smell her-that familiar scent of jasmine and something uniquely her -even from this distance. My jaw clenched so hard my teeth might crack as I watched Elsa sit beside Allen on that stone bench, her blonde hair gleaming in the goddamn moonlight like she was putting

on a show for him.

That silver-gray dress she wore the one that exposed her elegant shoulders and the curve of her neck-revealed the mark I’d left on her collarbone days ago. My mark. Even if it was fading, it was still there. Still visible to anyone who looked closely enough.

And that f

on’t care. I know there’s history there, maybe even feelings still, but I’m

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9:35 am P

Chapter 290

willing to wait.”

His voice was steady, earnest, and made me want to rip his throat out with my bare teeth. Who the hell did he think he was? Heat surged through my veins as my vision flickered with gold.

“I’m not perfect either. I have my flaws and my past mistakes. But I’d like the chance for you to know me-all of me-not just what you’ve s or heard.”

When he

respo

1, I nearly vaulted over the railing. A low growl escaped my throat before I could stop it. If she took it, if she myself she would regret it. She would pay for this betrayal. I would make damn sure of it.

gh the tension. Allen frowned, checked his phone, and his expression shifted to concern.

canding reluctantly. “She says her car is stuck in a drainage ditch. I’m sorry, I need to go help her.”

through me, though my anger remained simmering just beneath the surface like molten lava. Susan-Allen’s sister-had just om making a terrible fucking mistake.

esitated, clearly reluctant to leave. “Elsa, wo ersistence was making my blood boil. I grip

I really can’t, Allen,” Elsa replied, and I fel condition…”

g dinner with me? Tomorrow, perhaps? Or whenever works for you?” eling the wood splinter slightly beneath my palm.

1. “I have so much work at Moonlight, and with my mother’s

“The weekend then?” he pressed,

to rage again. “Just a quick meal? I’d love to continue our conversation.”

ew all too well after ten fucking years. “I don’t think it’s a good idea right now. My

Elsa ran her fingers thro

schedule is just too u

“Elsa,” Allen’s

es can be managed. Just say you’ll think about it? That’s all I’m asking.”

She si

“Fine. I’ll… we can talk about it later. I’ll contact you.”

1. She was brushing him off, giving him just enough to make him leave without actually committing er evasion tactics. Her non-answer was as good as a no. Smart girl.

ng reluctantly. “I’ll hold you to that,” he said, squeezing her hand briefly before letting go. “I have to run

over.”

sa alone on the bench. I watched as her shoulders slumped, a sigh escaping her lips. She looked tired, vulnerable- of my presence above her.

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