Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85

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I practically lived here my senior year,” I admitted. “The libraries were always too quiet, and my apartment was too far to go back

between classes.”

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Allen nodded in understanding. “Same. Though I spent most of my time at the business school café.” He eyed my small salad. “Is that all

you’re eating?”

I shrugged. “I already had a sandwich earlier.”

And Drake’s always making those little comments about watching my figure. “A girl should stay trim.” Fuck that noise.

“Come on, live a little,” he encouraged, pushing his second tray toward me. “I ordered too much anyway. The kimchi fried rice is still amazing, and these dumplings are to die for.”

My resolve crumbled at the sight of the steaming food. It had been a long time since I’d indulged in campus comfort food without feeling

judged.

“Fine, but I’m buying dessert,” I countered, accepting a dumpling. Screw Drake and his controlling diet suggestions.

For the next forty-five minutes, we ate and talked about campus memories, carefully avoiding any mention of our current professional lives. It was refreshing to be seen as just Elsa, not as Drake’s assistant or contract mate. No one watching my every move. No one criticizing my every word. Just… freedom.

“You know,” Allen said, leaning back after we’d demolished most of the food, “it’s nice seeing you relaxed like this. At company functions,

you always seem so…”

“Uptight?” I supplied with a small laugh. Or maybe “miserable” or “trapped” would be more accurate.

“I was going to say ‘professional,’ but yes, a bit uptight too,” he admitted. “You’re different outside the corporate setting.

I sighed, stirring the remains of my tea. “That’s because I rarely get to be outside the corporate setting. Between work and company obligations, I barely have time for myself. Apart from business trips that take me out of Twin Moon City, I haven’t had much time to

myself lately.”

My life has been completely swallowed by Drake and his demands. What a waste.

Allen studied me with unexpected intensity. “That sounds… restricting.”

“It’s just the nature of my job,” I deflected, suddenly aware I’d said too much. And the nature of being chained to a possessive Alpha who

thinks he owns me.

“Speaking of which,” he said, checking his watch, “shouldn’t we be heading to the recruitment fair?”

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16:35 Sat, Apr 18

Chapter 85

I nodded, grateful for the change of subject. As we gathered our things, Allen hesitated.

“Listen, there’s a Spring Festival coming up next month at Moonlight Plaza. Would you like to come? As friends, of course,” he added

quickly. “It’s a community event, lots of food stalls, music, that sort of thing.”

I considered his invitation. By then, my contract with Drake would be over. I would be free to make my own choices, free from his

possessiveness.

I could actually have a normal social life. Go places without permission. Talk to people without fear. Holy shit, freedom is so close I can

taste it.

“That sounds nice,” I said cautiously. “Can I let you know closer to the date?”

“Of course.” He pulled out his phone. “Let me get your number, just in case.”

As we exchanged contact information, I couldn’t help but feel a small thrill of rebellion. In a week, Drake Stone will have absolutely no

say in who I spend time with.

Allen smiled as he saved my number. “I’m glad I ran into you today, Elsa.”

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