Chapter 12 THE TRAP ~ CLAIRE'S POV ~ Alexander's hand was fire against my thigh . His fingers traced lazy circles on my bare skin as our limousine soared through Manhattan traffic , the city lights casting shadows across his sharp jawline . He looked devastatingly handsome in his black tuxedo , every inch the billionaire prince who had come to my rescue . " Tell me something you've missed about New York , " he murmured , bringing my knuckles to his lips . The kiss sent electricity shooting up my arm , and I had to concentrate to keep my voice steady . " The energy . The way the city never sleeps , never apologizes for being too much . " " Like you . " His green eyes burned as they met mine . " Too beautiful , too intelligent , too perfect to be real . " Heat pooled low in my belly at the raw hunger in his voice . Alexander's control was legendary in business circles , but I could see it fraying at the edges whenever he looked at me . His free hand clenched and unclenched against his thigh , his breathing slightly raised up , his pupils dilated with want . He was fighting himself , and losing . " We're here , " he said roughly as the car stopped . Through the tinted windows , I could see the red carpet stretching like a river of blood toward the hotel entrance . Photographers lined both sides , their cameras already flashing in expectation . My chest tightened . " Alexander , I'm not sure I'm ready for this . " His hand cupped my face instantly , thumb stroking my cheek with ruining gentleness . " Hey . Look at me . " His voice was pure command wrapped in silk . " You are Claire Elizabeth Winfred . You are brilliant , successful , and breathtaking . These people should be honored to breathe the same air as you . " The conviction in his voice almost made me believe it . He stepped out first , then stretched his hand to help me from the car . The moment my heels touched the red carpet , the world exploded in camera flashes and shouted questions . " Alexander ! How does it feel to be engaged ? " " Miss Winfred ! Tell us about the proposal ! " " When's the wedding ? " Alexander's arm snaked around my waist , pulling me against his side with possessive force . His body sent out heat and barely controlled desire , muscles taut beneath his designer jacket . " Smile , " he whispered against my ear , his breath making me shiver . " Show them you're mine . " We moved down the carpet like we were dancing , Alexander's hand never leaving my body . Palm splayed across my lower back , fingers occasionally dipping to the curve of my hip , thumb brushing the exposed skin of my 1/4 Chapter 12 +15 Bonus shoulder . Every touch was a brand , a claim , a promise of what he wanted to do to me later . The hotel ballroom was a masterpiece of crystal chandeliers and marble cues . Manhattan's elite came out with champagne flutes and predatory smiles , their eyes tracking our every move . " Alexander ! " A tall man with graying temples approached , arms spread wide . " The man of the hour ! " " Thomas , " Alexander smiled , though his grip on me tightened . " Thank you for organizing this circus . " Thomas Hartwell was handsome in that distinguished older man way , but there was something oily about his gaze as it remained on my dress . " And this must be the famous Claire . My God , the photos don't do you justice . " His eyes dropped to my cleavage with clear liking . Alexander's body went stiff beside me , violence simmering just beneath his polished surface . " Careful , Thomas . " " Oh , come now , " Thomas laughed , completely missing the warning . " I'm just saying you're a lucky man . Claire , darling , if you ever get tired of this brooding billionaire act ..... " " That's enough . " Alexander's voice could have cut glass . I forced a smile , placing my hand on Alexander's chest to calm him . " I think I'll get a drink . The champagne looks divine . " " I can call a server ..... ' 11 " I would prefer to stretch my legs , " I said quickly , needing space from his overwhelming presence and the effect of his barely leashed desire . As I walked toward the bar , I caught pieces of conversation from Alexander's circle : " Jesus , look at her move ... " " Lucky bastard doesn't deserve something that perfect ... " " I would give anything for one night with that ... " I gripped my champagne flute tighter , forcing my face to remain calm . This was my new reality - being objectified by men who saw me as Alexander's prize rather than my own person . I was on my third glass when familiar hands slid around my waist . " Everything alright ? " Alexander's voice was rough with concern and something darker . " I apologize for Thomas . He's an idiot . " " It's fine , " I managed . His lips found my neck , pressing hot , open - mouthed kisses along my pulse point . The public display made my skin burn with embarrassment and unwanted arousal . " Alexander , what are you doing ? " " Kissing my fiancée . " His teeth grazed my earlobe . " People are watching . " " That's exactly why you should stop . " " Who cares ? " His hand splayed possessively across my stomach , pulling me back against his hard chest . " Let them see how much I want you . " 2/4 Chapter 12 15 Bonus I could feel him ....all of him .... pressed against me , his control completely shattered . Every line of his body screamed possession , dominance , raw need barely contained by expensive fabric and social convention . Then his mouth was at my ear , his voice a dark whisper that made my blood freeze . " By the way , I invited Richard and Monica tonight . " I jerked away from him so hard I nearly spilled my champagne . " What did you just say ? " Alexander frowned , apparently confused by my reaction . " Richard Blackwood . He's been desperately trying to get Hayes Corporation to invest in his failing company . This seemed like the perfect opportunity for us to meet . " My hands started trembling . " You could have warned me . " " I thought you would want to show him how happy you are ," Alexander said , genuine confusion in his voice . " How completely you've moved on . " But I hadn't moved on . Standing here in this glittering ballroom , I felt like the broken woman who had fled New York two years ago . Small . Pathetic . Invisible . My eyes swept the crowd frantically until they landed on a familiar figure near the orchestra . Monica , stunning in red silk , laughing with a group of society wives like she belonged here . Like she had always belonged here , while I had been the intruder . Memories crashed over me in violent waves . Monica's hands on Richard's chest . Her moans echoing through my bedroom . The way she had smiled at me the next morning at the hospital , asking how I had slept . Claire ? " Alexander's voice sounded far away . " You're pale . What's wrong ? " " I need ... " I couldn't breathe . " Bathroom . I need the bathroom . " I fled before he could stop me , pushing through the crowd with single - minded desperation . Not the public restrooms - somewhere private , somewhere I could fall apart without an audience . A door at the end of a quiet hallway promised sanctuary . I slipped inside what appeared to be a small conference room , my back pressed against the door as I tried to remember how to breathe . This was supposed to be my moment of triumph . My revenge . But standing here , shaking like a leaf , I felt like I was back there again and watching my world crumble . Water was running in the attached bathroom . Probably a server or staff member . I would wait for them to leave , then allow myself exactly five minutes to break down before putting my mask back on . 3/4 Chapter 12 +15 Bonus The bathroom door opened . And my worst nightmare stepped out , adjusting his cufflinks with practiced ease . Richard Blackwood looked up , saw me , and went completely still . For a heartbeat , we just stared at each other across the small room . He was older , worn around the edges , but still devastatingly handsome in that way that had once made my heart race . Now it was racing for entirely different reasons . " Hello , Claire , " he said softly , his voice exactly as I remembered it . My back pressed harder against the door , every muscle in my body screaming at me to run . But there was nowhere left to go .