Chapter 4 004

Elara's POV

"You should learn to keep up with your acting-argh, shit!" Alric groaned, dragging his hand through his hair in frustration. " Why the f*ck do I have to be tied up with you."

The parking lot was almost empty, the only light a dim bulb flickering at the far end. Even in the shadows, his sharp jawline and pointed nose stood out. He was taller, broader-so much more than me. I had to tilt my head back just to see his face.

After that kiss... my heart hadn't stopped racing. To Alric, it was probably nothing. Just strategy. But to me? It was everything. My first kiss, stolen under stadium lights, burned into me like a brand.

My throat tightened. I lowered my gaze, blinking against the tears in my eyes.

"I...I'm sorry. I'll do better next time," I whispered, voice cracking. Tears threatened, but I forced them back.

His grip shot out suddenly, rough but steady, fingers clamping under my chin. He tilted my face up until my blurred vision met his. My lashes fluttered, clearing the tears, and then-there it was again. That flash in his eyes. Strange, unnatural. Like a wild flame hidden in ice. Not human.

"Kiss me," he said flatly.

The words punched the air from my lungs. My eyes widened. "W-what?"

"Kiss me." His tone was sharp, leaving no room for argument.

Panic rushed through me. I jerked away, shaking my head. "I have work. I'm leaving now."

He stepped closer, cutting off my escape. His voice dropped, low and furious.

"Your basic work is me. Learn to kiss me, and learn to do it in public."

My chest ached. The tears broke free this time, hot trails down my cheeks. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to step toward him. My feet dragged. My body trembled. Rising on my toes, I stretched toward his height, heart hammering-

But before my lips could brush his, his voice snapped.

"Get out."

Arriving at the supermarket breathless, I had run all the way from school. The first thing I saw was my boss standing by the canteen doorway, his gaze sharp and piercing.

I had an excuse ready, but under that glare, it slipped from my mind.

"Go...ood evening, sir. I'm sorry I'm late, I had an extra cla-"

Before I could finish my lie, he shoved his phone screen in front of me.

It was me-being dropped, being kissed by Alric.

Now I understood why everyone's eyes had been glued to me the moment I walked in.

"You're fired."

Three words. Like cold water crashing down on me.

"Please..."

"Being late is one thing," he snapped, "but showing up here after your little honeymoon-that's your reason? Out. Youngsters like you are never ready for real life." And with that, he walked away.

I changed into my waitress uniform in silence, the sting of humiliation burning through me. Serving drinks, forcing a smile at customers, every second felt heavier. But I needed the money. I had no choice.

Still, I couldn't shake the intensity of what had happened with Alric. His kiss, his hold-it clung to me like a shadow. I couldn't stand against Lyra, nor Alric. They had everything: luxury, power, control.

All I had was one goal-finish college, just like my mother dreamed, and start a simple restaurant. But everything... everything was already slipping away.

A few minutes after I finished with a string of difficult customers, they came-Lyra and her pack of sycophants.

I quickly lifted a tray to shield my face, praying they hadn't noticed me.

"Elara! Go serve them," Jane's hurried voice cut through me.

Taking a deep breath, I muttered, What could go wrong? Then, with my head lowered, I walked toward their booth in the VIP section. Only a handful of people were here-no witnesses to whatever was about to happen.

"What would you like to order?" I asked quietly.

That's when it began.

Lyra's hand shot out, yanking my ponytail until it snapped loose. My head jerked back with the force, her grip tightening.

A hard kick slammed against the back of my knees-I collapsed onto the floor. Cold whiskey poured over me, soaking through my uniform.

"You bitch!" Lyra's scream echoed in the small room, followed by a harsh slap that stung across my cheek. Her face twisted, tears mixing with rage. "I don't want to f*cking see you with Alric again. I'll gouge those eyes out if I have to!"

Her voice broke, raw and venomous. "Anyway, I just need you drunk tonight. Don't worry... a handsome guy will put you on your knees. He'll satisfy you well." Her nails dug cruelly into my scalp, forcing my head back further.

Pain burned, but anger sparked hotter. I grabbed her wrist and shoved her with everything in me. Lyra stumbled, crashing against the table, spilling glasses everywhere. Her friends held her as they gasped in surprise at my actions.

For a second, the words almost slipped out of my mouth-"I'm sorry."

That's what I was supposed to say. That's what I'd always said. Keep quiet, keep my head down, if Lyra decides to slit my throat tomorrow I won't be able to stop her.

But something inside me snapped.

I scrambled to my feet, my chest heaving, whiskey dripping down my skin. My knees shook, but my defiance was louder.

"I'm sorry." I muttered low, my voice barely audible.

"How dare you-"

Lyra's words froze in her throat when a familiar voice cut across the room.

"Alric..." she gasped, whipping around.

I followed her gaze-and there he was. Alric. Broad-shouldered, ice-cold, flanked by his teammates. The whole atmosphere shifted like lightning snapping through the air.

"Ouch! My hand-" Lyra suddenly whined, releasing me like Id burned her. She clutched her wrist dramatically. "I...I didn't mean-"

Alric's stare was merciless as he stepped closer, towering over her. His voice was low, sharp enough to slice through bone.

"Didn't I tell you to keep your hands off what's mine?"