Natalie ran a few steps before suddenly turning back.

She extended her hand to Alexander. "Give me your phone."

He pulled it from his trouser pocket, unlocked it, and handed it over.

Natalie quickly dialed the property management. "This is Natalie Sullivan, Alexander Valentine's fiancée from Villa 12. Don't let any visitors through tonight."

"Understood, Miss Sullivan."

"Especially anyone dressed like bodyguards. If they try climbing the walls, detain them for three hours."

"Of course."

"And there's a tall man in his fifties or sixties who looks downright terrifying. Absolutely no entry."

"Rest assured."

After hanging up, she stood on tiptoe to press a kiss to his neck. "Wait for me, darling."

Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed as his fingers brushed where her lips had been. "I'll go shower."

When the bathroom door opened, a pink bathtub came into view.

Her eyes stung. It was an exact replica of the one in her bedroom.

Her phone vibrated suddenly.

"Mom, I want to stay with Alexander tonight..." Her voice grew smaller. "I won't be coming home."

A long silence followed.

"He's worthy of you." Audrey sighed. "That bastard father of yours may be strong as an ox, but what good is it?"

Natalie burst into laughter.

"Use protection."

"No way." She pouted. "If I get pregnant, we'll just marry. Let's see what Dad has to say then."

Hanging up, she hummed as she stepped into the tub. When bubbles rose past her collarbone, her fingers began trembling with nerves.

Pushing the bathroom door open, she found Alexander leaning against the wall waiting.

His black robe hung slightly open, water droplets tracing paths down his collarbone.

"My man is so handsome." She swallowed hard.

The world spun as he swept her into his arms.

The sheets carried a faint lavender scent. When his fingers tugged at her robe's tie, she suddenly grabbed his wrist.

"Will it hurt?" Her lashes fluttered.

"I'll be gentle."

Five minutes later, Natalie abruptly sat up. "I can't do this!"

Veins stood out on Alexander's temples, but he only kissed her forehead. "I'll take a cold shower."

As icy water quelled his frustration, rustling sounds came from outside.

Natalie peeked out from the blankets. "Maybe...we could try again?"

"Next time." He toweled his hair with a wry smile. "I'd rather not die young."

Moonlight through the sheer curtains outlined her sleeping form. Alexander gathered her close, fingertips tracing her delicate features.

Meanwhile, outside the gated community...

Victor Sullivan was stopped by security for the third time. Furious, he called Audrey: "Your daughter is spending the night at a man's house!"

"I know."

"That sickly Alexander—"

"Still better than you." Her voice turned icy. "At least he knows how to love."

The phone smashed onto the car hood, its alarm piercing the night. Victor glared at the lit second-floor window, trembling with rage.