Page 16 of X: Command Me through Alexander’s Eyes

The last trumps the others, and I can only hope that after a night with her, I’ll let go of my preoccupation.

Norris gets back in the car without a word, and we drive in silence. After a few minutes, he clears his throat. “Home?”

“I suppose,” I say ruefully, my thoughts lingering behind with Clara. “I need to get my own place.”

“Perhaps, you should speak to your father,” Norris advises me. His eyes survey me in the mirror.

“I don’t want anything from him. I’ll get a flat.”

Norris resumes his practiced silence, but the absence of his guidance is deafening.

“Out with it,” I order him.

“You think it will be this easy?”

“The flat?” I clarify.

“Amongst other concerns.” He’s choosing his words with the caution of a man familiar with my family’s poor temper.

“If we’re talking about Clara, let’s use her name,” I say flatly. “You think it’s a bad idea?”

“I think a woman like that deserves more than a hotel suite.”

I already know that. “I can’t give her more. It would expose her.”

“Alexander, she’s already exposed.” He turns the car onto a side street and I watch the lights of London flash past the window while I absorb what he’s saying.

“All the more reason to keep this private.” I don’t leave room for him to question this. I know Norris is right. Clara deserves more than a man like me can give her. “Can you see to that?”

“Of course,” he says in a clipped tone. He doesn’t approve, but I don’t try to fool myself.

I’m a selfish man. I’m going to hurt her. I won’t be able to protect her, because I pose more danger to Clara than any reporter or tabloid headline. She’s not the type of girl who fucks a man like me for thrills. She’s not the type of girl a man like me beds for fun. I’m going to take so much more than her body—and the worst part is that I don’t care if I hurt her. Not if it means I can have her, even if it’s just for one day.