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Drake walked into the attached bath and slammed the door behind him. Alessandra attempted to follow, but the door was locked.
“Fuck you, Drake Walker! You’re a fucking bastard!” Alessandra yelled through the door.
They were constantly taking one step forward and two steps back. Alessandra was stuck between two men and two worlds, and their words cut deep.
She looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was mussed from sex and sleep. She had several love bites from Drake and their animalistic lovemaking. She began choking, suffocating with an albatross around her neck. She clawed at the collar’s clasp with her manicured nails.
Drake promised to keep me safe and protected by giving me this collar. I thought he cared about me…
The collar was a heavy, stinging weight in her palm, and she dropped it. She stared at it, unsure of what to do next. Eventually, she picked it up and placed it in a drawer.
Alessandra chose a romper with a low-cut lacy top, showing off ample cleavage and her graceful neck. She wanted Drake to see she’d removed the collar without his permission.
She made a pot of coffee and a bagel for breakfast. Drake gave her a once-over.
“Are you dressing to show off your curves so men will drool over you?”
“Maybe I want them to look at me, Drake. Maybe I’ll find someone who thinks I’m worthy of their time.”
She stroked her neck and drew her hand between her breasts to settle on her hip. Drake followed the movement with his eyes.
“Where is your collar?”
“What collar?”
“God damn it, Alessandra, this isn’t a fucking game!” He stepped closer to her, anger radiated from him, threatening to burn her. “You wearing that collar means something to me.”
“You’re damn right. This isn’t a game, but you keep playing with my emotions anyway. You gave me that collar as a symbol of your commitment. You should take care of me, cherish me. Instead, you instantly jump down my throat the moment something happens.
“How is that fair? I’ve been patient and understanding. I’m your wife, not your emotional punching bag. We’re supposed to be partners. I thought things were changing. I can’t do this anymore.”
Her voice cracked, but she was determined to hold back tears. She turned her back needing a moment to breathe. Drake enveloped her in his strong arms. His warm, firm chest pressed against Alessandra’s back. Despite their fight, she leaned into his comfort.
“I’m sorry, Alessandra. You’re right. This is ridiculous, and I should be past it. But as you can see, I’m still a fucking mess. Please forgive me.”
Alessandra spun in Drake’s arms and looked up at him. She couldn’t hold back the tears at his heartfelt words.
“This is the last fucking time, Drake Walker.”
Though he seemed sincere, she couldn’t help the anger that flashed through her. Their whole relationship, she had been catering to his emotional whims. It was time to put the issue to bed. If he couldn’t trust her now, he never would.
“You need to decide once and for all whether we’re staying together or getting a divorce. I mean it this time, Drake. The next time you treat me like this, we’re done. I will walk out that door and not return. You need to trust me. I’ll forgive you, but this is the last damn time.”
Drake hung his head and sighed, pulling Alessandra closer to him. She rested her head on his chest, soaking up his woodsy scent, and listened to his heartbeat.
“You’re right, Alessandra.You are right.You deserve better than me. I swear from now on, you will receive my all. Please stay with me. Give me one more chance to prove I’m all in this with you.”
***
Chapter Twenty-Three
Overwhelming guilt churned in Drake’s gut. He wouldn’t blow the last chance Alessandra offered him. She asked for his confidence and trust. But he was the untrustworthy one. It was becoming increasingly difficult to keep his secrets.
“Come with me,” Drake said. “I want you to hear what Jerry has to say.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“It’s the least I can do. I don’t just want you there. I need you there. Please come with me.”
