It's been two weeks since their last encounter.
Two weeks since that night at the bar
and since then, Alaska's name has clung to Alana's life like a shadow.
From short messages, flowers left at her doorstep,
to the black car that always appeared whenever she stepped outside.
At first, Alana thought it was just a coincidence. Now she knew. Alaska was watching her.
"Alana, are you sure no one's following you?" Manda asked worriedly as they got off her sport bike in the campus parking lot.
"No idea," Alana replied curtly.
"But if that's really him, I swear I'll be furious," Eca patted her shoulder.
"Guys like him don't understand the word 'no,' Lana. Just be careful."
Alana sighed deeply. "I don't want to be anyone's toy, Ca. I just want a normal life."
But that wish was slapped by reality
when a man in a black suit approached, bowing politely as he spoke:
"Miss Alana, Mr. Alaska would like to see you."
A few minutes later…
Alaska's office felt like another universe.
Everything was neat, elegant, dangerous
just like the man behind the desk.
His golden brown gaze locked onto Alana the second she stepped inside.
"You seriously sent someone to pick me up like I'm a package delivery?" Alana snapped without hesitation.
"I just wanted to talk," Alaska replied calmly.
"And if I asked nicely, you wouldn't come."
"Because you're terrifying, Alaska."
Alana glared. "You can't just show up like a shadow haunting every step I take."
Alaska stood, walking slowly toward her.
"I'm not terrifying you, Alana. I'm protecting you."
"Protecting?" Alana let out a bitter laugh.
"Protection doesn't mean trapping someone's life.
You're controlling me without permission!"
"If I don't control the chaos, the world will destroy you."
His voice turned cold.
"You know who I am. And you know many would use you to get to me."
"And you think I'm scared?" Alana shot back fast.
"I don't need a guard, Alaska.
I'm not part of your dark world."
"You're wrong."
He stopped right in front of her, their faces only inches apart.
"Since the moment I saw you that night,
you became a part of my world.
My world."
Alana rolled her eyes, but her voice trembled.
"You're insane."
"Maybe," Alaska stared deep into her, bending slightly closer,
his voice dropping into a low, dangerous whisper.
"But I'd be even more insane… if I let you go."
Silence.
Their eyes locked tense, intense, and deadly.
"You don't have the right to decide my life," Alana breathed, gaze quivering.
"I'm not yours."
"Not now," Alaska murmured.
"But eventually."
A knock on the door.
Kenan walked in without waiting.
"Boss, sorry to interrupt. Meeting with the Russians."
Alaska turned, voice flat.
"Delay it. I'm handling something more important."
"More important than an international client?"
Kenan stared at him, half in shock.
"You're seriously gone, man."
"Kenan!" Alaska shot him a killing glare.
"If she walks out without my permission follow her. But do not let her know."
Alana heard that.
Her expression stiffened.
"You're insane, Alaska!" she hissed, turning to leave.
But Alaska's hand was faster.
He gently yet firmly caught her wrist.
"I'm just scared of losing something I haven't even had yet."
"Let go, Alaska."
Her voice shook.
"You're not my savior. You're a prison."
He stared at her for a long moment before slowly releasing his grip.
"Then let me be the prison," he whispered,
"that you choose yourself."
Alana walked out with her chest tight,
not knowing what scared her more
Alaska's gaze… or the terrifying truth
that a small part of her
didn't want to escape him.