I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 213

Alexander wanted to tell her that she was always on his mind. Every day, without fail. But after walking in and seeing her grinning at Samuel Thompson, all those soft, loving words twisted into something sharp and ugly. He couldn’t hold back the anger boiling inside him.

Natalie stared at him, disbelief written all over her face. But really, what did she expect? This was Alexander. Camila White was the one he cherished, the one he treated like she was made of glass. Even after divorcing Natalie, he couldn’t resist putting her down, using her as a target whenever he needed to vent.

“Alexander Ramirez, the agreement is crystal clear,” she shot back, her voice cold. “If you touch me against my will, I’ll deduct ten million from your debt.”

Alexander was a shark in the business world, always hunting for a better deal. Natalie had spent ages crafting that clause, hoping it would protect her from his worst impulses. When she had signed the agreement and sent it over, he hadn’t objected to a single word. She thought that meant he accepted everything. But Alexander always found a loophole. Like tonight, dragging her to the Thompson Group’s party. When she pointed out that his request was totally unreasonable, he just came up with something else she couldn’t say no to.

Now, with his hands reaching for her, Natalie threw her trump card—the one thing she thought he couldn’t get around.

She glared at him, daring him to push further.

Alexander’s lips curled into a sly smile. “Ten million? Fine. I’ll pay it.”

And then he leaned in and kissed her.

This time, though, it was different. The kiss wasn’t rough or punishing. It was gentle, almost tender, like he actually missed her.

Natalie’s heart sank. Suddenly, it all made sense. The day she signed the agreement, he’d been in such a hurry. To Alexander, ten million was nothing. She’d been so naïve, thinking that would keep him in line.

Her resistance faded. Alexander sensed her letting go and paused for a breath. His lips softened even more, trailing from her mouth to her ear, then down to her neck. The hand holding her in place loosened, almost without him realizing.

In that split second, Natalie shoved him away with everything she had. He stumbled back, caught off guard.

Natalie spun around, fire in her eyes.

Knocking sounded at the door, and Samuel called out, “Natalie? Are you in there?”

A hand slid past her, fingers closing around the doorknob. “Let me help you. Wouldn’t want your new boyfriend to get impatient.”

Natalie’s heart jumped. She grabbed his hand, her whisper urgent. “Don’t you dare say a word.”

Her fingers fumbled along the wall until she found the light switch. The room brightened instantly. Natalie spotted a wardrobe in the corner. Without thinking, she yanked Alexander toward it, determined to keep this mess hidden just a little longer.