Chapter 31 Chapter 31 Alexander's POV I pushed Jess's arms off me with little effort. "What happened?" I muttered inwardly. My wolf's voice came low and clipped:"Someone's behind you." I turned instinctively, but the deck was empty. Jess, slightly tipsy and not hiding it well, clung to me again. Her fingers curled around my wrist like a lifeline. "Alex, don't be like this. We were-" I didn't let her finish. My hand locked around her elbow-not roughly, but with firm warning-and I stepped back. "If you ever try that again," I said, voice cool as steel, "I'll throw you overboard." She blinked, stunned. "No. You wouldn't." "Don't try me." She wavered, mascara smudged just enough to ruin her poise. "It's not my fault Rowan adores me! You broke up with me over that?" Chapter 31 I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. She still didn't get it. "It's not about Rowan. Or you. It's about the fact that you can't take no for an answer. Greed doesn't suit anyone, Jess. I've told you-repeatedly-that relationships aren't a contract. They're not forced." Her lips trembled, and for a second, I wondered if she'd collapse into more tears or stage another outburst. Neither option interested me. "You need help," I added quietly. "A therapist, maybe. Since the day I rejected you, something in you's twisted. This isn't love, Jess. It's obsession.". With that, I turned and left her on the deck. Alone. When I returned to the card room, the air was lighter, buzzing with conversation and whiskey-tinged laughter. My gaze swept the table-and there she was. Olivia. She sat beside Gai, calm and upright, a slight smile on her lips. Her presence was composed, but there was a tension behind her eyes. Gai spotted me and raised his brows. "Alpha, you've got a sharp one here. She handled three rounds like a seasoned player." I nodded without breaking stride, walking straight to Olivia. She was already rising from her seat. "I'll go check on Jess," she said softly. "No," I said. "Stay" She paused, looking mildly confused but nodded. Gai discreetly shifted to make more room for her. I took the seat across from her, just as Alpha Black opened his mouth-loud, drunk, and far too familiar. "Nowthat'sa secretary, he laughed. "Smart, graceful, and gorgeous to boot. Where'd you find her, Green? And does she come with a transfer clause?" The men at the table laughed. I didn't. I tilted my head, locked eyes with him, and offered a faint smile. "Alpha Black," I said coolly, "You must be drunk. I'm giving you a pass this once. Choose your words more carefully." The laughter around the table stilled. My gaze didn't waver. I didn't need to raise my voice. One look was enough. Charter at Alpha Black cleared his throat, murmured something, and picked up his cards again. No one said anything to Olivia after that. She glanced at me. Briefly. But her eyes said it all-thank you. I didn't respond. Not outwardly. But I saw it. And that was enough. The game went on for another twenty minutes before Gai laid down his winning hand and let out a low whistle. As the cards were gathered and conversation drifted to business, Adele leaned toward me with her signature saccharine smile. "Mr. Green," she said, drawing out the syllables, "do you mind if I get your number? I'd love to stay in touch after tonight." I didn't look at her. "Gai has my number." "Oh, perfect," she beamed. Gai glanced at me and nodded the slightest bit. I didn't need to say it. He knew. Business only. He'd obviously give her the wrong number. After a while, Jess stumbled toward me, propped up by a Chapte 31 flustered waitress who looked like she'd rather be anywhere else. Her heels clacked uselessly against the deck, and her arms flailed until one finally latched onto mine. "Alex..." she slurred, half-collapsing against me. I caught her, jaw tight. Damn it. The rational side of me wanted to leave her here. But I couldn't. She was the general manager of the Washington branch. Public embarrassment would do more damage than the tantrum she was throwing now. Not to mention the yacht was still crawling with people who'd be happy to gossip. I wrapped an arm around her to steady her, scanning the dock below. "Where's your car?" I asked flatly. She blinked slowly. "I... forgot..." Useless. As I turned my head, my eyes landed on Olivia and Gai standing a short distance away. They were whispering again. Close. Too close. Heath growled quietly in my head."Olivia mentioned to Gai that you kissed Jess." Chapter 31 My eyes narrowed. I took a step forward and barked, "What are you two waiting for? Get her a car." Olivia jumped. She reached for her phone immediately, fingers moving fast. In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.