The door shut behind us with a loud click.
It echoed through the massive bedroom like a warning.
I stood frozen.
Still in my wedding dress.
Still trying to breathe.
This was it.
The moment I had been dreading.
"Take it off."
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
My heart skipped.
"W-what?"
Alexander didn't even look at me as he removed his cufflinks, placing them neatly on the table.
"The dress," he said coldly. "Take it off."
My fingers trembled.
"I… I can't—"
He finally turned.
Those dark eyes locked onto mine.
Sharp. Piercing. Dangerous.
"Don't make me repeat myself."
My throat went dry.
Slowly… painfully… I reached for the zipper behind my back.
My hands shook so badly I couldn't pull it down.
Tears blurred my vision.
"I can't…" I whispered.
For a second, he just watched me.
Then suddenly—
He moved.
Fast.
Before I could react, he was right in front of me.
Too close.
Way too close.
My breath caught.
His hand brushed against my back as he grabbed the zipper.
And pulled.
Slowly.
The sound of the dress sliding open filled the silence.
My heart pounded so loud I was sure he could hear it.
"Relax," he muttered.
"I'm not interested in touching you."