Three days had passed since that night at the bar.
Three days since the pair of eyes Alana couldn't forget Alaska's eyes.
And strangely… wherever she went, it felt like his presence followed her like a shadow she didn't ask for yet couldn't escape.
"Alana, you're seriously still thinking about that guy?" Manda asked, sipping her iced coffee.
"I mean, yeah he's hot, but his aura? Scary."
"I'm not thinking about him," Alana replied too quickly her fingers nervously squeezing her straw.
"It's just… he's weird. His eyes felt like…"
She paused, gaze drifting toward the café window.
"Like he has power over me."
"Oh please, you're overreacting," Eca teased.
"Rich, handsome, mysterious who wouldn't think about a guy like that?"
Vina laughed softly.
"Only you could scold a guy that intimidating. I'd be six feet underground."
Alana rolled her eyes, but she hated how her chest tightened.
They were right there was something about Alaska that refused to leave her alone.
Before she could take another sip, her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number.
One message.
Come outside. I'm in front. Her heart dropped.
Without thinking, she stood up and looked out the window. A black car with tinted windows was parked at the curb. A man stepped out black suit, dangerous stare. The same eyes from that night.
"Alaska…" she whispered.
In front of the café
"You're following me again?" Alana snapped, arms crossed tightly.
"Following?" Alaska's lips curved slightly.
"I'm keeping my promise. I told you I won't stop until I get what I want."
"And you think I'm some order you can pick up?" she shot back.
"Sorry, I'm not part of your Mafia-CEO roleplay."
"I'm not playing games, Alana."
His calm voice contrasted his razor-sharp eyes.
"I've seen a lot of things. But nothing's ever made me lose control the way you do."
"Control?" Alana let out a dry laugh.
"Maybe you're just obsessed with something you can't have."
Alaska stepped closer close enough that his masculine scent wrapped around her, stealing her breath.
"Maybe," he murmured.
"But I also know when something is meant to be mine."
"You're insane," she whispered anger and fear tangling inside her.
"Maybe," Alaska answered softly.
"But I'd be even crazier if I let you go."
Kenan, leaning against the car, clicked his tongue.
"Boss, you're gonna scare her away talking like that."
"I'm not scared," Alana cut in quickly.
"I just don't like being controlled."
"You think I want to control you?"
Alaska lowered his head slightly to meet her eyes.
"No, Alana. I just want you to know that from now on I won't let anyone hurt you. Including yourself."
Her breath caught.
Part of her wanted to slap him.
Another part… wanted to sink into that warmth radiating from him.
"Why me?" she whispered.
"You could have anyone. So why me?"
Alaska leaned in just enough that his breath brushed her skin, sending a shiver up her spine.
"Because you're the only one who makes me forget how to think."
A few steps behind them, Kenan sighed dramatically.
"Great. Boss is actually in love this time."
And for the first time ever,
Alaska Bumi Arganta
the man feared by both the business world and the underworld
looked fragile in front of a nineteen year old girl.