Love Unspoken

"Sorry?"Quinn's head bobbed in affirmation. "I'm at fault here, I apologize.""And what is your proposed course of action?"A hush descended once more before Quinn summoned the courage to respond. "I plan to earn money." A hint of amusement flickered across Alexander's lips. "You intend to earn money? For what purpose?"Quinn was adamant. "To ensure you don't starve."

His smile waned, and he fixed her with an intense gaze, remaining silent for a prolonged period, his thoughts inscrutable.

At length, he lifted his hand, gently stroking her cheek. "If you're so proficient, why not assist me in recovering the billions the company has lost?"Quinn was taken aback.

She was suddenly reminded of Kyle Astor's warning about potential incarceration was it due to the company's billion-dollar debt?"Having second thoughts?"Alexander leaned in closer. "Fear won't serve you well. We're married, the debt is ours to share. If you wish to divorce and pursue your so-called dreams, you'll need to settle half of it first.""Do you understand?"

Quinn had no real concept of how much a few billion amounted to, but she knew it was a significant sum. A sum so large she couldn't hope to repay it in several lifetimes, which meant divorce from Alexander was an impossibility in this lifetime.

Suddenly, she clasped his hand, her gaze offering reassurance, signaling her commitment to stay.Alexander fell silent once more.After a lengthy pause, he finally spoke. "Go freshen up."Quinn was aware he had been dismissed from his job, a fact that clearly didn't sit well with him.

Such a fall from grace was enough to unnerve anyone.She resolved not to further agitate his already volatile mood and to comply with his requests.

She turned and ascended the stairs to shower, washing repeatedly. Upon her return, Alexander casually presented her with a set of clothes. Quinn swiftly accepted them.She owned several similar sets. The thought caused her cheeks to flush a deep crimson."Put them on."

Silence. She stole a glance at Alexander, now seated on the couch, nonchalantly lighting a cigarette, his penetrating gaze fixed on her.Taking a deep, inward breath-acknowledging his upset state three times she retreated to the bathroom with the clothes.

After changing, she felt self-conscious, uncertain of how to act or where to position herself.Alexander remained still, his gaze sweeping over her.Stepping forward, Quinn blushed as she indicated: I'm changed.He patted his thigh, his meaning clear without the need for words. She positioned herself beside him, acutely aware of his scrutiny.

Alexander tilted her chin upward with a finger, a smirk playing on his lips, causing Quinn's heart to flutter.A look of scorn and derision."Were you this compliant at Walter's?"

Quinn's complexion paled slightly, panic flashing across her features.Had Walter sent those videos to him?Her fingers clenched tightly, too fearful to meet his gaze.Suddenly, the atmosphere grew icy, a chilling cold that sent shivers down Quinn's spine.He adjusted Quinn's face, "Answer me."