Love Unspoken

In the very next heartbeat, a firm grip yanked her backward. The box she held was wrenched from her grasp and flung nonchalantly into a nearby, oversized recycling bin.

It clattered to a halt amidst a jumble of sundry items, office paraphernalia, folders, and files among them.

Quinn stood, stunned and uncertain, before him. She used her hands to sign, her gestures asking, "What should I do now?"

Alexander observed her for a moment, his face devoid of expression. His response, when it came, was delivered with icy detachment, "Nothing. You don't have to do anything."

She regarded him, her confusion evident. A small tug at the corner of her mouth betrayed her bewilderment. He had demonstrated his contempt for her so openly, yet now he wanted her constant presence? Hesitantly, she signed, "Aren't you..."

He arched an eyebrow, silently urging her to complete her thought.

After a moment's pause, she continued her signing, "Don't you dislike me?"

Alexander countered with a question of his own, "What does one have to do with the other?"

Quinn was taken aback, his words a stark reminder of his disdain for her. Yet, there had been no conflict in her shadowing him, despite his affection for Getty, whom he had not married.

His words, however, were tantamount to a confession of his true feelings-his dislike for her.

Burdened by this realization, Quinn raised her eyes to meet his and signed, "I'm sorry."

He leaned in, his hand resting on the bookshelf next to her ear, "Sorry again? Why don't you tell me, what are you sorry for?"

Quinn signed, "For making you hate me."

His eyes narrowed, and he abruptly gripped her chin, pinning her against the bookshelf. "Are your apologies that cheap?"

She bit her lip, asking him, "Then what should I do?"

Alexander's fingers traced a cool path across her cheek. He leaned in close, as if to kiss her but stopped just short of her lips, "Aren't you the expert in alluring men?"

Quinn's gaze wavered, and her heart tightened. This closeness was imbued with an ambiguous intimacy, yet it was underscored by a palpable distance.

He added, "Look, even Walter with his bad leg rushed to save you. How did you seduce him?"

His breath was warm against her face, laced with a tranquil irony that felt like a needle hidden in cotton-piercing without pain.

Quinn shook her head and signed, "I didn't seduce him."

Alexander caught her hand, interrupting her explanation. He seemed more interested in making his point than in hearing her out.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Quinn's eyes flickered; she tried to articulate her thoughts but struggled to form coherent words. She was still unaccustomed to speaking.

"Never?" he pressed.

Swallowing her humiliation, Quinn shook her head, "No..."

"Has he ever touched you? Tell me the truth."

Caught off guard, Quinn found herself reflecting on her interactions with Walter, uncertain of what Alexander was insinuating.

His fingertip rested on her lips, "Here, did he?"

Quinn shook her head once more.

She fought to maintain her equilibrium, leaning against the bookshelf for support.