บท 18: CHAPTER 18: Suppressed Desires

　　"Hello, Ava"

　　Before I could register the surprise, the word tumbled out of my mouth, a nervous whisper, "Alexander?"

　　His eyes, a steely blue that mirrored the suit I'd helped him pick, widened momentarily before the ghost of a smile widened his lips. He stepped inside, the sharp lines of the tailored fabric accentuating his broad shoulders and powerful frame. My breath hitched in my throat. Even the way his hair was styled, swept back and slightly tousled, seemed calculated to exude an air of effortless sophistication.

　　For a moment, we stood there, a silent exchange passing between us. My gaze traveled down the length of his suit, taking in the way the fabric hugged his form, the way the light caught the sheen in his tie - the very one I'd argued over with his stylist at the store.

　　He cleared his throat, the sound a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. "Can I get some water?"