Selling Myself To The Alpha
Chapter 29

Liana POV

It is Saturday morning; the thought brings me no joy as I turn on my side and look at the empty pillow. I hate to admit it, but I miss Axel when he is not sleeping over.

I do not know why, but I sleep so much more soundly and peacefully with him next to me.

But something happened at work which required him to work longer hours and I have not seen him since Tuesday. Dinnertime with Drew and Carol was still fun, but I felt lost the moment they left. I look at the time and jump out of bed.

Nina has invited me over to meet Wilson and I am curious to meet the man that swept her off her feet.

**

I am walking from the bus stop to the restaurant where I am to meet Nina and Wilson when my eye catches the most beautiful evening gown. I stop and take a moment to admire the dress in the window.

I would love this dress, I sigh inwardly. But even if I had the money, buying it would be a waste. I have nowhere to wear it. Just as I was about to leave, I see Angela and instantly, I am irritated. What is she doing here? Has she come to visit again, or did she never leave?

My blood ice over when I watch her walk to Axel and show him a bracelet.

What the fuck? He smiles at her, and she laughs joyously as she hands over the bracelet to the salesperson.

Axel picks up his phone and turns away to answer it ... and that is when he sees me. It takes everything from me to smile friendly before I turn around and walk away.

I take deep breaths to calm myself as I put as much distance as I can between me and the boutique. Is Angela the reason I have not seen him this week? Is she his late hours?

Stop it! I reprimand myself.

I have no right or claim on Axel. He is free to date whomever he wants. And once our agreement is over, he can sleep with whomever he wants.

But it does not make me feel any better. Why do I even care? I am not in love with him.

This should not bother me.

I bet I would not have thought twice about it if it were anybody other than Angela.

My phone rings and I look at Axel's name. My first instinct is to decline the call, but I decide against it. Just because I am being ridiculous, does not mean I should be petty and childish as well. "Hi," I answer friendly.

"Where are you going?" His voice sounds strained.

"Lunch," I reply.

"Why didn't you tell me you're going out?" He asks irritated.

"Listen, Axel," I grind my teeth as I fight my brewing anger. "I'm not an exotic bird that you can keep trapped in a golden cage. I don't have to report to you my every move. I'm only supposed to be available when you need me and clearly you don't need me now. I'm sure as hell not going to sit on my hands at home like a good little girl until you get the urge to see me."

"It's not what I said, and you know it," he grunts. "I would only appreciate it if you'd inform me when you're going out. I was on my way to see you and ..."

"Oh, no, no, no," I cut him off. "You do not get to turn this around. You had the entire week to inform me to expect you this afternoon and then I wouldn't have made plans. You do not get to galivant with other women and then have your fun with me. I'm nobody's substitute."

"Tred lightly," his voice is low and dangerous. "You're making wild accusations which you cannot back up."

"Oh, please," I snort. "I saw Angela. Go pay for the bracelet but remember our agreement."

"Are you jealous?" He sounds amused.

"Don't flatter yourself," I scoff indignantly. "I simply do not wish to be associated with her in any way. Including sharing a partner."

"This conversation is not over," he hisses. "Not by a long shot."

"I agree wholeheartedly," I sneer as I disconnect the call.

Great, now I am angry, I scoff as I continue walking. He has spoiled my good mood. It is just... Angela! She treats people like crap, why can he not see through her? Why does he tolerate her if he is not interested?

I pull myself together as I walk into the restaurant and go to the table where Nina is already waiting. She greets me friendly before introducing me to Wilson.

I can tell why she is so taken with him. He is handsome and charming. The only thing I replace odd is the way he keeps on checking his phone. With every notification, he stiffens for a moment and relaxes after he looks at it. "Excuse me, ladies," Wilson smiles as he stands up. "I need to visit the gents."

"Isn't he perfect?" Nina whispers as he walks away. "Check out his ass."

"I'd rather not," I roll my eyes. "You drool enough for the both of us."

"I'm telling you, he's the one," she says dreamily.

"Did he tell you you're his mate?" I ask surprised.

"Not in so many words," she pouts. "But I simply know it."

I bite my objections back and smile at her. She is so happy, who am I to burst her bubble? Wilson is clearly into her; it does not matter if she is his mate or not. I am just paranoid after my conversation with Axel.

"He gave me this earlier," Nina reaches over to show me her watch and accidentally pushes my glass over, spilling wine over me and the table.

"I'm so sorry," she grabs the glass.

"It's fine," I smile as I pick up a napkin and wipe it off my jeans, but the damage is done.

"I'm going to clean up," I stand up.

"I'm coming with you," she says eagerly.

"No," I stop her. "Wilson might think you ditched him if he gets back and we're both gone."

"I'm sorry," she pulls her face as I quickly walk to the ladies' room.

I apply water and dry the spot with the hand dryer the best I can. Well, this is the best I can do, for now, I sigh inwardly. It is not perfect, but it is not that bad anymore. I walk out of the bathroom and notice Wilson on his phone. "Babe, it's a business meeting," He whispers, and I nearly choke. Babe?

I dash back into the bathroom but keep the door open to eavesdrop. He is so wrapped up in his conversation that he does not notice me.

"I'll be home in a couple of hours and then I'll make it up to you, okay?" His voice is soft and calming.

Son of a bitch! I see red as I step out of the bathroom. He pales when he sees me standing with my arms crossed in front of my chest, glaring angrily at him.

"I have to go," he swallows hard. "See you later."

"It's not what you think," he says as he disconnects the call.

"Why do people always say that when they get caught red-handed?" I grunt frustrated. "It is exactly what I think. You're cheating on Nina."

"No," he looks me straight in the eye. "I'm cheating on my girlfriend with Nina."

"That does not make things better, you bastard," I hiss at him and take a step closer. "In fact, it's worse. You're toying with two women's hearts."

"Listen, I know how it looks," he tries to reason with me. "But I'm breaking up with my girlfriend, I swear. I want Nina."

"Oh, bullshit," I snort. "You're just backpaddling because you know I'm going to tell Nina."

"Please don't," he looks a little panicked. "I was already with my girlfriend when I met Nina. The second I realized I'm in love with Nina, I wanted to break up with my girlfriend, but it is her birthday next week. I already feel bad for dumping her, I don't want to ruin her birthday as well. I'm serious, I want to be with Nina, and I'm going to dump my girlfriend after her birthday. But if you tell Nina about this, she will never forgive me. Do you really want to be responsible for breaking her heart?"

"I'm not the one breaking her heart, you are," I poke him against his chest. "Emotional blackmail doesn't work on me, buddy."

"Nina's the one for me," he says urgently. "And you're about to ruin something pure and beautiful because you want to play vigilante."

"Oh, really?" I raise my eyebrows and turn around.

"Okay, wait," he rushes towards me and blocks my way. "I'm sorry, I panicked. All I'm asking for is a week, please. Stacey's birthday is on the fifteen. I'll give you her number and then you can phone her and ask her yourself if I broke up with her." "Give me her number," I take out my phone, calling his bluff and I am surprised when he actually does give it to me.

"Okay," I sigh and put my phone away. "One week, then I'm telling."

"Thank you," he takes my hand, but I jerk away.

"We are not friends," I warn him. "I do not like you. I think you're a pig. I'm doing this for Nina. But hear my words, Wilson, if you break her heart, I will break your kneecaps."

"Sure," he laughs condescendingly. "You're a human."

"Try me," I take a threatening step closer, and his eyes widen. "You have no idea what I'm capable of."

"Okay, okay," he holds up his hands. "It doesn't matter anyway, because I'm not going to break her heart."

"You're a piece of shit," I push past him and march back to the table.

I am fuming. All I want to do is tell Nina. She deserves to know. Even if he claims that he will leave Stacey. But I know Nina, the second she learns the truth, she will never trust Wilson again. And with good reason. Fuck this, I am telling her, I decide as I take my seat. "Sorry for taking so long," Wilson says as he touches Nina's shoulder and her face lights up when she looks at him.

Dammit, I sigh inwardly. I do not want to ruin this for her. She is so happy and in love. What if Wilson is telling the truth? I am going to be responsible for her heartache and pain if I tell her now.

"Thanks for lunch," I gather my things and get up. "But I got to run."

"So soon?" Nina pouts.

"I'm sorry," I lean over and hug her. "I'll make it up to you. Promise."

I wave them goodbye and get out of there as fast as I can. I want to know who Stacey is.