CHAPTER 22
In that moment, Arianna resolved to match Xander's cruelty with her own. If he insisted on being heartless, then she would respond in kind.
With steely determination, she met his gaze, her breath held and lips pressed tight. Slowly, she raised her hand, her fingers gripping the needle tightly. Without hesitation, she directed it towards Xander's neck, her aim resolute and unwavering.
Arianna's movement was swift and precise. As the needle pierced Xander's skin, his actions abruptly halted.
The needle was specially designed, with an anesthetic coating on its tip. Arianna anticipated that once it penetrated his skin, the anesthetic would spread through his bloodstream, causing him to lose consciousness.
Yet, to her astonishment, Xander reacted swiftly, seizing her wrists and forcefully pinning them above her head.
Arianna stared into his eyes, disbelief etched across her face.
Xander's dark eyes clouded over, void of any hint of drowsiness. Instead, they gleamed with a menacing intensity, as if he harbored the desire to tear Arianna apart.
Impossible!
Her finely crafted needle had never faltered in the past. Even the strongest adversaries had succumbed to its effects. Why was Xander unaffected?
Had she misjudged Xander all along? Or had he grown more resilient over the past two years?
Xander pulled out the needle and examined it closely, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Arianna, I must admit, you surprised me. But this little trick of yours won't work on me. Is that the best you can do?"
Furious, Arianna clenched her fists, digging her nails into her palms. She bit down hard on her lower lip until it bled.
Xander's gaze fixated on her, noting the darkness in her eyes that once captivated him. They used to hold such warmth and adoration when she looked at him.
Now, they glinted with something else entirely – anger, resentment. He could almost see the gears turning in her mind, plotting against him.
With each passing moment, Xander felt his own anger rise, his eyes burning with intensity. As desire and fury mingled within him, his rationality slipped away, consumed by the storm raging within.
Arianna felt her energy dwindle as each piece of clothing dropped to the ground.
Even though she knew she was at her breaking point, she wouldn't give up.
Arianna's hands came up, encircling Xander's neck as he approached.
She was very tired, yet she still managed a flirty smile, a trace of beauty on her pale face.
"Xander, I'll amuse you because you seem like such a giving person. But keep in mind that I want payment in full. No credit, just cash!"
Xander's reaction was immediate, his fingers tightening around her neck. His words cut through the air like knives, dripping with venom.
"Arianna, you're fu**king disgusting!"
"Disgusting?" Arianna scoffed inwardly, unfazed by the insult. She had grown accustomed to such words, having heard them from her parents countless times.
Meeting Xander's gaze defiantly, her smile took on a sharper edge.
"Likewise!"
The moment the word left her lips, Arianna felt Xander's grip tighten around her neck, constricting her breath. Heat flooded her cheeks, a mixture of embarrassment and defiance.
There was no doubt in her mind that Xander was capable of choking her. He was accustomed to being in control, and anyone who dared challenge his authority faced dire consequences.
She was likely the first to dare defy him in such a way.
Arianna didn't struggle against his tightening grip. Instead, she closed her eyes, accepting whatever fate awaited her.
The pain in her heart far outweighed the physical discomfort she endured. If death offered a release from her suffering, perhaps it would be a welcome escape.
As the oxygen grew scarce and her vision dimmed, Arianna felt herself teetering on the brink of unconsciousness. Just before suffocation claimed her, Xander released his grip, his fingers once again forcing her to meet his gaze.
"Arianna, don't think you can escape that easily!" his voice was a menacing whisper.
There was a mixture of fury and restraint in his tone.
“I'm not at your beck and call. Since the day you dared to plot against me, I've been the one dictating how this game unfolds! Arianna, rein yourself in. If I catch you seducing another man again, don't expect me to be lenient!”
With those cold-hearted words, Xander callously tossed Arianna aside as if she were repulsive. Then, he rose from the bed.
In contrast to Arianna's disheveled appearance, Xander's shirt was only slightly wrinkled. With a few quick adjustments, he regained his composure and looked as dashing as ever.
With firm steps, he strode away, not sparing another glance at Arianna.
The door slammed shut behind him, leaving Arianna lying on the bed, her lashes fluttering violently.
"I hate you" she whispered under her breath.
