The ballroom was all shimmer and shine with its chandeliers and fancy outfits. I could smell the money, and Alexander was right in the middle of it. Everyone was focused on him, hoping to get a bit of his time.

I stood beside Alexander, quiet like I was told to be. The place screamed like wealth. Alexander seemed to own the place, his deep laugh would draw people in and people got way too close, wanting a piece of him.

I tried not to care. This was the deal, be quiet, get the money, put up with the games. I kept telling himself, I’m just here for the money, deal with it. Play along and leave when the deal is done.

But when Alexander put his hand on my back, like he owned me, it touched something inside me. I saw a guy across the room looking at Alexander like he wanted him and Alexander just let it happen.

I felt something weird, not mad or sad, but something worse: jealousy. I tried to ignore it, don’t be dumb. He’s not yours, you’re not his. It’s just business, but I still tightened my hands into fists.

Alexander leaned in, whispering in my ear so others couldn't hear. “Stand up straight. You’re with me tonight.”

It hit me hard, the bastard. I faked a smile, trying to hide what I really felt. “With you? Please. You’re just a way to get paid. When I’m done, I’m leaving.”

Alexander looked right at me, like he knew I was lying. He gave me that smile that made everyone else go crazy, but it was just for me now and I felt something in my chest that I didn’t want to think about.

Everyone wanted Alexander. He gave them just enough to keep them interested. A smile here, a touch there but nothing more. Except for me. The jealousy was bad. It made me feel sick. I hated how my skin crawled when Alexander looked at someone else. I hated feeling better when he looked back at me.

Then, he leaned down and whispered into my ear again while people were all over him, a habit of his I was starting to enjoy, “See them? They would do anything just to get my attention. But…” He touched my back, making me weak. “…you’re the one I’m taking home and the only one I want to make scream my name for now.”

I almost lost it. I tried not to make a sound. That's when it happened. A voice, smooth and sure, cut through the room.

“Alex?”

I turned, and my heart stopped. The man standing there was good-looking in a scary way. He gave a smile that said he knew everything about Alexander.

“Michael,” Alexander said, not showing any feelings.

Michael walked over, touching Alexander’s arm. “It’s been a while.”

He smelled like money and had a kind of charm that pulls you in, his name was Michael. He gave Alexander a smile that told stories of feelings they shared, and I felt a longing inside, the same feeling that I would never have with Alexander.

“Alexander Veyron,” Michael said. “You still light up a room like nobody else.”

Alexander smiled, but his eyes were cold. “Michael. I didn’t think you would show up here.”

“Why not?” Michael bent his head to the side his eyes sparkled, amused by how calm Alex sounded.

“Still acting like you don't like seeing me?” He let his hand slide down Alexander's arm, stopping at his sleeve. “You look good, even stronger. Been working out, or is it just the suit?”

I stood next to Alexander, watched quietly, feeling sick to my stomach. Alexander said nothing, Michael leaned closer, his voice softer.

‘You always had that... control about you”. His thumb brushed Alex's wrist, seeming casual but making my chest tighten. “It used to drive me crazy. Still does, to be honest”.

Alex nodded a bit, staying cool “I prefer business to thinking about the past”.

Michael smiled, standing up straight but still holding on, “That’s the Alex I remember, always so serious”. He looked at me before looking back at Alex, “You had always liked your toys. This one looks… fragile.”

I got mad, I wanted to hit him, but Alexander held me back.

“Careful,” Alexander said. “This one bites.”

Michael laughed, stepping back finally but squeezing Alex's shoulder once, like he was marking his territory. “We’ll see how long this one lasts. We'll talk later for real, more……privately.” He raised his glass, touched it to Alexander’s, and walked off, Alexander’s gaze following him as he left.

I wanted to say a lot of things. Toy? Fragile?. I felt something I couldn’t name. I started to feel anger and jealousy. I didn’t know who this guy was, but they were close. This wasn’t just someone who wanted Alexander’s attention, this was someone who had him once.

And Alexander… Alexander wasn’t showing anything, which was the scariest thing.

Because for the first time, I didn’t know if I still have Alexander’s attention or if someone else had just taken my place.