Alisha wanted to squeeze her eyes shut and disappear, but she kept them fixed on him, even as he sounded like a devil from hell.

"I don't think it will end well if I have to repeat myself. It won't be 'sweetheart,' I can assure you of that," Alex warned, waiting for her compliance.

He knew she couldn't defy him, especially after witnessing his outburst firsthand. Despite any shortcomings, she understood better than anyone how to avoid pushing his buttons.

Alisha cleared her head and looked at ...