Zane's POV~
I swallowed hard as I looked at Alfie. He was saying he would protect me now, but his behavior this morning said otherwise. The contrast between his words and actions stirred unease in my chest.
"Just relax and trust me, okay?" Alfie raised a brow, his tone low yet firm.
I nodded silently, although my heart wasn't in it.
I really don't want to rely on anyone's promises anymore. Not his. Not anyone's. My safety, my survival depends on me and me alone. If I want to live long in this mansion, I have to protect myself.
Trust? That's something I can no longer afford to give away so easily. People change. Loyalties shift. And just because Alfie and I had sex doesn't mean we're lovers destined to be together forever. People break up. Marriages fall apart. Promises are broken every day.
Eventually, I gave a small nod in response to Alfie's words. In return, he gently lowered me to the ground, ruffled my hair with casual affection, and pressed a warm kiss on my forehead.
