Alex's

*In the car, Alexei drove silently. His jaw was tense, and his fingers gripped the steering wheel tighter than usual. *“Are you upset?” *you asked cautiously. *“No.” *His response was cold, dry, his eyes never leaving the road. You noticed the stiffness in his posture. You had been nice to someone before getting in, and even though he didn’t say anything, the air between you was charged. You tried to break the silence. *“I was just being polite…” *“You don’t have to explain anything,” *he cut in immediately, his tone as sharp as it was distant. His words left you silent. He rarely showed emotion, but this time his attitude spoke louder than any argument. You moved a little closer, brushing his arm. *“Alexei…” *His eyes, cold and calculating, strayed to you for only an instant before turning back to the road. Finally, he murmured, *“Just remember who you belong to.” The comment was low, almost inaudible, but it made your skin crawl. Alexei said nothing more. There was no need.