The rage that fueled Alex's actions was not just about Vincent's lecherous gaze or crude comments. It was the memory of Vincent's earlier words, a disgusting threat that had made Alex's blood boil: "I'll pay for your little maid, Alex. She'll be mine for the night."
Now, with his fury still burning, Alex stormed towards the kitchen where Maya was. The maids were busy with their tasks, unaware of the storm that was about to hit. Alex's entrance was like a thunderclap, and everyone turned to look at him, sensing the anger radiating off him.
His eyes locked onto Maya, and without a second thought, he strode over and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her towards him. "Why did you go into that room?" he demanded, his voice low but dangerous.
Maya, startled and scared, tried to explain. "I just wanted to help, Alex. The maids were busy, and—"
But Alex was beyond reasoning. His fury had taken over, and he wasn't in his right mind. He turned his wrath towards the maids. "All of you, get out!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the kitchen. "You're all fired! Now!"
The maids froze in fear, not knowing what to do. They looked at Maya, who was desperately trying to calm Alex down.
"Alex, please," Maya pleaded, trying to pull him back from his rage. "It wasn't their fault. Don't do this."
But Alex wouldn't listen. "Get out! Now!" he roared, and the maids, frightened and confused, hurriedly left the kitchen, some of them in tears.
Maya's frustration and anger grew. She pulled her arm free from Alex's grip and stood in front of him, her eyes blazing. "Why are you doing this? They didn't do anything wrong! You're taking your anger out on them, and it's not fair!"
Alex's breathing was heavy, his eyes still filled with anger. "You don't understand, Maya. They can't protect you. I can't have you exposed to people like Vincent."
Maya's own anger flared. "You're being irrational, Alex! This isn't how you protect someone. You're just hurting innocent people!"
Alex's anger was slowly being replaced by frustration. He knew Maya was right, but he couldn't shake the fear that had gripped him when Vincent had made his threat. He felt out of control, and it terrified him.
"I won't let anyone hurt you, Maya," he said, his voice softer but still intense.
Maya looked at him, her heart aching. She could see the fear behind his anger, but his actions had hurt her too. "I don't need you to be my jailer, Alex. I need you to trust me, to treat me like a person, not a possession."
Alex's shoulders slumped, the weight of his actions and emotions pressing down on him. He took a step back, running a hand through his hair. breaking. "
The tension in the room slowly ebbed away, leaving a heavy silence. Alex nodded, realizing that he needed to change his approach. "I'll try," he said quietly. "For you."
As the maids tentatively returned to the kitchen, Alex stood there, watching Maya. He knew he had a long way to go to earn her trust and show her that he could protect her without imprisoning her. But for now, he took solace in her willingness to understand, and he vowed to be better, for her sake.