Chapter 223
Madison
Alexander leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk. “Give her a call now. I want this started immediately.”
“I can call her later when I’m back at my desk,” I replied, shifting in my chair. “Why aren’t you asking your own team to handle this? Why Hazel specifically?”
His lips quirked into a half–smile. “I’ve already given the task to my team. Hazel would be additional support. Sometimes, outside perspectives catch things professionals miss. Your friend found those articles before my entire PR department did.”
“Okay, fair point.” I paused, curiosity getting the better of me. “So, who’s the person behind these articles? You mentioned you identified them.”
Alexander’s eyes gleamed with something that looked suspiciously like amusement. “I’ll keep that information to myself for now. After we get Hazel’s collection and confirm my suspicions, I’ll reveal all.” He leaned back in his chair. “In the meantime, you can keep thinking about who it might be.”
“So you want to torture me with speculation?” I raised an eyebrow. “That’s cruel, even for you.”
“Yes.” His smile widened, unrepentant. “Anticipation makes the revelation so much sweeter, don’t you think?”
I rolled my eyes. “Alright, I’ll play your game. I’ll get back to you later with an update from Hazel.”
“Perfect.” He glanced at his watch. “There’s a meeting this afternoon with the investors. Conference room B.”
“I know. I’m the one who schedules your meetings every day, remember?” I couldn’t keep the slight edge from my voice.
“Just making sure you’ll be attending as well,” he replied smoothly.
“Sure. Is there anything specific you need me to prepare?”
“Just bring that sharp mind of yours.” His eyes traveled down my body and back up in a way that made my skin tingle.
“Alright, Mr. Knight,” I said, standing up from the chair. “Is there anything else you need from me before the meeting?”
“Actually, there is.” He rose from his desk and circled around it, closing the distance between us. “I need to make sure you’re properly prepared for the investors.”
My breath hitched as he stepped closer. “I’ve reviewed all the materials. I’m ready.”
“Are you?” His voice dropped to that low, dangerous tone that always made my knees weak. “Let’s test that theory.”
He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingertips grazing my cheek. “Tell me the projected timeline for phase one.”
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Chapter 223
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“Six months,” I answered automatically, trying to ignore how close he stood. “With contingencies for weather delays built into the schedule.”
“Good.” His hand moved to my shoulder, then slid down my arm. “And the budget allocation for structural modifications?”
My mind scrambled to focus on numbers while his touch sent electricity through my body. “Twenty–two percent of the total budget, with a fifteen percent cushion for unforeseen issues.”
“Very impressive.” His fingers traced small circles on my wrist. “You really do have that sharp mind I mentioned.”
I swallowed hard. “I take my job seriously.”
“Both jobs,” he corrected, his eyes darkening. “Project manager and personal assistant. You excel at multitasking.”
“I try my best.”
Alexander stepped even closer, his chest nearly touching mine. “And what about your third job?”
I blinked. “Third job?”
“Being mine.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “How would you rate your performance there?”
Heat flooded my cheeks. “That’s… not something I can objectively evaluate.”
“No?” His lips quirked up in that infuriating half–smile. “Then perhaps I should provide a performance review.”
Before I could respond, his hand slipped behind my neck, pulling me into a kiss that stole the breath from my lungs. His lips moved against mine with practiced precision, demanding and taking whatever he wanted.
When he finally pulled away, my heart was racing. “Mr. Knight, we’re at the office. And we have a meeting to prepare for,” I reminded him, trying to sound professional despite my racing pulse.
“We have time.” His fingers tangled in my hair, tugging just hard enough to make me gasp. “Unless you’d prefer I stop?”
I met his gaze, heart pounding against my ribs. The challenge in his eyes was clear. He knew exactly what I wanted, even when I tried to deny it.
“I never said I wanted you to stop,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
His lips curved into a victorious smile. “Good girl.”
In one swift motion, he backed me against the wall, his body pressing against mine. His mouth claimed mine again, more demanding this time. I melted into him, my hands finding their way to his shoulders.
“Fuck, Madison,” he growled against my lips. “I’ve been thinking about this all morning.”
His hands slid down my sides, tracing the curve of my waist before moving up to cup my breasts through my blouse. I gasped as his thumbs brushed over my nipples, sending sparks of pleasure through my body.
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“Alexander,” I moaned softly, then caught myself. “Mr. Knight
He didn’t correct me, he just smirked against my neck as he trailed hot kisses down my throat. His teeth grazed my skin, making me shiver.
“you didn’t call me this weekend,” he murmured, his breath hot against my ear. “Not even once.”
I tried to focus on his words, but his hands were still moving over my breasts, kneading and teasing. “I was busy.
“Too busy for me?” His tone was playful but with an edge that made my stomach flip.
“I visited my mom at the hospital,” I managed to say as his lips found a sensitive spot behind my ear. “And spent some time with Hazel,”
He pulled back slightly, his eyes darkening. “With Hazel? Anyone else there?”
The possessiveness in his voice sent a thrill through me. “Just us girls. Drinks and gossip.”
“Not with Jackson?” His jaw tightened slightly.
“No Jackson’s just a friend anyway.” I ran my fingers through his hair, loving how the perfectly styled strands felt between my fingers.
“I’m hurt,” he said, pressing his forehead against mine. “You didn’t think about me at all?”
“I didn’t say that.” I bit my lip, watching his eyes track the movement. “I thought about you plenty.”
“But not enough to call.” His hands slid down to my hips, gripping them firmly.
“From next weekend, I promise I’ll call you.” I arched against him, seeking more contact. “We can talk as much as you want.”
A slow smile spread across his face. “That’s good.”
His lips found mine again, softer this time, almost tender. I kissed him back, my mind briefly flashing to Katherine. What had they shared? The questions burned in my throat, but I swallowed them down. Now wasn’t the time.
Alexander’s hands moved to the buttons of my blouse, slowly undoing them one by one. “You know what I was doing this weekend?” he asked, his voice low.
“What?” I breathed, watching his fingers work.
“I was thinking about you,” Alexander said, his voice low and intimate as he undid the last button of my blouse. His eyes met mine, holding something deeper than just desire. “Not just this—“his hand skimmed over my exposed skin, “—but you. The way you challenge me. Your determination.”
My heart fluttered against my ribs. “You were thinking about me?”
Chapter 224
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
