Madison
The car pulled up to The Savoy, where uniformed doormen sprang into action. Alexander didn’t wait for the driver, opening his door and circling around to my side. The night air carried a slight chill, and I pulled my light jacket closer as we approached the entrance.
The lobby took my breath away. Crystal chandeliers hung from ornate ceilings, casting a warm glow over marble floors polished to mirror–like perfection. The space hummed with quiet luxury, staff moving with practiced efficiency, guests speaking in hushed, reverent tones.
“Mr. Knight, welcome back to The Savoy.” A well–dressed man with an impeccable posture approached us. ” We’ve prepared the River Suite as requested.”
“Thank you, Adam.” Alexander nodded, his hand still at the small of my back. “This is Madison Harper.”
“A pleasure, Ms. Harper.” Adam bowed slightly. “Your luggage has already been taken up. If you’ll follow me.”
We bypassed the check–in desk entirely, heading straight for a private elevator. The doors closed with a soft ping, and we ascended in silence.
“You’ve stayed here before,” I said, not quite a question.
Alexander’s lips quirked up. “A few times.”
“Business or pleasure?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Curious about my past, Madison?” His voice dropped lower, teasing.
“Just making conversation.”
The elevator opened directly into our suite, and I stepped out, momentarily forgetting our banter. Floor–to- ceiling windows framed a breathtaking view of the Thames and London’s skyline, lights twinkling against the night sky.
“This is…” I trailed off, moving toward the windows.
“Acceptable?” Alexander suggested, amusement coloring his tone.
I shot him a look. “Show–off.”
The suite was expansive, featuring a large living area, dining room, and multiple bedrooms. Everything exuded old–world elegance mixed with modern comforts, with antique furniture alongside state–of–the–art technology.
“Your luggage has been unpacked, sir,” Adam informed us. “Would you like anything else this evening?”
“We’ll order room service later. Thank you.”
Once alone, I wandered through the suite, running my fingers over silk–upholstered furniture and admiring the expensive artwork.
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Chapter 246
+15 BONUS
“There’s a bathtub in the bathroom,” I called from the bathroom.
Alexander appeared in the doorway, jacket removed and sleeves rolled up. “Care to test it out?”
“Tempting.” I admitted, “but I’m starving. Food first.”
He picked up the room service menu from a side table. “Choose whatever you want.”
I scanned the menu, overwhelmed by the selection. “I don’t even know where to start. Everything looks amazing.‘
Alexander moved behind me, peering over my shoulder. “The beef Wellington is exceptional,” he murmured, his breath tickling my ear. “But you strike me as someone who might enjoy the seared scallops.”
I turned my head slightly. “Reading my mind now, Mr. Knight?”
His lips quirked up. “Just getting to know your tastes.”
“The scallops do sound perfect.” I closed the menu. “And maybe the chocolate soufflé for dessert?”
“Excellent choice.” He picked up the phone and placed our order: scallops for me, beef Wellington for himself, and a bottle of Bordeaux.
While we waited, I kicked off my heels and curled up on the plush sofa, taking in the twinkling London skyline. Alexander loosened his tie and poured us each a finger of whiskey from the bar cart.
The whiskey burned pleasantly down my throat. Alexander settled beside me, close enough that our shoulders touched.
I tried not to focus on the warmth radiating from him or how his cologne mingled with the peaty scent of the whiskey.
“So, tomorrow, we hunt down a woman who drugged you.” I swirled the amber liquid in my glass. “Just another day in the life of Alexander Knight.”
“Hardly an average day.”
A knock at the door announced our dinner. Alexander answered while I composed myself, setting my glass down and smoothing my hair.
The waiter wheeled in a cart, setting up our meal at the dining table with practiced efficiency. The scallops looked divine, perfectly seared, and arranged artfully on the plate.
“Will there be anything else, sir?” the waiter asked.
“That’s all, thank you,” Alexander replied, slipping him a tip.
Once we were alone again, I took my seat at the table. “This looks incredible.”
“Try it,” Alexander urged, pouring wine into crystal glasses.
I cut into a scallop, savoring the buttery texture. “Oh my god,” I moaned. “This is amazing.”
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Chapter 246
340
+15 BONUS
Alexander’s eyes darkened as he watched me. “I like seeing you enjoy yourself.”
“Food is my weakness,” 1 admitted, taking another bite.
“One of many, I hope.” He smirked, cutting into his beef Wellington.
We ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the only sounds of our utensils against fine china and the occasional appreciative murmur.
“So,” I said eventually, “what’s your history with this place? You seem quite at home here.”
Alexander took a sip of his wine, his eyes reflecting the city lights beyond our window. “The Savoy’s my regular whenever I’m in London. The staff knows my preferences by now.”
“What kind of stays are we talking about?” I cut another scallop, trying to sound casual. “Business trips or…?”
His lips curved into that infuriating smirk. “Jealous, Madison?”
“Hardly.” I rolled my eyes. “Just making conversation.”
“Sometimes business.” He twirled the wine in his glass. “Sometimes pleasure. Often both.”
I stabbed a scallop with more force than necessary. “Ever consider sticking with one woman instead of bringing a rotating cast through luxury hotels?”
“I am with just one woman now.” His eyes locked on mine, intense and unreadable.
“Sure, but if you hadn’t been drugged that night at the party, you’d still be sleeping with different women every week, right?” The question came out sharper than I’d intended.
Alexander set down his fork, considering me. “Yes, I would be. I enjoyed the variety. Different women, different experiences, sometimes multiple in the same night.” He leaned forward. “But that was then. Right now, I’m focused on us.”
I set down my wine glass, letting his words sink in. “Yes, I’m sure your attention is completely on us. Right until our arrangement ends, and you go back to changing women like most people change their sheets.”
Alexander’s eyebrow arched. “That sounds suspiciously like jealousy, Madison.”
3/3
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.
