Chapter 122
Madison
I watched the city lights blur past the window, assuming we were headed back to Alexander’s penthouse as usual. It wasn’t until he took an unexpected turn that I realized we were going somewhere else entirely.
“Where are we going?” I asked, turning to face him.
Alexander kept his eyes on the road, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Somewhere private.”
The city gradually gave way to more residential areas and stretches of land with larger properties set far back from the road. The streetlights became fewer and farther between until we drove down a winding road lined with tall trees. Their branches created a canopy overhead, casting dancing shadows across the windshield.
“Are you kidnapping me, Mr. Knight?” I joked, trying to mask my curiosity with humor.
“If I were kidnapping you, Ms. Harper, I wouldn’t have fed you an expensive dinner first.”
“Of course not. That would be wasteful,” I replied dryly.
The car slowed as we approached a set of imposing iron gates. Alexander rolled down his window and punched a code into a keypad. The gates swung open silently, revealing a long driveway disappearing into the darkness.
“Seriously, where are we?” I asked as we drove through.
“Patience was never your strong suit, was it?” He glanced at me, amusement evident in his eyes.
The driveway curved around a copse of trees, and suddenly, a house came into view. No, not a house, a mansion. It was massive, with a stone facade and large windows glowing warmly at night. The architecture was modern but somehow timeless, with clean lines and an imposing presence.
Alexander pulled up to the front entrance and cut the engine.
“Welcome to my other home,” he said simply.
I blinked at him. “Your other home? You mean you don’t actually live in that penthouse?”
“I live in both places. The penthouse is convenient for work. This is where I come when I want peace and quiet.” He got out of the car and came around to open my door.
As I stepped out, the cool night air carried the scent of pine and something floral I couldn’t identify. The house was even more impressive up close, with a grand entrance and what looked like acres of
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manicured grounds surrounding it.
“So you’re telling me you have a secret mansion in the woods that no one knows about?” I asked, following him up the steps to the front door.
“It’s hardly secret. It’s just private.” He unlocked the door with a key from his pocket. “And now you
know about it.”
The foyer was stunning, with high ceilings, marble floors, and a sweeping staircase that curved up the other floor. Art pieces that cost more than my life savings adorned the walls.
I stood frozen, taking it all in, my heels clicking against the marble as I followed Alexander inside.
“This is impressive,” I managed, staring up at what appeared to be an original Monet hanging casually on the wall like a family photo.
“You sound surprised.” Alexander closed the door behind us, the heavy lock clicking into place. “Did you think I lived in a cave?”
“No, but this is practically a museum. How often do you actually stay here?”
“More often than you’d think.” He shrugged out of his jacket and hung it on an ornate coat rack. ” The penthouse is convenient for work, but this is where I come to think. To be alone.”
“And now you’ve brought me here.” I couldn’t keep the question out of my voice.
Alexander’s eyes darkened as he approached me, his footsteps silent on the marble floor. “Yes, I have. Consider yourself privileged. Very few people have seen this place.”
“I’m honored,” I said, unable to keep a hint of sarcasm from my voice.
He caught my wrist, his grip firm but not painful. “You should be. Now, come with me.‘
I followed him through the foyer into a massive living room with floor–to–ceiling windows
overlooking what appeared to be a private lake. The furniture was modern but comfortable–looking, all in shades of gray and blue,
“Drink?” he asked, moving to a bar cart in the corner.
“Just water, thanks.”
Alexander poured himself what looked like whiskey and handed me a crystal glass of water. “Make yourself comfortable.”
I perched on the edge of a couch, still taking in my surroundings. “So this is where the real Alexander Knight lives?”
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“The real Alexander Knight?” He raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of his drink. “And who do you think that is?”
“I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking.”
He set his glass down on a side table and stood before me, his expression unreadable. “You’re still wearing underwear.”
The abrupt change of subject caught me off guard. “What?”
“I distinctly remember telling you not to wear any.”
I set my water down carefully. “We were going to a fundraiser. I wasn’t about to-”
“Stand up,” he interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I rose slowly, my heart hammering in my chest.
“Turn around.”
I hesitated, then slowly turned to face the windows, my back to him. I could see his reflection in the glass, watching me with predatory intensity.
“Bend end over the couch. Now.”
My face flushed hot with a mixture of embarrassment and arousal.
“You disobeyed me. First, by not showing up yesterday, and now by wearing underwear when I told
you not to.”
I bent over the couch as instructed, my hands gripping the soft leather. My heart pounded against my ribcage, a mixture of embarrassment and anticipation flooding through me.
“I’ve been busy with studying, Mr. Knight,” I explained, trying to keep my voice steady. “All those real estate books aren’t going to read themselves. You gave me the weekend to prepare, and I got completely absorbed in learning about property valuations and market analysis. I’ve been highlighting and taking notes for hours on end. There’s so much information to process, and I want to do well on this project.”
Alexander’s hand came down on my ass with a sharp smack that made me gasp. The sting radiated through my body, sending an unexpected jolt of pleasure straight to my core.
“That’s for wearing panties when I explicitly told you not to,” he said, his voice low and controlled.
I bit my lip, trying not to make a sound as his hand smoothed over the spot he’d just struck. Through the fabric of my dress, I could feel the heat of his palm as it lingered.
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“As for missing yesterday,” he continued, “I suppose I can forgive that transgression. After all, you were studying to better yourself for my company.”
His hand left my ass, and I heard him move behind me. I stayed bent over the couch, unsure if I was allowed to move yet.
“You know, Ms. Harper,” he said, his voice closer now, “I’m actually quite impressed by your dedication. Most people wouldn’t spend their entire weekend buried in real estate textbooks.”
“Thank you, Mr. Knight,” I murmured, surprised by the compliment.
“In fact, I’m being incredibly generous with you.” His hands found my hips, gripping them firmly.” Most men wouldn’t be so understanding when their girlfriend stands them up. But I recognize ambition when I see it.”
I almost laughed at his twisted logic. Only Alexander Knight would consider basic studying as something worthy of his magnanimous forgiveness.
“I’m truly blessed to have such a kind and understanding boyfriend,” I replied, unable to keep the sarcasm from my voice.
That earned me another smack, harder this time.
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.
