Chapter 229
Madison
Alexander shifted slightly, putting a few more inches between them. “How are you enjoying the gala?”
“It’s lovely,” she replied, moving closer to eliminate the distance he’d created. “Though I’m surprised to see you here. You don’t usually attend every fundraising event.”
“The Wilson Foundation does important work,” Alexander said, smoothly redirecting the conversation. “How much did you invest tonight, Caroline?”
Her smile faltered slightly. “Oh, I made a modest donation. Nothing compared to your generosity, I’m sure.” She glanced at the small boutique bag in his hand. “Did you win something special in the auction?”
“Just a small item,” he replied vaguely. “Have you settled into the New York main branch yet? Last time we spoke, you mentioned relocating from Los Angeles.”
Caroline brightened. “Not quite yet. The transition is still in progress, but I should be fully settled in a few days. There’s so much to arrange: finding the perfect mansion, transferring all my files, establishing my new team.” She touched his arm again. “Perhaps you could give me some recommendations for neighborhoods? Over dinner, maybe?”
Alexander’s expression remained neutral. “I’m afraid my schedule is quite full these days.”
“Of course, you’re always so dedicated to your work. It’s one of the things I’ve always admired about you.‘
Another crack of thunder rattled the windows, and the lights flickered again, longer this time. Murmurs of concern rippled through the crowd.
Alexander checked his watch. “I think we should get going. The storm’s intensifying and I’d rather not get caught in it at its peak.”
“So soon?” Caroline pouted, her hand finding his forearm again. “The night is still young.”
“Unfortunately, we have an early meeting tomorrow,” he replied, subtly extracting himself from her touch.
“Well, we’ll have to catch up properly another time,” she insisted. “I’ll be in touch once I’m settled.”
“Sure,” Alexander said with noticeable hesitation, his tone noncommittal.
Caroline beamed as if he’d enthusiastically agreed. “Perfect! I can’t wait.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek, lingering a moment too long. “It was so lovely running into you, Alexander.” She turned to me with considerably less warmth. “Goodbye, Madison.”
As she sashayed away, Alexander turned to me with a raised eyebrow. “Ready to leave?”
“Absolutely,” I replied, perhaps too eagerly.
Outside, the storm had transformed into a torrential downpour. Rain fell in sheets, turning the streets into rushing rivers.
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I pressed my face to the hotel’s glass doors, watching as the water cascaded down in hypnotic patterns.
“It’s really coming down,” I murmured, wincing as lightning split the sky, followed immediately by a deafening
crack of thunder.
Alexander stood beside me, his reflection in the glass looking unusually concerned as he scrolled through his phone. “The weather service just issued a flash flood warning. Several streets are already underwater.”
“So what now? Call your driver?”
He shook his head, pocketing his phone. “Leo just texted. He’s stuck on the other side of town. Most of the routes back to the city are flooded or gridlocked with accidents.”
“Great,” I sighed. “So we’re stranded?”
“Looks like we can’t drive in this storm,” Alexander said, watching as a car attempted to navigate through what looked like a foot of water, its headlights barely visible through the downpour. “At least not safely.”
I turned to him, crossing my arms. “Then what do we do?”
“We could sleep in the car.”
“Sleep in the car?” I repeated, staring at him like he’d lost his mind. “How exactly would that work?”
“The seats recline,” he replied with a straight face.
“Mr. Knight, be serious. We can’t spend the night cramped in your car while a biblical flood rages outside. It’s not possible.”
He shrugged, his expression maddeningly calm. “We have to adjust, Madison. We’ve got no option.”
I rolled my eyes and headed toward the door. “Fine. Let’s go.”
Alexander caught my arm, stopping me mid–step. “Where are you going?”
“Going out to sleep in the car,” I replied dryly. “Isn’t that what you just suggested?”
His laugh was low and rich, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. “This is a hotel, Madison. We can take a suite and sleep here.”
I froze, feeling heat rush to my cheeks. Of course, it was a hotel. How had I not made that connection?
“I knew that,” I muttered, avoiding his amused gaze.
“Did you?” His voice was teasing as he leaned closer. “Because your face suggests otherwise.”
“I was testing you,” I said Jamely.
“Of course you were.” His hand moved to the small of my back, guiding me toward the reception desk. “And you’re adorable when you’re flustered.”
“I’m not flustered,” I insisted, even as my heart raced at his touch.
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The receptionist looked up with a practiced smile as we approached. “Good evening. How may I help you?”
“We need a suite for the night,” Alexander said smoothly. “Your best available.”
The woman’s fingers flew over her keyboard. “We have the Presidential Suite available. Would that be acceptable?”
“Perfect,” Alexander replied before I could say anything.
“Excellent choice, sir. Will you be requiring two key cards?”
“Yes, please.”
I shifted uncomfortably as Alexander handed over his credit card. “This seems excessive for one night,” I whispered.
“Would you prefer we sleep in the car?” he asked, eyes twinkling.
“No, but-”
“Then it’s settled.” He turned back to the receptionist who was processing his payment. “Is room service still available?”
“Yes, sir. The kitchen is open until midnight.”
Alexander nodded, accepting the key cards she handed him. “Thank you.”
As we walked toward the elevators, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d been masterfully manipulated. “You never intended for us to sleep in the car, did you?”
“Of course not,” he replied, pressing the button for the top floor. “But your reaction was priceless.”
“You’re the one who started with the sleeping in the car idea.”
“And you fell for it completely,” Alexander replied, amusement dancing in his eyes as the elevator ascended. ” The look on your face was worth it.”
“I’m glad my confusion provided entertainment for you.
The elevator doors slid open with a soft ping, revealing a short hallway with only one door at the end. Alexander strode forward, swiping the key card with practiced ease.
“After you,” he said, holding the door open.
I stepped inside and immediately froze. The Presidential Suite was massive–easily three times the size of my entire apartment. Floor–to–ceiling windows showcased the storm in all its fury, lightning illuminating the rain- drenched landscape in dramatic flashes. A spacious living area with plush couches faced a marble fireplace, while a dining table that could seat eight stood near a fully stocked bar. Through an open doorway, I glimpsed an enormous king–sized bed.
“This is…” I struggled to find the right word.
“Adequate?” Alexander suggested, closing the door behind us.
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“Excessive,” I corrected, tumming to face him. “This is not required for one night.”
Alexandet shrugged off his jacket and draped it over a nearby chair. “Would you prefer a standard room with a queen bed? We’d be practically sleeping on top of each other.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks at the image his words conjured. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Then what did you mean?” He stepped closer, his eyes never leaving mine.
“I meant this is too much. Too extravagant.”
“You need a good night’s sleep to work better tomorrow,” he said, his tone softening slightly. “The project requires your full attention, and you can’t provide that if you’re exhausted from sleeping poorly.”
I sighed, knowing further argument was pointless. “Alright.”
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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.
