Chapter 252
Madison
+25 BONUS
A cool breeze swept off the river, and I shivered slightly. Without hesitation, Alexander removed his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. The fabric was warm from his body, carrying his scent: expensive cologne with undertones of something uniquely him.
“Thanks,” I murmured, pulling it closer around me.
“Can’t have my girlfriend freezing to death. Bad for my reputation.”
I rolled my eyes. “Heaven forbid anything to damage the great Alexander Knight’s reputation.”
“Exactly.” His smile was visible even in the low light. “I have an image to maintain.”
“And what image is that? Billionaire playboy?”
“Among other things.” His eyes caught the moonlight, a glint of something unreadable in them. “I’m also known for my excellent taste in companions.”
I snorted, pulling his jacket tighter around my shoulders. “Is that what I am? A companion?”
“You’re many things, Madison.” His voice dropped lower. “Some of which I’m still discovering.”
A comfortable silence fell between us, broken only by the gentle lapping of the Thames against its banks. London’s skyline sparkled across the water, buildings old and new creating a patchwork of history and modernity.
“We should head back,” Alexander said eventually, checking his watch. “It’s getting late.”
“Already?” I couldn’t keep the disappointment from my voice.
He smiled, standing and offering his hand. “Tomorrow’s another day of exploration.”
I took his hand, letting him pull me to my feet. “You’re really committing to this tour guide role.”
“I’m nothing if not thorough, Ms. Harper.”
The walk back to where our car waited was leisurely, our shoulders occasionally bumping. Neither of us seemed in a hurry to end the evening.
“Did you enjoy today?” Alexander asked as we approached the Bentley,
“It was…” I searched for a word that wouldn’t inflate his already considerable ego. “Adequate.”
He laughed. “Just adequate? I’ll have to try harder tomorrow.”
“I’m a tough critic,” I shrugged, fighting a smile.
The driver opened the door, and I slid into the backseat, Alexander following close behind. As the car pulled away from the curb, I stifled a yawn.
1/3
Chapter 252
+25 BONUS
“Tired?” Alexander asked, his hand finding mine in the darkness.
“It’s been a long day,” 1 admitted.
“A good one, I hope.”
I turned to look at him, his features softened by the passing streetlights. “One of the best.”
Back at The Savoy, we rode the elevator in companionable silence. I was acutely aware of Alexander’s presence beside me, the subtle scent of his cologne, the warmth radiating from his body.
The suite was exactly as we’d left it, though housekeeping had turned down the beds and left chocolates on the pillows. I kicked off my shoes with a grateful sigh.
“My feet are killing me,” I groaned, collapsing onto the sofa.
“The price of tourism.”
“Worth every blister,” I said, reaching for the chocolate on the nearest pillow.
He watched me unwrap it, his eyes following the movement of my fingers.
I popped the chocolate into my mouth, savoring the rich, velvety taste as it melted on my tongue.
“Good?” Alexander asked, his voice low.
I nodded, unable to speak with the chocolate dissolving in my mouth. When I finally swallowed, I said, “Sinfully good. You should try yours.”
He plucked the chocolate from his pillow, but instead of eating it, he held it out for me. “I’m feeling generous.”
“Two chocolates? You’re spoiling me, Mr. Knight.” I accepted it with a smile, our fingers brushing in the exchange.
“I’ve barely started,” he replied, a promise in his voice that made my stomach flip.
I stretched my arms above my head, feeling the day’s walking tour in every muscle. “I should probably get some sleep. Sounds like tomorrow will be another busy day.”
Alexander nodded, loosening his tie. “Get some rest. I have a few calls to make.”
“Business never sleeps?”
“Unfortunately not.” He pulled out his phone. “I won’t be long.”
I gathered my toiletries and headed for the bathroom, eager to wash away the day’s adventures and fall into bed. By the time I emerged in my silk pajamas, he was sitting on the edge of the bed with his phone pressed to his ear, speaking in low tones.
I slipped under the covers, the sheets cool against my skin. Despite my exhaustion, I found myself watching Alexander as he paced by the window, London’s lights creating a halo around his silhouette. Even in this relaxed state, power radiated from him: in his posture, controlled tone of his voice, and how he commanded the conversation despite being thousands of miles from his office.
2/3
Chapter 252
+25 BONUS
My eyelids grew heavy, and the last thing I remembered was Alexander’s voice, a soothing backdrop as sleep claimed me.
Morning arrived, with sunlight streaming through partially opened curtains. I blinked awake, momentarily disoriented, until I remembered London, Alexander, and the suite at The Savoy.
Alexander was already up, dressed in casual jeans and a button–down shirt that somehow looked tailor–made despite its simplicity. He stood by the window, coffee in hand, surveying the city below.
“Morning,” I mumbled, pushing myself up against the pillows.
“Sleeping Beauty Awakens.”
“What time is it?”
“Just after eight. I ordered breakfast.” He gestured to a covered tray on the table. “Coffee’s fresh.”
I climbed out of bed, padding across the plush carpet to pour myself a cup. The rich aroma hit me immediately, and I inhaled deeply before taking a sip.
“Any word from Leo about Selena?” I asked, lifting the silver dome to reveal a perfect eggs Benedict.
“She’s scheduled to return from Paris this afternoon. Leo will alert us when she arrives at her house.”
I nodded. “So we have another day of sightseeing?”
“Unless you’d prefer to stay in.” His eyes traveled down my body, lingering on where my silk pajamas clung to my curves.
“And miss more of London? Not a chance.” I took another sip. “Where are we going today?”
“I thought we’d start with the British Museum, then perhaps Notting Hill and Camden Market.”
“Sounds perfect. Give me fifteen minutes to get ready.”
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.
