Madison
He moved closer, his reflection appearing beside mine in the glass. “And what if I want more?”
My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my voice steady. “More what? More time? More exclusivity? Just add it to the contract.”
“You’re being deliberately obtuse.”
I spun to face him. “And you’re being deliberately vague. What do you want from me, Alexander?”
He stepped closer, invading my personal space in the way he always did. “Right now? This.”
Before I could react, his hand cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing over my lower lip. His eyes darkened as he leaned in, his intention clear.
I turned my head slightly, his lips grazing my cheek instead of their intended target. “I’m tired. It’s been a long day.”
Alexander froze for a moment, then stepped back. No force, no pressure–just immediate retreat. “Of course.”
“My mom just got discharged. I’m jet–lagged from London, and we still have the Vanessa situation hanging over our heads.” I tucked my hair behind my ear, avoiding his gaze. “I should probably head home.”
“Stay.” His voice was softer than usual.
I shook my head. “I need to be there when Mom wakes up.‘
11
Alexander’s expression softened almost imperceptibly. “I’ll drive you back.”
“No need. I can grab a cab.” I reached for my purse, trying to create some distance between us. The tension in the room was becoming unbearable.
“Madison.” His voice had that commanding tone that always made my spine straighten involuntarily. “I’ll drive you.”
I sighed, knowing that arguing would just waste time. “Fine.”
He grabbed his keys from the counter. “Let’s go.”
The elevator ride down to the parking garage was silent. Alexander stood with his hands in his pockets, eyes fixed on the descending numbers. I leaned against the opposite wall, suddenly exhausted.
When the doors opened, he guided me toward his car with a light touch at my elbow. The gesture was so natural, so casual, that it made my chest ache with a longing I didn’t want to acknowledge.
“You’re quiet,” he observed as we pulled out of the garage.
“Just tired.” I stared out the window, watching the city lights blur past. “Mom’s discharge and our… discussion. It’s been a lot.”
1/3
Chapter 269
+25 BONUS
Alexander navigated through the traffic with practiced ease. “I’ve been thinking about our arrangement.”
I tensed. “What about it?”
“We could extend it.” His eyes remained fixed on the road. “Beyond the year.”
“Why would we do that?” I kept my voice carefully neutral.
“It’s working, isn’t it?” He glanced at me briefly. “Your mother’s care is covered. The Manhattan Project is progressing well. We’re… compatible.”
I almost laughed. “Compatible? Is that what you call it?”
“What would you call it?”
“Complicated.” I shifted in my seat. “And no, I don’t want to extend.”
His knuckles whitened slightly on the steering wheel. “Your mother already knows about us. We could make it public.”
“Make what public? Our business transaction disguised as a relationship?” I shook my head. “No thanks.”
“It doesn’t have to be that way.”
“How else would it be? Everyone at Knight Industries already thinks I slept my way to the project manager. Making our ‘relationship‘ public would just confirm their suspicions.”
“Since when do you care what others think?”
“Since my professional reputation became tied to my personal life.” I crossed my arms. “I worked hard to get where I am. I don’t want people thinking I got there on my back.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened. “No one would dare suggest that.”
“They already do, Mr. Knight. You just don’t hear it.”
We stopped at a red light, and he turned to face me. “Then we prove them wrong. Your work on the Manhattan Project speaks for itself.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“It could be,”
The light turned green, and Alexander accelerated perhaps a bit too quickly. We drove in silence for several blocks before he spoke again.
“Think about it. That’s all I’m asking.”
I stared out the window, watching the familiar buildings of my neighborhood come into view. “There’s nothing
to think about. Our arrangement has an expiration date. That’s what I agreed to.”
He pulled up in front of my apartment building, the engine idling softly. “And if I want more?”
2/3
Chapter 269
+25 BONUS
My heart stuttered in my chest. “More what?”
“More time. With you.”
I reached for the door handle, needing to escape before I said something I’d regret. “Goodnight, Alexander.”
His hand caught mine, stopping me. “Madison.”
“What?”
“Just… think about it.”
I pulled my hand away gently. “I’ll see you at the office tomorrow.”
“Madison.” His voice stopped me as I reached for the door handle again. “Making this public isn’t a big deal. We can continue exactly as we are now, just without hiding.”
I turned to face him, incredulous. “Not a big deal? My entire professional reputation would be shredded overnight.”
“You’re exaggerating.”
“Am I? The whispers are already there, Mr. Knight. Making our arrangement public would only confirm what everyone already thinks.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened. “And what’s that?”
“That I’m sleeping with the boss for special treatment.” I shook my head firmly. “I will never accept that. Never.
“Your work speaks for itself.”
“In a perfect world, maybe. But we don’t live in one of those.”
The streetlight cast shadows across his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his cheekbones. For a moment, he
looked almost vulnerable.
“I’m not forcing you, Madison. Just… think about it.”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. Something in his tone made my chest tighten uncomfortably.
“That’s all I ask,” he added softly.
“Goodnight, Alexander.” I stepped out of the car, the cool night air a welcome relief against my flushed skin,
He didn’t immediately drive away. I felt his eyes on me as I walked toward my building, my heels clicking against the pavement. Only when I reached the entrance did I hear the purr of his engine as he pulled away from
the curb.
The elevator ride to my apartment felt longer than usual. My mind replayed our conversation, searching for hidden meanings in his words. Why was he suddenly so eager to make our arrangement public? What had changed?
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.
