Madison
I fidgeted with my purse strap as John navigated the evening traffic. Alexander sat beside me, his presence making the back
seat feel impossibly small. The leather seats squeaked as I shifted, trying to maintain a professional distance.
The city lights blurred past the tinted windows as we drove. I kept my eyes fixed ahead, pretending to be fascinated by the brake lights of the cars in front of us. My mind was elsewhere, tangled in confusion about why Alexander had decided to take
me out for dinner. It wasn’t like him to suggest such things, especially not in the midst of a busy week.
Then I felt his hand on my thigh, warm through the thin fabric of my skirt. My breath caught.
“The driver,” I whispered, mortified. My eyes darted to John’s reflection in the rearview mirror.
Alexander’s hand stayed put, his thumb tracing small circles that sent shivers up my spine. My face burned hot enough to
melt steel.
“John’s focused on the road.”
ad.” His voice dropped low, meant only for my ears.
I squirmed, torn between wanting to lean into his touch and maintaining some semblance of professionalism.
Just as his hand started
spilling onto the side what qu
high
the car rolled to a stop outside an upscale restaurant with warm golden lights
“Perfect timing,” Alexander murmured, withdrawing his hand as if nothing had happened.
I exhaled shakily, smoothing my skirt with trembling finger definitely not the kind of place I’d ever been able to afford on
restaurant’s exterior gleamed with understated elegance –
salary.
Alexander’s hand found the small of my back as we walked in, sending me fresh tingles. The maître d‘ practically bowed at
Alexander’s approach.
“Mr. Knight, your usual table is ready.”
We followed him through a maze of white tablecloths and crystal glasses to a secluded corner booth. Alexander slid in next to me instead of across, trapping me between his body and the wall. My pulse quickened.
“I took the liberty of pre–ordering champagne,” Alexander said as a waiter appeared with an ice bucket.
I stared at the menu prices and nearly choked. “These numbers can’t be right.
“Order whatever you’d like.” His fingers traced my spine. “We’re celebrating.”
“Celebrating what exactly?”
“Us.” He lifted his glass. “To new arrangements.”
The champagne bubbles tickled my nose as I took a sip. “I wanted to thank you. For everything you’ve done for my mother. The hospital transfer, the care she’s getting-”
“Madison.” His voice carried that commanding edge that made my toes curl. “It’s part of our arrangement. No need to thank me.”
The waiter appeared, and Alexander ordered in French without consulting the menu. I just pointed at steak.
“You speak French?” I asked after the waiter left.
*Among other things” His hand slipped under the tablecloth, finding my knee. “I have many talents you’ve yet to discover.”
I nearly knocked over my water glass. “Mr. Knight!”
“Yes?” His innocent tone contrasted with the way his fingers crept higher.
1/2
Chapter 27
+25 BONUS
“We’re in public!”
“And you’re blushing beautifully.” He leaned closer, his breath hot agamastmy ear. I’I wonder how far down that blush goes?”
My whole body tingled at his words. I grabbed my water glass, nearly springgit as I took a desperate sip.
“You can’t say things like that,” I whispered, glancing around nervouslyyatt bleworker diners.
“Why not?” His fingers traced higher up my thigh, making me squirma “I’m simply making an observation about my girlfriend.
The waiter arrived with our food, and I silently thanked whatever deity was swatcbhgg for the interruption. Alexander withdrew his hand, but his eyes never left me as I cut into my steakk
“How’s your food?” He asked, his tone deceptively innocent.t
“Delicious,” I took another bite, trying to focus on eating rather than the heat of his gazee
‘I can think of something that might taste better.” His voice dropped an octavedower
“Wir Knight!”
“Yes, Miss Harper?” His fathers, 487 MAX
temscom??”
grew wider as he leaned in closer. “You seem flustered Perhaps sypaneed to release some
The double meaning in his words my my cheeks burn hotter. I stabbed at my vegetables,preteadinggochlareman intense
fascination with a baby carrot.
“The dessert here is exceptional,” he continued, his thumb now drawing circles on my knee. “Though harees something sweeter un mind for later.”
When the waiter cleaned our plates and presented the dessert menu, Alexander ordered chocolate souffle for russicas bhare The rich dessert melted on my tongue, but I could barely taste it with his hand creeping higher under the tablée
“Would you like to continue this evening at my place?” His breath tickled my ear. “I promise the viewis spectacular”
I knew he wasn’t talking about the city skyline. My heart hammered against my ribs as I nodded.
“L. I need to use the lathes‘ room first.”
“Don’t take too long. His eyes darkened with promise. “I’m not known for my patience.”
I hurried to the ladies” toon, my legs still tingling from Alexander’s touch. I splashed some cold water on my face hopinggitt would help calm my racing heart. The coolness felt good against my flushed skin. I stared at my reflection, taking deepp breaths.
“Get it together, Madison,” I muttered to myself. “He’s just a man. A very attractive, powerful man who’s got you wrapped! around his finger”
I dried my face with a paper towel and stranghtened my skirt, ensuring I looked presentable before heading back out. As I! walked back to our table, I noticed Alexander was no longer alone. A stunning blonde sat across from him, laughing at something he said.
