Chapter 328
Madison
I picked up my champagne glass, draining it in one less–than–ladylike gulp. A waiter materialized at my elbow, offering a replacement. I accepted with a grateful smile.
“Thirsty, Ms. Harper?” Alexander’s deep voice cut across the table.
I met his gaze coolly. “Just enjoying the excellent champagne, Mr. Knight.”
Katherine draped herself closer to him, her red dress a stark contrast to his black tuxedo. “The 2008 Dom Pérignon is divine, isn’t it? Alexander always did have excellent taste.” She gave me a pointed once–over. “In most things.”
I resisted the urge to throw my fresh champagne in her perfect face. Instead, I smiled sweetly. “How fortunate for you that he’s maintained his standards.”
Alexander’s eyebrows shot up, amusement flickering across his face before disappearing behind his usual mask of control.
Katherine’s smile tightened. “Indeed.”
I checked my watch. Nearly 10 PM. The gala was winding down, donors beginning to make their exits with air- kisses and promises of future contributions. I’d survived the evening without making a complete fool of myself. Victory.
Katherine stood suddenly, smoothing her crimson dress. “Alexander, darling, I need to make an early night of it.
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Alexander rose immediately. “Should I call your driver?”
“No need. He’s waiting.” She leaned in, kissing Alexander’s cheek, lingering a beat too long. “Call me tomorrow? We have so much more to discuss.”
“I will.” His voice gave nothing away, professional to the core.
I pretended intense fascination with my dessert spoon as Katherine swept away, pausing to chat with several guests on her way out. The woman knew how to make an exit.
I waited exactly five minutes before standing up. “I should be going as well. Early meeting tomorrow.”
Alexander glanced at me. “On a Sunday?”
“Contractor conference call. Time zones.” I pulled the lie out of thin air.
He didn’t call me on it, merely nodded. “I’ll see you Monday, Ms. Harper.”
The dismissal stung more than it should have. I gathered my clutch and made my graceful exit, nodding politely to the remaining guests at our table.
Outside, the night air felt refreshing after the stuffy ballroom. I pulled out my phone and booked a cab.
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Estimated arrival: 7 minutes.
I stepped away from the Plaza’s entrance, finding a quieter spot to wait. The diamonds at my throat felt heavy suddenly, a collar marking me as… what? His pet? His employee? His ex–arrangement? The idiot who fell for her boss?
Headlights swept across the pavement as a sleek black Bentley pulled up directly in front of me. The window rolled down, revealing Alexander’s impassive face.
“Get in,” he said, his voice leaving no room for argument.
I blinked in surprise. “Mr. Knight? I thought you had your dinner reservation.”
“Get in the car, Ms. Harper.” His fingers drummed once against the steering wheel, a rare sign of impatience.
“Thanks for the offer, but my cab will be here in a few minutes.” I glanced at my phone, using it as a shield. “You should go or you’ll miss your 10:30 reservation at Le Bernardin.”
His jaw tightened, blue eyes flashing. “Get in the car.”
“But your reservation—”
“Now.”
That commanding tone sent an unwelcome shiver down my spine. I huffed, opened the door, and slid into the leather seat beside him. The door closed with a solid thunk that felt strangely final.
I canceled my cab with a few quick taps.
“Always so stubborn,” Alexander muttered as the car pulled away from the curb.
“Always so dictatorial,” I countered, smoothing the midnight blue fabric over my knees.
The corner of his mouth twitched upward. “Did you enjoy the gala?”
“Immensely. The salmon was excellent.” I kept my tone light, pretending I hadn’t spent the evening watching him with Katherine.
“And your speech was impressive. Several donors commented on how articulate and knowledgeable you were.”
“Thank you.” I glanced at his profile, momentarily distracted by the sharp line of his jaw. “Katherine seemed to enjoy herself.”
Alexander’s gaze slid to me, then back to the road. “She always does at these events.”
“You two seemed cozy.”
“Did we?”
“She barely left your side all night.” I tried to sound casual but failed miserably.
“Jealous, Ms. Harper?” His voice dropped to that dangerous, silky register that used to precede him pushing me against walls.
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I snorted. “Why would I be jealous? Our arrangement is over, remember? You’re free to be with whoever you
want.”
“Hmm.” The sound was noncommittal, infuriating.
“I’m being serious,” I said, folding my arms across my chest. “I’m not jealous at all. The arrangement is over. I’m just your employee now, nothing more. You can go back to being the Playboy CEO and date whoever you want. Be my guest. Date Katherine, date models, date the entire Manhattan phone directory for all I care.”
Alexander said nothing, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, hands gripping the steering wheel. The silence stretched between us, broken only by the soft purr of the Bentley’s engine.
“You’re awfully quiet,” I remarked, picking at an invisible thread on my dress.
Still nothing.
“Seriously? The silent treatment?” I turned in my seat to face him. “Very mature, Mr. Knight.”
His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “What would you like me to say, Ms. Harper?”
“I don’t know. Something? Anything? You drag me into your car and then act like I’m not even here.”
“I didn’t drag you anywhere. I offered you a ride.”
“An offer implies I had a choice.”
One eyebrow arched upward. “Did I physically force you into this vehicle?”
“No, but-”
“Then you had a choice.”
I rolled my eyes. “Fine. Whatever. Where are we going anyway? I thought you had your special dinner with Katherine.”
“I canceled it.”
That surprised me. “Why?”
He shrugged, a casual lift of one shoulder. “Wasn’t in the mood for French cuisine.”
“Right,” I scoffed. “And it had nothing to do with the fact that she left the gala early?”
Alexander’s lips quirked into a hint of a smile. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Maddie.”
“I told you, I’m not jealous,” I insisted, ignoring the flutter in my stomach at his use of my nickname. “And don’t call me Maddie. It’s Ms. Harper to you now.”
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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.
