Chapter 210
Chapter 215
Madison
1
I stood outside Alexander’s penthouse, my finger hovering over the doorbell as I took a deep breath. The hallway was silent except for the soft hum of the building’s ventilation system and my own heartbeat thumping in my
ears.
I pressed the button, hearing the melodic chime echo through his apartment.
Footsteps approached, and the door swung open. Alexander stood there, his tie loosened and the top two buttons of his shirt undone. He’d changed from his office attire into dark jeans and a casual button–down that somehow looked more expensive than most people’s formal wear.
“You’re here.” His eyes traveled over me, taking in my slightly windblown hair and the outfit I’d worn to meet
Caroline.
“You asked me to come,” I replied, stepping inside as he moved aside,
“I did.” He closed the door behind me. “Drink? ”
“Please p>
I followed him through the penthouse, my heels clicking against the marble floors. The lights of the city sparkled through the floor–to–ceiling windows, creating a backdrop that never failed to take my breath away.
Alexander led me to the balcony, where two glasses and a bottle of whiskey waited on the table between two comfortable chairs. The night air was cool but not cold, carrying the distant sounds of the city below.
“Sit,” he said, pouring amber liquid into both glasses.
I settled into one of the chairs, accepting the glass he handed me. “Thank you p>
Alexander took the seat across from me, stretching his long legs out in front of him. He didn’t speak immediately; he just sipped his whiskey and gazed out at the skyline.
I waited, wondering if he somehow knew about my meeting with Caroline. Had someone seen us? Had she contacted him afterward? The silence stretched between us, neither uncomfortable nor charged but filled with unspoken questions.
“You’re quiet tonight,” Alexander finally said, his voice cutting through my thoughts.
I took a sip of whiskey, feeling the burn travel down my throat. “Just tired. Long day.” I met his eyes across the table. “How was your family obligation p>
He snorted, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “Same routine. Dinner with the family, my stepmother showing her artificial brand of love, then I left as soon as socially acceptable p>
“Sounds delightful,” I said dryly.
“Riveting.” His lips quirked into a half–smile. “At least the food was good p>
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Chapter 215
+15 BONUS
I nodded, letting my gaze drift to the city lights. My shoulders ached from the tension I hadn’t realized I was carrying. Between work stress, my mother’s health, and now this strange encounter with Caroline, my body felt like one giant knot.
“You’re tense,” Alexander observed, setting his glass down. “ I can see it in your shoulders p>
I rolled my neck slightly. “Just need some sleep. I’ll be fine p>
“Sleep won’t fix those knots. ” He stood up, extending his hand to me. “Come with me p>
“Where are we going p>
“You’ll see p>
I hesitated for a moment, my fingers hovering above his outstretched hand before I finally placed mine in his.
Alexander led me through the expansive penthouse, guiding me to a room I hadn’t seen before. It was a fully equipped home gym boasting an array of weights, a sleek treadmill, and, tucked away in the corner, a massage table.
“You have a massage table in your home gym?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Recovery is as important as training p>
I ran my hand along the smooth leather of the massage table. “Do you invite professional masseurs here to work on you?” The question came out more curious than I intended.
Alexander leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. “Yes p>
“Twice a week,” he added after a moment. “More if I’ve been particularly stressed p>
I tried to picture Alexander lying on this table, some stranger’s hands working the tension from his muscles. The image made me shift uncomfortably.
“Have you ever given a massage to anyone?” I asked, my fingers still tracing the edge of the table.
His eyebrow arched. “Are you asking if I’ve massaged anyone before?” A slow smile spread across his face. ‘ Many. All female p>
Heat rushed to my cheeks and something that felt suspiciously like jealousy twisted in my stomach. I looked away, focusing on a weight rack across the room.
“Jealous, Madison?” His voice carried that infuriating hint of amusement.
“Of course not,” I replied too quickly. “Why would I be jealous of your massage history p>
“I have no idea.” He pushed off from the wall, moving toward me with that predatory grace that always made my heart race. “But your face tells a different story p>
“My face is telling you I’m tired and tense p>
“Then lie down.” He gestured to the table. “Let me help with that p>
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Chapter 215
+15 BONUS
Thesitated, then climbed onto the table, settling on my stomach with my face in the cushioned headrest.
Alexander’s soft chuckle made me lift my head. “Not like that p>
“What’s wrong with this p>
“If you want a proper massage, you need to remove some layers.” His eyes locked with mine. “All of them would be ideal, but I’ll settle for that blouse and those tight jeans that have been distracting me all evening p>
My pulse jumped. “I didn’t come here for a massage p>
“No? Then why did you come when I texted?” He moved closer, his fingers brushing my shoulder. “You could have gone home. You chose to be here p>
I swallowed hard. “I thought you needed something p>
“I do.” His voice dropped lower. “I need you to relax and let me take care of you p>
The intensity in his gaze made it impossible to look away. My breath caught in my throat as Alexander’s eyes darkened with unmistakable desire.
“Fine,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “Turn around p>
A smirk played across his lips. “Why would I do that p>
“Because I need to undress p>
“And I need to watch.” He crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. “That’s part of the experience, Madison p>
Heat rushed to my face. “You’re impossible p>
“I’m honest. There’s a difference p>
I hesitated, fingers hovering at the top button of my blouse. Alexander’s eyes never left mine, challenging me, daring me to back down. With a deep breath, I began unfastening each button, revealing more skin with every
movement.
“Good girl,” he murmured, his voice sending shivers down my spine.
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Sara Lili
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.