Chapter 242
Chapter 248
Chapter 248
Madison
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I reached for my phone to check the time. Just past 8 AM in London. I had a text from Hazel asking how London was, followed by a string of suggestive emojis. I smiled, typing a quick reply promising details later.
Alexander emerged from the bathroom with a towel slung low on his hips, droplets of water still clinging to his chest. I tried not to stare, but I failed miserably. The white towel did little to conceal the impressive outline beneath it, and I quickly averted my gaze, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.
“Bathroom’s all yours,” he said casually, as if completely unaware of his effect on me. He moved to the closet where his clothes had been unpacked, the towel shifting dangerously with each step.
I slipped out of bed, grabbed my robe, and hurried past him. “Thanks. I’ll be quick p>
The bathroom was still warm and steamy from his shower. I turned the water as hot as I could stand it, letting it wash away my lingering sleepiness. After shampooing my hair with the hotel’s luxurious products, I wrapped myself in a plush towel and stepped back into the bedroom.
Alexander was dressed in dark jeans and a navy button–down, his hair still damp. The smell of fresh coffee permeated the room, and I spotted a breakfast spread on the table by the window.
“Room service arrived while you were showering,” he said, pouring a cup of coffee. “I ordered you a cappuccino and some pastries p>
“You’re a lifesaver.” I accepted the cup gratefully, taking a long sip. “This is perfect p>
I moved to my suitcase, selecting underwear and clothes for the day. Alexander politely turned his attention to his phone while I dressed, giving me a semblance of privacy.
“Any updates from Leo?” I asked, pulling on a blue dress that would be comfortable for whatever the day might bring.
“Nothing yet.” Alexander set down his phone. “Selena’s still MIA p>
I joined him at the table, helping myself to a flaky croissant. “So what’s the plan p>
“We wait.” He spread jam on his own pastry with precise movements. “Leo will call when he has something p>
I took another bite, savoring the buttery layers. “So we just sit in this hotel room all day p>
Alexander looked up from his coffee, one eyebrow raised. “Did you already forget what I promised you on the way here p>
“You said a lot of things on the way here,” I replied, licking a flake of pastry from my finger. “Most of which would get us arrested if attempted in public p>
He laughed. “I promised to show you London. And unlike some of my business associates, I always keep my promises p>
“Really?” I crossed my legs, watching him over the rim of my cup. “The great Alexander Knight is going to play
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tourist guide today p>
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“Don’t sound so surprised.” He checked his watch. “Leo will call when Selena surfaces. Until then, I see no reason why we can’t enjoy what the city has to offer p>
I tried not to look too excited but failed miserably. “Where will we go first p>
“Eager, aren’t we?” His smile was smug. “I thought we’d start with the classics. Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace p>
“And you won’t be bored p>
“With you? Never.” The intensity in his eyes made my stomach flip. “Besides, I find I enjoy seeing familiar places through new eyes p>
“My eyes aren’t that special p>
“I disagree.” He reached across the table, his thumb brushing a crumb from my lower lip. “Finish your breakfast. London awaits p>
I held my breath for a moment as his thumb lingered on my lip. His touch was electric, even in these small
gestures.
“Right,” I said, pulling back slightly. “Breakfast first, sightseeing second, tracking down the woman who drugged you third. Just another day in the life of Madison Harper p>
Alexander chuckled, returning to his coffee. “You make it sound so mundane p>
“Oh yes, jetting off to London with my billionaire boss–slash–fake–boyfriend is totally an average day for me.” I rolled my eyes, biting into another pastry.
“Boyfriend?” His eyebrow arched. “That sounds suspiciously relationship–like, Madison p>
I nearly choked. “You know what I mean. Our… arrangement p>
“Ah yes, our arrangement.” His eyes sparkled with amusement. “The one where you call me Mr. Knight in public and moan my name in private p>
Heat rushed to my face. “Do you always have to make everything sound so-
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“Accurate?” He smirked.
“Inappropriate,” I corrected, reaching for my cappuccino to hide my smile.
Alexander’s phone buzzed. He glanced at it, his expression shifting subtly.
“Leo p>
He nodded. “Selena’s assistant confirmed she’s out of the country until tomorrow morning. She’s at a finance conference in Paris p>
“So our Selena hunt is delayed,” I said, feeling oddly relieved. “Does that mean your tour guide services are still available p>
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“Eager to have me all to yourself?” He leaned forward, his voice dropping lower.
“Eager to see London before we get caught up in whatever drama Selena brings,” I replied honestly.
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Alexander checked his watch. “We should head out soon if we want to beat the worst of the tourist crowds p>
“You’ve thought this through,” I observed, finishing my coffee.
“I always have a plan p>
“And what exactly is your plan for today, Mr. Knight?” I asked, standing to gather my purse.
He rose as well, his height making me tilt my head back to maintain eye contact. “To see you smile,” he said simply.
The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. I blinked, momentarily speechless.
“And maybe,” he continued, his hand finding the small of my back, “to hear you laugh. You don’t do that enough p>
“I laugh,” I protested weakly.
“Not the real one. Not the one that makes your eyes crinkle at the corners.” His fingers traced a path up my spine. “I’ve only heard it a few times p>
“You’re paying attention?” I asked, surprised.
“I notice everything about you, Madison.” His admission hung in the air between us, heavy with implications neither of us was ready to address.
I cleared
my throat. “We should go. London awaits, remember p>
Alexander nodded, stepping back. “Just need to grab my wallet p>
While he disappeared into the bedroom, I stared out at the London skyline, The Thames snaked through the city, boats creating white trails on its surface. The London Eye stood proud in the distance, and I felt a flutter of excitement at seeing it up close.
Chapter 249
+15 BONUS
Chapter 249
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.