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Chapter 113
Madison
“I’m developing a headache from your interrogation, Mr. Knight,” I retorted. 1
He laughed then, a genuine sound transforming his face, making him look younger and almost approachable. Almost.
“Now, about yesterday evening,” he said, his tone shifting back to business. “You’ll need to make that up to me p>
I raised an eyebrow. “I already apologized for missing our meeting p>
“Apologies are nice,” Alexander said, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered on my skin, sending electricity coursing through me. “But I had plans for us yesterday. Plans that now need rescheduling p>
“What kind of plans?” I asked, my voice embarrassingly breathy.
His hand moved to cup my cheek, thumb brushing lightly across my lower lip.
I waited for him to say something explicitly, to detail exactly what he’d planned for me yesterday evening. Something filthy that would make me blush and squirm. Something about bending me over his desk or taking me against the wall of his penthouse.
Instead, he simply said, “We can discuss that later.” His voice lowered dangerously. “But let me make one thing clear, Madison. You are my girlfriend for one year, but you can’t catch feelings. We agreed on sex, not love p>
I pulled back slightly, his hand falling away from my face. “I know that,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “I don’t have any feelings toward you p>
Alexander studied my face for a moment as if searching for cracks in my facade. I maintained eye contact, refusing to look away despite the heat creeping up my neck.
“Good,” he finally said, stepping back. “Go start your work. I’ll call you when I need you p>
“Okay, Mr. Knight,” I said, turning toward the door.
As I walked out, I could feel his eyes on me. I kept my posture straight and my steps measured. It was only after the door shut behind me that I finally let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
What a jerk. Was he seriously worried I was falling for him? The man had an ego the size of Manhattan. Sure, the sex was mind–blowing, but his personality left much to be desired. Cold, controlling, dominant, arrogant… exactly the kind of man I’d sworn to avoid.
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Yet here I was, playing his game. And for what? Money for Mom’s care, I reminded myself. That was the only reason. Not his chiseled jawline or the way his voice dropped when he wanted me. Definitely not the rare moments when his mask slipped, and I caught glimpses of something almost human beneath.
I sat at my desk, turning on my computer more forcefully than necessary. My finger jabbed the power button like it had personally offended me. I could handle this arrangement. I had to.
I pulled up my email and found exactly what I expected – a dozen work–related messages.
I spent the morning organizing files for the new real estate projects on my desk. Alexander had been on an acquisition spree lately, snatching up properties like they were going out of style. And now, he was apparently looking into startup investments, too. Running a multi–billion dollar company, managing multiple real estate developments, and maintaining a fake relationship with his assistant weren’t keeping him busy enough.
I ate lunch at my desk while reviewing the preliminary numbers for one of the new developments. The financial projections were promising, but the location assessment seemed off. I made a note to double–check the market analysis before our next meeting.
“Talking to yourself again, Ms. Harper p>
I nearly jumped out of my skin. Alexander stood behind me, peering over my shoulder at my notes. How did he move so silently in those expensive shoes?
“Just making notes,” I replied, resisting the urge to cover my chicken salad sandwich that dropped bits of lettuce everywhere. “There’s something strange about these location metrics for this property.
Alexander leaned closer, his cologne invading my senses. He smelled expensive and something uniquely him. It was distracting.
“What specifically?” His breath tickled my ear.
I pointed to the report. “These foot traffic projections. They’re estimating numbers rival Times Square, but this location is on a side street.” I tapped my pen against the paper. “Either someone’s being wildly optimistic, or they’re trying to oversell this property p>
Alexander straightened up, looking pleased. “Good catch. I was wondering if you’d notice p>
“You knew?” I twisted in my chair to look at him.
“Of course, I knew. I don’t make billion–dollar decisions without checking the numbers myself.” He smirked. “Consider it a test. One you passed p>
I rolled my eyes. “Do you always test people by letting them waste hours on fraudulent reports p>
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“Only the ones I’m sleeping with,” he replied with a wink.
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I glanced around nervously, but no one was within earshot. “Mr. Knight, someone could hear you p>
“Relax, Madison. No one’s listening.” He perched on the edge of my desk, completely unconcerned. ” Have dinner with me tonight p>
It wasn’t a question. With Alexander, these things rarely were.
“I have plans with Hazel,” I lied.
“Cancel them p>
“I can’t just p>
“Yes, you can.” He picked up my phone from my desk and held it out to me. “Call her. Now p>
I snatched my phone back. “This isn’t part of our arrangement. You don’t get to dictate my social life.
11
Alexander’s eyes darkened. “Actually, I do. The terms were clear: exclusive dating for one year. means when I want to see you, I see you p>
“Dating doesn’t mean being at your beck and call 24/7,” I hissed, keeping my voice low.
That
“It does when I’m paying your mother’s medical bills.” His voice was equally quiet but carried a steel edge that made my stomach clench.
Low blow. I glared at him, hating that he was right.
“Fine,” I conceded. “But I’m not calling her while you hover over me like some corporate vulture p>
Alexander’s lips twitched. “Corporate vulture. That’s a new one.” He stood up from my desk. “Be ready at six. I’ll send a car p>
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“It’s a surprise. ” He started walking away, then paused. “Wear something nice. And Madison?” He glanced back with that infuriating smirk. “No underwear p>
Heat flooded my face. “You can’t be serious p>
“Deadly.” And with that, he strode away, leaving me flustered and annoyed.
I glared at his retreating back, resisting the urge to throw my pen at him. No underwear? Again? Was
he serious?
The last time he’d pulled this stunt, I’d spent an entire board meeting crossing and uncrossing my
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legs, paranoid that someone would notice. I’d had to present projections while acutely aware that beneath my pencil skirt, I was completely bare. All because Alexander Knight had confiscated my panties and tucked them into his pocket with that infuriating smirk.
And now he wanted to do it again? For dinner? In public?
I spent the rest of the afternoon distracted, my mind toggling between the real estate projections and wondering what Alexander had planned for tonight.
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.