Another Chance for the Luna Queen by Aurora Starling

Chapter 0098

Alexander POV

I gasped in surprise as Ella put her arms around me.

I hadn’t expected it. I thought she’d call my bluff, put her hands out and push me away, or pull back in some way. But instead, her big, dark eyes had closed with anticipation

The soft press of her lips against mine, the warmth of her arms wrapping around me, pulling me closer–it was too much. A mistake.

Gently, and with more reluctance than I cared to admit, I pulled away from the kiss.

Ella’s hazy eyes blinked open, staring at me with a mix of confusion and something else–something softer. I stepped out of her embrace, bending to retrieve the ridiculous plush bunny that had fallen to the ground. I brushed off the dirt carefully before handing it back to her.

She took it with both arms, crushing it against her chest, her expression full of embarrassment and confusion. “What was that?” she asked, her voice quiet but firm.

“Acting,”

“I replied, though my voice sounded strange, even to me. “We’re in public, after all. This is supposed to a romantic moment between us, and even though no one’s close enough to hear our conversation, we should assume we’re always being watched.”

Ella’s eyes narrowed slightly, and though she didn’t argue, could tell she wasn’t entirely convinced by my explanation.

It was only natural that she would be skeptical–because I wasn’t confident in my explanation either. The truth was, I had meant to tease her, but my true motivation had been the growing affection I felt for Ella–an affection that was becoming far too strong for the arrangement we had struck.

Something about her tested my resolve without her even trying. She didn’t play games, didn’t manipulate, and yet, she got under my skin in a way I couldn’t understand.

It wasn’t a Ella was doing intentionally, this was my problem and one I needed to handle. I couldn’t afford

to mess this up.

to help me get there. She was my partner in this, and we both had our secrets. I wasn’t going to ask her who her sources were, just as she wouldn’t ask about mine. Our deal

let my feelings derail everything. I had to

Ella POV

of the evening with Alexander was pleasant, but there was an

had been more than just acting, but I wasn’t about to challenge his explanation. I understood why Alexander didn’t want to escalate things between us–he had

making sure David never rose to power. Our partnership was built on that, and it was crucial

company, I needed to keep my perspective clear. This wasn’t about emotions; it was about

1/3

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0090

to a nearby hill, where other couples had

hugged the plushie he had won for me. Neither of us spoke, both lost in our own thoughts. Yet, there was a warmth and comfort in simply being near

my eyes fixed on the bright lights as they exploded above us, by my thoughts were entirely on how good it felt to

fireworks ended and we had woven through the crowd toward the parking lot, it was already very late. Alexander, still holding my

with me

a lot of fun,” I replied,

stepped back to allow me into the car.

parent’s house since it was too late for Alexander to drive me himself,

work tomorrow, and although I could tell he would’ve preferred

in his hesitation that tugged at my heart, and before I got into the car, I stood up on my and kissed

a good night,” I said quickly before slipping

said softly, closing

toes

watched him through the tinted window as he stepped back, and then the car began to pull away from the curb, leaving a bittersweet feeling lingering in

with pink inside its ears and on the tip of its nose -firmly tucked in my arms. It was a little childish, but I couldn’t help thinking how sweet it was of Alexander to win it for