Chapter 0251

Alexander POV

I stared at Ella. The look on her face was teasing, but her eyes told a different story. They were dark, intent appraising. She wasn’t just joking. At least, I didn’t think so

Her confidence when she said I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference wasn’t misplaced. It unsettled me. I wasn’t completely convinced that she was serious, but for the first time in longer than I cared to admit, I found myself doubting my instincts.

That was unusual for me.

But maybe that wasn’t all there was to it. I knew I should resist this attraction to Ella. I should have been trying harder all along. This was a complication we couldn’t afford, not when so much was riding on the delicate balance of our deal.

It was too late, though.

We both knew our attraction was mutual, and if I were honest, it might have become something beyond the physical. At this point, Ella was more than a beautiful woman. She was enchanting, and that was the only word that came to mind.

I would never allow myself such a thought if I were sober.

She’d cast a spell on me, and I was utterly captivated. Resisting didn’t even cross my mind anymore. The truth was, I didn’t want to resist. Ella was a puzzle–a fascinating, complex puzzle–and I was consumed by the need to solve her.

I enjoyed being the only one allowed to try.

The only man who could get a rise out of her. Making her blush, making her angry, coaxing emotions from her that she usually kept so tightly controlled–it was intoxicating.

It reassured me that whatever magnetic pull I felt toward her, she felt something similar for me.

That wasn’t wishful thinking.

Now, as she looked at me, there was a challenge in her gaze daring me to respond. But there was something else, too. If I wasn’t imagining it, there was something hopeful in her eyes, as though she wanted me to meet her halfway.

I shouldn’t, but I wanted to. She was hard to resist.

Ella POV

staring,” I said after several seconds passed without Alexander saying

rendered him speechless before, and I wondered how many others could claim the same feat. Likely not many. The thought

with a single look. And yet, here he was, silent, caught off guard, staring at me

even

drunk and strangely emotional after the whirlwind of events over the past few

173

+25 BONUS

Chapter 025!

Alexander had turned out better than I ever could have Imagined. For something that was supposed to be fake, we were managing a remarkably real

for the sake of appearances they were for each

wasn’t something you did

it away. But it lingered, refusing to be silenced. Was it worth it to keep pretending this was only business? What was the point of fighting what was clearly growing between

I felt untouchable, like everything was finally falling into

still staring,” I said, my

tone steady and deliberate. “Is there somewhere else I should

creeping up my neck. “I like when you look

a single eyebrow. “Funny. There are times you seem to have

agreed, smiling faintly. “You do make

11

low and thoughtful. “Though I assumed it was because you were…‘ “Innocent?” I interrupted, my tone teasing but light. “Inexperienced?” I gave a

response. “You don’t seem quite that way now,” he murmured. “And I’ve seen you drunk before–this isn’t just

his gaze boldly.

weight of his stare intensifying. “What are you trying to say,

briefly to slide across the seat and settle beside Alexander. He looked

you think I’m trying to say?” I

that,” he replied, his voice

fingers lightly

his head, a slight, reluctant

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255