Another Chance for the Luna Queen by Aurora Starling

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Chapter 0253

Chapter 0253

Ella POV

The trip upstairs to the apartment was mostly silent. I couldn’t speak for Alexander, but I was feeling strangely sober after what had just passed between us. I didn’t regret it exactly, but I knew it had been a mistake–a mistake I had insisted upon making.

Alexander seemed composed, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed him. He carried the racing jacket slung over one arm, his fingers tracing idly over the embroidered words.

The driver’s carefully averted gaze when we stepped out of the car told me he was fully aware of what had happened, though it wasn’t as if we were keeping it a secret

The hallway to the apartment was short, and Alexander’s fingerprint scan unlocked the door with a soft beep. When it clicked shut behind us, I kicked off my shoes with a quiet sigh of relief.

I should have worn something more practical, but I’d wanted to look good for our dinner after the race, so I’d gone with heels. My sore feet would remind me not to sacrifice comfort for fashion again–at least not too often.

Alexander walked to the coat closet and carefully hung up the racing jacket before slipping off his own. When he turned back, I was shrugging off my jacket, and he stepped closer to take it. His fingers brushed mine as he did, sending a small jolt through me.

We stood there in the entryway for a moment, an odd tension settling between us. When Alexander finally smiled, it was his usual teasing, cocky smile–but there was a subtle uncertainty in it that caught me off guard.

“It was a great night,” he said, his voice soft. “I just hope you don’t regret it.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, though I knew exactly what he meant.

“You regretted it the last time we slept together,” he said plainly, his tone devoid of any attempt at coyness. “I hope you don’t this time.”

said quickly. “And… I don’t think I really regretted it the first time, either. Not exactly.

myself–I met his gaze. This was delicate ground, a topic we’d avoided broaching so openly before, and I didn’t want to

good,” Alexander said, his smile softening. “I wouldn’t want you to

I admitted quietly, “just…

furrowed slightly.

he said after a pause, his voice low and thoughtful. “And I

more serious. “We might need

provisions?” I asked, my brows furrowing. “What do.you mean

terms?”

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Chapter 0253

glancing away, his bright

to let it go. Dancing around serious topics as though we were too

we’re going to be sleeping together,” I began slowly, “shouldn’t we just remove the provision in the

head, his voice steady but low. “I think an additional provision will be necessary. If we’re going to continue sleeping together–and to be clear, I

eyes raked over me, and I felt my cheeks flush under

my voice a bit sharper than

me. His grip was light,

uncrossed my arms to let him, and the warmth of his touch sent a ripple of

need you to understand that nothing has changed. I can’t fall for anyone.

I cared to admit, but I hoped my expression

said softly, though my voice felt thin. “I just wish I knew

something I’m ready to talk about,” he said, his grip tightening slightly, as though bracing

entitled to his secrets, especially about something

of you,” he continued, his tone quiet but deliberate. “And I’m very attracted to you. But that’s all it is.”