Chapter 62
Alexander
I kept my expression neutral, though my mind raced through possible ways to get rid of her before Madison returned.
“I’m waiting for my friend, Leo.” I leaned against the doorframe, deliberately blocking the entrance.
Abigail’s perfectly manicured fingers traced the neckline of her dress. “Really? I could have sworn you were expecting someone else.” Her smile widened. “Perhaps me?”
“No, definitely Leo.” I checked my watch, playing up the busy executive act. “He should be here any minute.”
“Oh, come now, Alexander.” She stepped closer, her perfume wafting between us – too strong, too artificial. “Is there someone inside? Don’t you want to invite me in for old time’s sake?”
I weighed my options. Leaving her in the hallway might draw more attention, and the last thing I needed was gossip about me entertaining women.
“Not like that, Abigail.” I stepped aside, gesturing her in with calculated indifference. “But please,
come in.”
She sashayed past me, her hips swaying with practiced precision. I closed the door, wondering what game she was playing. First, the restaurant, then the conveniently located suite and bar, and now this impromptu visit?
“Nice view.” She moved to the windows, striking a pose that would have worked better if I was actually looking. “I’m surprised you’re not staying at your own property.”
“Sometimes a change of scenery is good for business perspective.” I settled into the armchair, maintaining professional distance. “What brings you here?”
Abigail traced her fingers along the back of the couch. “Can’t a girl visit an old friend? Especially when that friend is the most eligible bachelor in the city.”
I suppressed an eye roll. Same old Abigail, always laying it on thick. “I’m flattered, but-”
“I was hoping we could catch up.” She perched on the edge of the couch, crossing her legs. “Are you free now?”
“I’m meeting Leo. We’ve got a business partner waiting on us.” I checked my phone, making a show of reading nonexistent messages. “Important deal in the works.”
“Leo?” Her perfectly shaped eyebrows arched. “The same Leo who’s currently lounging by your resort’s pool? I just saw his I*******m story.”
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Chapter 62
+25 BONUS
Damn, Leo and his social media addiction. I kept my face neutral. “He’s on his way. You know how he likes to document everything.”
“Mhm.” She settled deeper into the couch, clearly not planning to leave anytime soon. “Well, I don’t mind waiting with you. It’s been ages since we talked.”
The way she emphasized ‘talked‘ made it clear what kind of conversation she had in mind. I shifted in my seat, remembering how Madison’s lips had felt against mine just hours ago. The memory sparked a familiar heat, but not for the woman currently making herself comfortable on my couch.
I cleared my throat, pulling out my phone as a distraction. “Things have changed since we last caught up, Abigail.”
“Have they?” She leaned forward, giving me an unnecessary view down her dress. “You seem exactly the same to me. Still working too hard, still…” Her tongue darted across her lower lip. “…playing
harder.”
My thumb hovered over Madison’s number in my contacts. The urge to call her, to hear her voice, caught me off guard. But that would look desperate, wouldn’t it? Like I couldn’t handle being apart from her for more than an hour. Besides, she was probably still on her call.
Abigail’s voice cut through my thoughts. “I noticed you’ve been quiet on social media lately. Your I** *****m’s practically gathering dust.”
I pocketed my phone, grateful for the change in topic. “Work keeps me busy.”
“I run three companies and still manage to keep my followers updated. Your last post was what – three months ago?”
“Four, actually,” I smirked. “Some of us prefer to keep our lives private.”
“Private?” She laughed, the sound theatrical. “Alexander Knight, private? That’s rich coming from the man who used to make headlines every other week.”
“People change.”
“Do they?” Abigail pulled out her phone, scrolling through what I assumed was my dormant I****** *m. “Remember this party in Monaco? God, that was wild. You were dancing on tables-”
“Ancient history.” I cut her off, not wanting to revisit those particular memories. “These days, I prefer quieter evenings.”
She clicked her tongue. “Next, you’ll tell me you’ve taken up knitting.”
“Nothing so dramatic. Just focused on what matters.
“And what matters?” Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Or should I say who?”
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Chapter 62
“The company, naturally. We’re expanding into new markets.”
“Boring.” She flopped back against the couch. “You used to be more fun.”
“I used to be a lot of things.” I stretched my legs, settling deeper into the armchair.
+25 BONUS
Abigail fell silent, her eyes fixed on me with an intensity that would have worked better months ago. The quiet stretched between us, broken only by the faint hum of the air conditioning. I checked my phone, hoping she’d take the hint.
She didn’t.
“So, when are you planning to get married?”
I nearly choked on my laugh. “What brought this on?”
“Just curious.” She shrugged, but her eyes remained sharp. “You’re not getting any younger, Alexander. Shouldn’t you be thinking about settling down?”
“And why exactly are you so interested in my marital status?”
“Well…” She crossed and uncrossed her legs, reminding me of a cat preparing to pounce. “You’re getting older. Your companies are thriving. Maybe it’s time to consider someone who understands your world.” Her lips curved into a meaningful smile. “Someone like me, perhaps?”
The laugh burst out before I could stop it. “Me? Marry you?” I shook my head, still chuckling. That’s not happening, Abigail.”
11
“Why not?” She pouted, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. “I’m perfect for you. We’re from the same world; we understand each other. Plus, I already know all your preferences.”
“It’s a nice joke. You should consider stand–up comedy.”
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