Page 100 of A Dangerous Proposal

Alex didn’t lift his perusal of Felix who now squirmed more obviously. Declan chuckled behind him.

“HowisMadison?” Armstrong asked smoothly, lifting his glass. “I’m afraid I’ve never had the pleasure of speaking with her. I saw her once or twice—across the courtroom.” He pursed his lips. “Unfortunately, on both occasions she seemed distraught.”

The man had balls. Alex would give him that. He’d love a chance to shove them down the cocky bastard’s throat.

“She’s thriving. She and Jax both are.”

“I was so surprised when I heard Madison had gotten married,” Mary interjected.

“You aren’t friends.”

“Sadly, no.” Another demure smile. “But it would have been nice to know there was a man around Jax.” She shrugged. “We worry about him.”

“Wealllove the little boy so much,” the Senator said. “It’s only natural Felix would have concerns.”

Hearing his name, Felix straightened in his seat. Catching his father-in-law’s eye, he puffed out his chest. “Jax is my son. If you care so much about family, then you should want him to be with hisfather.”

Alex hid the sudden, blistering rage Felix’s words evoked. This degenerate makinganyclaim on Jax had every possessive and protective instinct inside him roaring to life.

Instantly, it clicked in his brain, the concept fusing itself into his DNA.

He never questioned his desire for Madison.

He wanted her.

He’d wanted her from the minute he’d laid eyes on her, and while he had acknowledged to himself that he cared about the toddler, it had always been as an extension of Madison.

But now?

The strength of his own reaction surprised him.

It wasn’t just anger. It was raw and primal.

Alex had only lived with the boy for a month, and already hecouldn’t imagine his life without him.

The urge to shoot the pathetic piece of shit in the face, and be done with the whole mess, was almost irresistible.

Jax was not this sperm donor’s son.

He is mine.

Armstrong smiled, shifting his attention fully to Alex. “Family is important,” he said smoothly. “It’s the foundation of everything a strong society needs. My entire re-election campaign is built on the return of family values to this country.”

Declan made a disgusted noise that he didn’t bother to hide. “Whose definition of family and which values?”

Alex shot his friend a look, and while Declan gave the Senator a contemptuous glare, he spread his hands wide, acknowledging he wasn’t part of the conversation.

“The kind of values anyone could embrace. A safe, loving, and healthy home.”

Alex shook his head as if he were confused. “Isn’t Felix an abusive drug addict? I’m not sure how that translates to safe and healthy.”

Felix glared back at him but apparently couldn’t find the courage to challenge Alex directly again.

Next to him, Mary sucked in a breath. “Felix has had his troubles in the past, but thankfully he is doing wonderfully now.” She beamed at Felix, her gaze darting to Declan when he made a gagging noise. “The same problems Jax’srealmother had.”

She adopted a sorrowful expression. “And while it’s tragic that Opal couldn’t overcome her demons, with my help, and the hope his son brings him, Felix has put it all behind him.”

“Not exactly the same as Opal.”

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