Page 101 of A Dangerous Proposal

“What do you mean?” Mary looked genuinely confused.

“Bartow County.” Alex turned his stare on the Senator. “The domestic violence reports…”

Armstrong’s jaw tensed. “Felix has a clean criminal record. He’s never been arrested.”

“A clean criminal record doesn’t mean a person didn’t commit a crime. It simply means there’s no official record of itanymore. However, itdoesn’tmean the officers involved don’t remember the calls.”

“You would know more about that than me, I’m sure.” Armstrong said. “I really don’t know what you’re talking about, but I hope you aren’t thinking of making false allegations against my son-in-law. Especially the kind that could reflect badly on me.” He smiled smugly. “That kind of thing could have repercussions.”

“I’m sure this is all very difficult for you,” Mary interjected, though her smile was no longer easy. “Obviously you don’t want to see Madison upset, but Jax belongs with his father.”

“Of course,” the Senator continued, his voice dripping with fake magnanimity, “Madison willalwayshave a place in Jax’s life. She is hisaunt, after all.”

The word was deliberate.

Aunt. Notmother.

“She stepped up when she was needed,” he added. “And for that, we areallgrateful. However, even her own parents recognize Jax belongs with his father.” He gestured toward Alex. “Surely, you want children of yourown?”

Felix smirked, happy to let everyone else speak for him.

Fucking coward.

Alex forced himself to breathe and push down the tidal wave of violence raging through him, while mentally cursing his brother for tying his hands.

Armstrong thought he was safe. That Mikhail would protect him.

He wasn’t.

The second the Senator stopped being of use to the Kovalyov Bratva, his breaths were numbered for the disrespect to Madison alone.

“I forgot to mention…” Alex smiled widely. “Jax hit a big milestone this week.”

Armstrong lifted a brow. “Oh?”

“He clearly says Mama now. Absolutely adorable.”

Felix turned purple, and Mary paled. Armstrong’s serene smile froze.

Theonlymother Jax knew was Madison, and Alex intended it stay that way.

“Children adapt easily,” Armstrong said coldly.

Alex smiled, resisting the urge to grab the man by the throat.

“We should get home. Madison is making dinner for our family. I’ll let you get back to yours. Good luck with your campaign, Senator.”

“What a slimy fucking bastard,” Declan muttered, as Alex handed his key to the valet.

“Yeah. He really is.”

The moment Alex and Declan walked through the front door, the tension from the country club dissipated. He could smell garlic and something else delicious from the front door. Settling Declan with a drink, he followed his nose to the kitchen.

Madison stood by the stove, stirring a simmering sauce, while Jax sat in the sectioned-off play area on a cushioned mat pushing buttons on an incredibly obnoxious loud toy.

Leaning casually against the door frame, Alex watched the scene in front of him. Never in a million years did he think this was what he wanted. Now, coming home to his family settled something in him.

Looking up and spotting him, Jax squealed happily, his arms immediately lifting, causing Madison to spin around.

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