Page 145 of A Dangerous Proposal

Chapter Forty-Four

Alex hadn’t wanted to leave Madison, not after what had happened the week before.

Since the fire, he’d worked from home every day, barely letting her out of his sight. He needed to know she was safe—needed to hear her voice, see her face, feel her presence near him—to keep the storm in his chest at bay. Madison, of course, had pushed back, insisting she was fine, but it was Alex who wasn’t fine.

Then there was Cami.

The petite brunette had all but taken up residence at their house, hovering over Madison like a protective sister. Alex liked her. She had the same spine of steel and no bullshit attitude Madison had.

Her husband was a different story.

Apparently, James had decided that Alex’s home was a den of iniquity, too dangerous for his pregnant wife to visit alone. The man had shown up with a laptop in hand and simply announced that he’d be working from Alex’s kitchen until his wife was ready to leave.

Madison had been so delighted to see her best friend he hadn’t argued. At this point, Alex would offer to paint theman’s nails if it would make her happy. But that didn’t mean he liked James Bloom hovering in his space, watching him with suspicious eyes.

It had been a week, and life was feeling normal again. They’d received news that Felix had failed his most recent drug test, and because of the injuries from his mugging, he had willingly passed on his visitation time.

After the run-in Madison had with him at the hotel, Alex had tasked Liev with finding out which lab was handling the drug tests for the court. When the person faking Felix’s results for the past several months was identified, Alex offered them double Armstrong’s bribe to stop.

Everything had been relatively peaceful until the summons came that afternoon. Now, he and Liev were heading toward Mikhail’s estate, leaving Madison behind. He’d stationed a full security detail around the house with one man inside, but it still left a bitter taste in his mouth.

The iron gates of Mikhail’s palatial estate opened, and after a quarter mile drive up a tree-lined lane, the sprawling mansion appeared. Gleaming Grecian columns framed the entrance, and a giant four-tiered fountain of swans centered the motor court. The place was ostentatious, built for intimidation as much as luxury. It was hideous and always felt a bit like stepping into enemy territory, even if it was owned by his own blood.

Alex got out of the car, already on edge. Liev scanned the perimeter before giving Alex a nod. His cousin didn’t bother to speak. Mikhail’s guards were listening, and Alex could read the tension in the air as well as Liev could.

A servant opened the door, bowing slightly. “Mr. Kovalyov, he’s expecting you.”

Alex stepped into the cavernous foyer, his footsteps loud on the polished wood floors.

The door to Mikhail’s study was slightly ajar, a low hum of conversation drifting out. He pushed it open and found Mikhail seated in a high-backed leather chair, a cigar resting in one hand and a glass of vodka in the other.

“Ah, there he is,” Mikhail said, gesturing for Alex to sit. “The man of the hour.”

Alex stayed where he was. Two of Mikhail’svorsstood near the windows, their gazes cold and watchful.

“What’s this about?”

Mikhail leaned back, taking a slow sip of his drink. “I wanted to congratulate you. The landscape company—what’s it called again? Hawthorne & Sons?”

Alex nodded once.

“Nice name, by the way. Makes it sound so wholesome.” He laughed. “It’s made the short list for that new government contract. A major coup, considering how competitive the process is,” Mikhail said with a satisfied smile. “And with Armstrong on the committee overseeing the approval, I’m confident we’ll get what we want soon.”

Alex pushed down the anger the man’s name brought to the surface. Mikhail knew about the fire, knew that Madison had almost been killed, but because they had no proof, Mikhail still was in business with the man.

“That was fast. I only finished the paperwork creating a paper trail for the company a few days ago. Somehow you already wrote up a bid and passed all the required committees?”

Mikhail was being reckless. He was rushing the process, and they would all end up paying the price.

His brother waved a hand in the air. “There’s time for all that. All that matters is thenameis on the list.”

Alex wanted to shout at his brother not to be stupid, but instead he forced his lips into a smile.

“Impressive work,bratan.” Mikhail studied him for a moment, then set his drink down. The room fell silent.

“There’s one more thing I need from you.”

Of course, there is.

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