Page 153 of A Dangerous Proposal

“Is it over?”

“Not yet,” he said, voice even. “But it will be.”

Madison let out a slow breath, studying his face. “Amanda called. She got us an emergency hearing tomorrow because of Felix’s failed drug test.”

“Good.” It wouldn’t matter in the long run. Felix wouldn’t be breathing for much longer.

Madison’s brow furrowed. “That’s it? No reaction?”

Alex shrugged, taking his seat before meeting her eyes. “Like I said, this will be over soon.”

Her lips pressed together. “You’re pulling some Prince Charming shit again, aren’t you? Tell me what’s happening.”

Alex smirked. “That’s not how it works. I appear on my white horse, and things are fixed, remember.”

She rolled her eyes but then grew serious. “You’re being careful?”

He nodded slowly. “Mikhail was… appreciative. There’s nothing to worry about.”

She hesitated in front of his desk. “You’re not going to tell me what you have planned?”

Alex cocked his head. “Are you sure you want to know?”

She chewed her lip for a second and then sighed. “No, probably not.”

Alex heard Madison greet Liev in the hallway moments before he appeared in the doorway.

“Good to go?”

Alex nodded. “Check every bar he’s been known to crawl into. Talk to the dealers, the club owners—put the word out. I want him found.” He met Liev’s gaze, voice turning ice-cold. “Alive.”

Liev’s brows lifted. “Plans?”

“Extensive.”

Liev cracked his knuckles, looking far too pleased. “This is going to be fun.”

“One more thing. I want a guard on Madison at all times when she leaves this house. Same for Jax and Angela. No exceptions.”

Liev’s amusement dimmed slightly. “You think Felix is stupid enough to try something?”

“I think they’re desperate.” Alex’s voice was like steel. “And desperate men do stupid things.”

Liev nodded, standing. “I’ll take care of it.”

Alex’s fingers tapped against the desk as Liev left.

In a few days, the last obstacle to their new life would be gone. They were so close, he just had to make sure no detail slipped through the cracks.

Chapter Forty-Eight

Madison stepped out of the courtroom, relief threatening to buckle her knees.

It’s over. Just like that.

The new judge hadn’t wasted time. Felix’s failed drug test had sealed his fate, and his failure to appear had only made things easier. The moment the words left the judge’s mouth—primary physical and legal custody to be retained by—her ears buzzed, and she didn’t hear anything else.

She’d felt Alex’s hand on her shoulder from his seat just behind her and didn’t doubt he’d had a part in this. In addition to Felix’s drug test results, the original judge, who had been so biased toward Felix suddenly recused himself. Madison had a feeling Alex had a hand in that too, but she’d learned by now some things were better left unasked.

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