Page 154 of A Dangerous Proposal

She didn’t miss the looks they were getting from the surrounding people, primarily the women crowding the courthouse hallways. Alex was sinfully handsome and sexy as hell in his crisp, dark suit. He put his arm around her waist and held the heavy door open as they stepped into the long corridor spanning the width of the building.

The court-appointed child advocate returned with Jax, with Liev trailing only a handful of steps behind. Madison knew he had been tasked with watching over Jax while she and Alex were in the courtroom.

All of this might have made her uncomfortable six months ago, but now she was happy to know they were watched over. Safe.

Jax practically launched himself into Madison’s arms. She kissed the top of his head, inhaling the familiar, comforting scent of him before looking up at Alex.

“I can’t believe it’s really over,” she laughed, shaking her head, then looked at him with an arch expression. “I don’t suppose you know why Felix didn’t show up today?”

A muscle ticked in his cheek. “No.” He kept his voice low, conscious of the people around them. “He can’t hide forever.”

Movement across the corridor caught her attention. Mary walked out of their courtroom, her attorneys at her side. Her face was drawn, and it was obvious she’d been crying.

“She looks miserable,” Madison observed. “I’m surprised she showed up without Felix. I think she really does care about Jax. This can’t be easy for her.”

Alex glanced toward Mary before turning back to her. “Don’t waste sympathy on her. There’s no way she didn’t know what was going on. And if she didn’t, she just dodged a bullet.”

He was right. Madison didn’t plan on spending another second worrying about it. Her family was secure now, and they could finally move on.

A smile tugged at the corners of Madison’s lips as she looked down at Jax. “What do you think, buddy? Should we go celebrate? You wanna go get ice cream?”

“I want ice cream.” Liev piped up from behind them.

Alex shook his head, but the moment was shattered by a bloodcurdling scream from down the hall. Instantly, Alex andLiev shifted, moving so that she and Jax were sandwiched between them.

Madison’s eyes darted toward the commotion. Mary had collapsed in the middle of the hallway, surrounded by a cluster of people—including two police officers. Her attorney crouched beside her, trying to calm her down.

Madison’s pulse pounded as Amanda rushed toward them, clutching her phone, her face pale and grim.

“He’s dead,” she panted.

Alex’s body went rigid beside her, and Madison’s heart stilled in her chest.

“Who?” she and Alex asked at the same time.

Amanda swallowed. “Her father.”

For a moment, silence stretched between them.

“His boat exploded on Lake Hartwell.”

Madison’s stomach dropped. “Are they sure?”

Amanda nodded. “Witnesses saw him get on the boat with two other men.”

Madison turned to Alex, but he wasn’t looking at her. He was exchanging a glance with Liev.

Liev gave a low whistle. “Well, that’s a statement.”

“There’s still no sign of Felix?” Cami asked a few days later, as they watched Jax play at his favorite playground. “How is that possible?”

“I don’t know, but Alex’s mood is getting worse by the minute. He’s not really the patient type.”

“How do you feel now that it’s all settled? With the courts I mean?”

“Relieved, I think.”

“You think?” Her friend’s brows shot up.

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