Page 166 of A Dangerous Proposal

Too late.

Alex tilted her chin up and pressed another firm kiss to her lips. “I don’t remember any story where there is crying when Prince Charming saves the princess.” Then his lips quirked. “Though, technically in this case, I think you saved me.”

Chapter Fifty-Three

Madison stretched her legs out,the stone patio warm under her bare feet as she watched Jax barrel across the grass, his little legs moving as fast as they could. The evening sun slanted low over the horizon, painting the world in soft gold, and shadows stretched across the grass. The soft hum of insects filled the spring air, broken only by Jax’s occasional squeals, and she sighed happily.

These evenings, just before Jax’s bedtime, had become her favorite time of the day. It had been two weeks since everything had happened. Two weeks of semi-normal. Her parents had called asking what she knew about Felix and Mary’s murder/suicide that they had seen on the news. She did her best to act surprised.

Madison wasn’t sorry for any of it. She was just happy it was over.

Now her family could finally move forward.

Alex sprawled in the grass, half in the shadows, half in the waning sunlight, head propped on his hand.

The contrast suited him. He was both—always had been.

Brutal and kind. Darkness and humor.

Dangerous.

Everything she never knew she wanted.

Jax tumbled across the grass, shrieking with laughter as Alex let him pretend to tackle him. Their little boy’s giggles filled the air.

“Why is Angela inside talking about all the things she wants to see in Ireland?” Madison asked, lifting her glass of wine.

Alex didn’t even glance up. “We’ve been invited to Declan’s wedding this summer.”

“Are the two of you like… open friends, now? Golf on Sunday afternoons?” Madison teased.

Alex snorted. “Absolutely. We’re starting a book club, too. First read—How to Handle Your Enemies Without Leaving Evidence.”

Madison bit back a laugh. “Charming.”

“It’s my best quality.” He winked.

Jax tackled Alex’s stomach for the tenth time, giggling madly. Alex wheezed averyfake grunt, catching the boy and flipping him onto his chest.

“Tell Mama to come join us.”

Jax’s head popped up. “Mama. Come.”

The toddler enthusiastically slapped his hands on Alex’s chest.

“Oof.”

“I still don’t know what to do with this… calm,” she admitted. “Feels unnatural.”

Alex peeked at her around Jax. “You’ll get used to it. But if it makes you feel better, between your job and my family… I give it a month before something else comes up.”

“Reassuring.”

“I’m nothing if not honest.” His lips quirked.

Madison shook her head, setting her wineglass down and rolled her eyes. “Speaking of jobs… We got a call today. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has decided toreopen Jesse Carlisle’s case. His sister submitted a petition with the information we found. They are going to investigate.”

“I’m proud of you.” Alex sat up, and the toddler clambered up his chest. A smile lifted his lips, and he said something to Jax that Madison couldn’t hear. Jax made a baby fist and smacked the hand Alex held up.

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