Page 18 of A Dangerous Proposal

Madison didn’t object again when he carefully took Jax from her arms and placed him in his seat. For a moment, her gaze caught on the tattoos covering Alex’s forearm, exposed when his sleeve slid up as he adjusted Jax’s head.

Alex scowled at the multiple straps. His brows knit, and the inappropriate thought that he looked adorable flashed in her head.

To her surprise, Jax let Alex maneuver his body, patiently allowing his arms to be slipped underneath each strap.

At least I’m not theonlyone hypnotized.

It was such an odd contrast. This darkly handsome man in a black suit, tattoos disappearing under his sleeves, and an innocent baby looking up at him with a curious expression.

Madison’s heart skipped a beat, and she was pretty sure it had nothing to do with fear.

I’m in shock. That’s all this is.

“I’d be surprised if you weren’t.”

Shit, did I say that out loud?

Lifting his overcoat from the seat, he draped it over her legs. For a second, he stared down at her, and she thought he might kiss her again, but he simply shut the door.

Exhaustion followed quickly on adrenaline’s heels, and with a shuddery sigh, she closed her eyes. The low purr of his car as it shifted into motion was soothing, and she glanced at Jax, whose eyes were already drooping.

I’ll just close my eyes for a second, she thought, letting her heavy lids win before they shot open again.

“I need to give you my address.”

Alex didn’t answer.

“Alex,” she said a little louder. “You said you would take me home.”

“I am. My home.”

She gaped at the back of his head. “Absolutely not. Take me home.”

He didn’t answer.

“What happened to not kidnapping women?”

Alex made a noise deep in his throat.

“Did you justgrowlat me?”

Silence. Anger was replacing her exhaustion. It didn’t even occur to her to be afraid.

“I want to go to my house.” Her voice had pitched higher than normal.

“It’s not safe. The dead man was the younger brother of the man you and Cami accused of murder yesterday on your podcast. If he was looking for revenge, his brother may be, too. You are coming home with me until I know it’s safe.”

“Can I call Cami?”

Alex jerked his head. “You aren’t a prisoner. Call whoever you want.”

“I don’t have my phone.”

“I stuck it in the side pocket of the bag,” he said through his teeth.

For the first time, she noticed the diaper bag sitting on the floor beneath Jax, and the telltale outline of her phone in the fabric pocket.

“Don’t worry if she doesn’t answer,” Alex added. “The police should be there by now.”

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