Page 52 of A Dangerous Proposal

“You wouldn’t want me to name someone before I’ve even convinced her, would you? What if she says no? Terrible for my ego.”

For a moment, the air between them buzzed, and then Mikhail’s lips curved into a sly smile.

“You always were a clever boy. Sometimes too clever. I look forward to meeting your bride.”

Alex nodded, forcing a smile.

Mikhail lingered a moment longer, then stepped out, followed by his guards.

Sergei smirked at him. “You’re really getting married?”

Alex nodded. He didn’t like his uncle much, even though he’d been the one to teach Alex how to shoot, how to defend himself in a knife fight, as well as a dozen other ways to protect himself and kill.

“I am.”

“I can’t wait to see the woman who’s agreed to tie herself to you.”

Alex stared silently back at him. After a moment, when he realized he wouldn’t get any more information, Sergei closed the door softly behind him. As soon as he was gone, Alex let out a long breath. Mikhail was appeased—but for how long?

Returning to his chair, he stared out the window. He’d announced his intentions, now he just had to convince Madison.

Chapter Sixteen

Madison parked her car in the large, circular driveway in front of the Armstrong mansion. Tension had her muscles coiled tight.

The last six weeks had been chaotic, to say the least. The new production company had presented them with a case they wanted Cami and her to cover, and they wanted it done fast. Madison had worked a lot of late hours doing research after Jax fell asleep, but it had been worth it. Two episodes had aired, and it was already picking up buzz online.

The large, etched glass door swung open, and Felix lounged against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest. She wanted to punch his smug face.

Where is Jax?

Taking a deep breath and promising herself not to lose her temper, she exited the car and climbed the steps to the front porch.

“Madison,” Felix said, his voice laced with an exaggerated warmth that instantly set her on edge. “Nice to see you.”

“Is Jax ready?” She looked over his shoulder into the large foyer. “Where is he?”

Felix shifted, blocking her view inside with a smirk. “Why so quick to rush off? He’s inside playing. He loves being here with me. Figured you and I could… chat for a minute.”

“I have nothing to say to you.” Madison kept her voice steady, unwilling to show even a hint of the unease curling in her stomach.

Where is Jax?

Felix chuckled, an unpleasant sound that made her skin prickle. “Come on, Madison. No need to be so rude. We should work together. You should be smarter than your sister.”

Her back teeth clamped down, and she willed herself not to react. She had no idea what his reference to Opal meant. Knowing Felix, he was probably recording her, hoping she’d flip out on him, and he could use it against her in court.

“Please go get Jax.”

Felix’s expression hardened, and he stepped closer, his presence instantly crowding her. “You think you’re gonna keep my kid?” He gave her a once over, his lip curling. “I bet you thought the judge would take one look at you and give you whatever you wanted. Isn’t that how you’ve always gotten everything? Batted your eyelashes and pretended like butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth, while the whole time you’ve always been nothing more than a cock tease.”

Madison held his gaze, refusing to step back or let him see her revulsion.

“Opal told me all about how vain you are. How you used your looks to get ahead. How you were the golden child, and that’s why your parents were so hard on her.”

Madison swallowed hard, but something of the pain must have shown on her face because he smiled. “She only came to you for money. She didn’t evenlikeyou. If you hadn’t been so wrapped up in your own selfish world, you could have helped her. She wouldn’t have killed herself?—”

“My sister did not kill herself.” Her voice whipped out.

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