Page 6 of A Dangerous Proposal

“What?” Her voice was breathy, and she felt his lips again on the sensitive shell.

“You wanted to know what objectionable thing I was going to call you?”

Madison blinked rapidly as he pulled his head back slightly to meet her eyes. The heat in them scorched her, and her thighs clenched. She licked her suddenly dry lips.

Say something, Madison!

His lips lifted at the corners as his hand skated from her elbow to her hand, before he dipped his lips to her ear again. “Mine.”

Holy shit.

His head angled toward her, and Madison parted her lips just as she heard her name called. Alex’s hand fell from her arm.

Trying to catch her breath, Madison focused on the concerned look on her best friend’s face as she rushed toward her. Before she could ask what was wrong, Cami’s boyfriend, well sort of boyfriend, was in front of her. James’s expression was tight with unmistakable anger, and he took a step towards Alex.

“Ah, the boy scout Bloom.” Alex’s tone had changed from seductive to vaguely mocking, but Madison felt his hand brush the small of her back before Cami physically took her arm and pulled her away.

“Madison,” Cami started, her voice tense as her gaze darted between Alex and Madison. “I’ve been looking for you.”

James glared fiercely at Alex, but it only seemed to amuse him.

Madison frowned, unease replacing some of the heat she’d been feeling, though her body was still thrumming. Cami was practically vibrating with tension, and James looked like he wanted to take a swing at Alex.

Cami’s voice was too loud, when she tightened her hold on Madison’s hand. “I’m glad I found you. We need to meet with Kip before it gets too crazy in here.”

Madison blinked, the reminder of why they were at the restaurant opening working like a bucket of cold water. “Right, Kip.”

“What a delightful surprise,” Alex drawled, his eyes on James. “I didn’t think you ever left your office.”

“Kovalyov.”

“I thought I told you to call me Alex.” He let out a low chuckle when James remained silent. “Ah, James. Your brother told me you were the moral compass of the family. Can’t even bring yourself to talk to me?” James’s eyes flicked to where Cami and Madison stood nearby.

Alex’s mouth curved. “As someone who also has a brother whose methods one doesn’t always agree with, I would have thought you and I would have a lot more in common.”

“Declan is nothing like your brother. You and I havenothingin common.”

Alex spread his hands in front of him. “I wouldn’t say that. We both run a business in Atlanta?—”

“Your brother is a criminal,” James spat. “And just because you pretend you aren’t involved doesn’t mean you’re completely clean.”

“And you are? What my brother and his associates do isn’t that different from how your father and brother accomplish what they want. It’s just that one does it in a boardroom.” He clicked his tongue against his teeth. “It might surprise you to know my brother has one of those, too.”

He didn’t raise his voice, but the tone in Alex’s voice had changed. There was a sharp edge that hadn’t been there before, and Madison realized her earlier instinct was correct.

Alex Kovalyov was a dangerous man.

A muscle flexed in Alex’s jaw just as an arm was thrown over each of her and Cami’s shoulders, and a sweaty body pushed its way between them.

“My favorite murder girls!” Kip crowed. “I’m so glad you made it. And you brought the boyfriend.” He patted Cami’s shoulder.

James tensed, his narrowed gaze following the movement. He shifted as if to pull Cami away, but she gave him animperceptible shake of her head. Madison was more interested in Alex’s reaction.

Alex’s eyes had zeroed in on where Kip’s large hand hung, hovering over her breast. His nostrils flared, and Madison felt a moment of alarm. She and Cami needed Kip’s advertising money, and Alex looked like he was about to flay the chef open with one of his own knives.

Pivoting swiftly away, Madison reached up and shook Kip’s hand, which allowed Cami to slip away as well. James immediately put his arm around her waist and tucked her tight against him.

“Kip, thank you so much for inviting us tonight. We are looking forward to working together again,” she said, smiling sweetly at the famously temperamental man.

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