Page 71 of A Dangerous Proposal

“I want honesty between us. Even if one of us doesn’t want to hear it… Wehaveto be honest with each other. It’s the only way this will ever work.”

Alex took a step closer, cupped her cheek. “I can be honest with you.” He was surprised at how true it felt.

“And faithful,” she added hastily, and then flushed. “As long as we’re sharing a bed, we are monogamous.”

His gaze fell to her full lips. “That won’t be a problem.”

Madison gave a tiny nod, almost to herself, then lifted her wineglass. “To our marriage.”

Savage triumph ripped through his body.

Madison was his now.

She won’t regret it.

I’ll make sure.

Madison’s eyes glinted, and for a split second, he feared it was with tears.

Alex ignored the unpleasant feeling in his stomach.

Hewouldkeep his promise to her.

She and Jax will be safe.

Chapter Twenty-One

Outside her office, Madison took another giant gulp of her coffee, and then immediately wondered if it was a good idea. Her nerves were already frayed—Between her mind constantly asking if she had finally completely lost it, and the anticipation of telling her best friend that she was getting married, she was vibrating with anxiety.

In romance novels, a marriage of convenience always meant hidden feelings. But this wasn’t a romance novel, and Alex had been extremely clear.

In a way, he had turned out to be the Prince Charming she’d teased him about. And while he may not be pledging his undying love and devotion, he was pledging his protection and partnership. Frankly, she preferred it. Plus, she suspected if she lost a shoe, he’d get it back to her without all the fanfare.

Madison had rehearsed everything she wanted to say while she lay sleepless in Alex’s guest suite last night. She hadn’t been sure what to expect after she’d accepted his proposal, but he had escorted her to a guest suite and helped her make the bed safe to share with Jax.

“Tomorrow, I’ll make some calls and get everything in motion. Let me know what stores you prefer, and I’ll haveclothes delivered here. Also, I’ll have my assistant send the portfolios of a couple of interior designers I know, and you can choose one.”

“For what?” Madison thought maybe she’d already fallen asleep and was dreaming.

Alex’s brow wrinkled. “To create whatever rooms you need for Jax. He really seems to like that dinosaur, but…” He ran a hand back through his thick, dark hair. “Whatever he wants.”

The next morning, Alex was waiting for her in the kitchen, dressed in athletic shorts and a sleeveless shirt, his tattoos on glorious display. His hair was slicked back, and the slight sheen of sweat on his skin made her mouth dry.

You are holding a baby, pervert!

“I had some groceries delivered.” Alex gestured at the bags on the counter.

Madison peeked into one. It looked like he had bought out the entire selection of baby food.

“That’s a lot.”

He looked sheepish. “I didn’t know what he ate besides bread and cheese, so I just tapped on everything on the app.”

Madison smiled, touched by his thoughtfulness. “This is perfect.”

His shoulders dropped, and he looked relieved. There was something unbelievably addictive about how soft he was with Jax. Not that Alex had ever been loud or abrasive with her, but there was always that unmistakable razor sharpness under his smooth words.

Never with Jax.

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