Page 82 of A Dangerous Proposal

“Back at you, Charming.”

Alex smirked and squeezed her hand causing most of the tension to flow out of her. When she peeked up at him, he winked at her, and when she winked back, he smothered a laugh.

The officiant was speaking, but Madison barely heard a word he said.

Cami and James acted like Alex was some kind of monster, but it wasn’t what she saw. She saw the man standing beside her, the one vowing to care for her, and her heart swelled.

Stop it.

Get yourself together, and don’t get confused by the moment, she ordered herself silently.

Falling in love with your husband is the quickest route to heartbreak.

When it was her turn, Madison was proud that her voice only trembled a little.

Alex slipped a diamond band next to her engagement ring… And it was done. They were married.

Before she could take a steadying breath, Alex reached for her. His lips met hers, firm and warm, and his hand slid to the small of her back, pressing her into him. The slow, deliberate movement of his mouth over hers sent electric sparks shooting through her, and by the time he pulled away, her pulse wasracing. For a moment she forgot where they were, until Liev started a slow clap.

Cami shot him a glare, but from his seat in the front row where he held Jax on his lap, James laughed. All Madison saw were Alex’s eyes blazing into hers, his breath uneven.

Then, before she could process everything, Alex took her arm and led her back up the runner toward a photographer already snapping pictures.

Where did he come from?

Madison blinked at Alex, who merely lifted a brow. “Did you think therewouldn’tbe pictures?”

“No. I just didn’t… I guess I forgot.”

Why am I so flustered?

“Peoplewill ask to see them.” The emphasis he put on the word reminded her why they were doing this and acted like an ice bath on her ill-advised romantic notions.

“Let’s start with the little boy,” the photographer instructed, adjusting his lens. Cami stepped forward, and to Madison’s surprise, Alex intercepted her, settling Jax against his chest.

The sight of Jax in his black suit, matching Alex’s, was doing funny things to her chest, and she blinked against the sudden stinging in her eyes.

Stupid early pollen.

Madison could feel Cami watching her carefully and quickly wrangled herself back under control.

Jax’s small fingers curled in the lapel of Alex’s jacket, and looked around curiously. However, after only a few snaps, he pressed his cheek against Alex’s chest and relaxed into him.

“That’s perfect,” the photographer enthused, and Madison agreed. The image of Alex, so darkly handsome with his arm wrapped protectively around the golden-curled toddler, was sending her hormones into freefall.

“Okay, Daddy, hold him a little higher.”

Madison stiffened, her eyes flashing to Alex’s face to see how he would react, but he only lifted Jax a few more inches.

“Now,” the photographer continued, “Mrs. Kovalyov, lean in slightly, one hand on your husband’s arm.”

Madison’s stomach dipped.

Mrs. Kovalyov.

Hearing it spoken out loud for the first time sent a strange shiver down her spine. They had never discussed whether she would take his name, but there was no way Alex wouldn’t insist on it. She knew on some level it should bother her, but she’d also be lying if she didn’t admit his over-the-top possessiveness was freaking hot!

Madison did as instructed, placing her hand lightly on Alex’s sleeve. Beneath the fabric of his suit, his muscles were solid, and the warmth of his body sank into her palm. Alex was silent, but she felt his gaze flicker toward her and the barest pressure of his fingertips where they rested against her hip.

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