Page 83 of Dangerous Temptation
Her heart gave a little flutter. She hadn’t expected dancing. Taking his hand, she slipped from the chair. They moved to the tiny wooden floor and she turned into his hold.
They said that some men danced the way they made love. Her thighs turned to jelly when she discovered he was one of those rare few. He drew her so close, her breasts plumped against him. She rested her head against his chest, and their thighs brushed as they moved. ‘I thought it was your mission to go incognito tonight.’
He’d chosen tables on the edge of the rooms and had discouraged anyone who paid too close attention. Here, though, they were the only ones on the dancefloor. The mood-lighting wasn’t bright, but they were still out in the open and on display.
‘I changed my mind.’
‘Why?’
His hand stroked the small of her back. ‘Barbara.’ He frowned down at her. ‘She thought we were business partners.’
‘Oh, theFonziething.’ Elena rolled her eyes and followed as he circled them over the polished floorboards.
Alex wasn’t laughing. ‘People are seriously asking that question. I had a reporter throw it at me this morning.’
She rubbed her lips together, considering how to answer. She’d been through this thing once before. She didn’t want to go through all the questions and suppositions again, yet she cared for him. ‘I can take it.’
He stopped moving. ‘I’ve got a better solution.’
There, in the middle of the pulsating dancefloor, he kissed her long and slow. A hoot went up, followed by cheers and a smattering of applause.
And cellphone flashes.
People were taking pictures of them. The club might be discreet, but people knew who they were and they were putting on a show. They’d be in all the newspapers and supermarket rags by morning.
Spinning her around, he dipped her sexily. ‘It’s time we dispelled the rumour that I’m into you for your criminal mind.’
Chapter Thirteen
They went out to dinner the next night, too, and then to a Broadway show. The more appearances they made on the social scene, the more Elena found her poise. Alex was protective wherever they went, and the merest hint of a television camera would have him snarling. In those times, a soft word or touch from her could ease him.
And circumstances did improve.
Once high society determined that The Ax really was back – and as rich and powerful as ever – they welcomed him into their midst. His notorious reputation took on a strange kind of cachet. Everyone who was anyone wanted him at their parties and events.
The press wasn’t exactly warming to them, but their focus had shifted. Reporters and pundits alike were intrigued by the Wolfe–Bardot alliance. Their romance was at once considered scandalous and dreamy, a dark turn on Romeo and Juliet.
Through it all, Elena stood at Alex’s side. He fit into the scene like an integral cog that made it all work, but she could see the defence mechanisms he had in place. Everything he did and said was strategic. He planted himself at her side whenever he saw a socialite with a nasty or gossipy reputation sidle up to her. He avoided delicate topics such as stocks or Wolfe Financial when talking with old friends.
In essence, he became The Ax.
At home at night, though, he was her lover. The emotions he bottled up came pouring out when they were in bed. The sex was hotter and greedier. Their connection was becoming closer, almost obsessive. He seemed intent on protecting her, insulating her and pleasuring her.
It was at Wolfe Pack where he was calmest.
He pushed himself there, too, but it wasn’t punishment. Elena felt comfortable at the company’s offices, and she liked seeing Alex secure enough to lower his guards. He loved his work and he trusted his people. He’d grown Wolfe Pack from scratch and it was now an industry leader. Even with a blue-blood CEO who’d come from old money, the company had an X-gen culture. Located in the FiDi neighbourhood, the office was nonetheless outfitted with beanbag chairs and comfy sectionals. The kitchen was filled with free snacks and drinks. The techies dressed like college kids, but they worked like maniacs.
Elena tended to stay in the penthouse to work, but on some days like today she’d work in the Wolfe Pack office.
‘Hi, Elena,’ a fresh-faced programmer said. ‘How’s the dissertation coming along?’
‘Hi. Josie.’ Elena pulled her ear buds out of her ears and sat back in the chair. The young woman was a user interaction designer about her age. ‘I’m so close I can taste it.’
Her new friend looked over her dress and high heels. ‘What fancy party is the boss taking you to tonight?’
‘I don’t know.’ Alex had only told her the event was dressy, but not too dressy. ‘It’s a surprise.’
‘Ooh, a mystery. That’s fun.’
