Chapter 3
I pushed the door open at what felt like the right moment, a bottle of liquor held up innocently in my hand.
"Here's the drink," I said.
Only then did Roxanne rise unhurriedly from Alexander's lap, shooting him a loaded glance before finally moving aside.
Alexander stretched his long legs lazily, crossing one over the other.
He patted the empty space beside him. "Come here."
I took the seat obediently, but the moment I did, Roxanne grabbed the bracelet around my wrist.
"Nice bracelet. Bet it cost a ton, huh?" she said, her voice laced with mockery.
"Yeah, Alexander got it for me," I replied, keeping cool.
A snicker cut through the quiet. "Unless I'm seeing things, that looks like the free gift that came with Roxy's necklace."
The whole room burst out laughing.
After all that setup, they were dying to see me lose my cool. Except I didn't.
"Whether it's a gift-with-purchase or not, if it's from Alexander, I treasure it," I said steadily.
Alexander's hand, holding a cigarette, paused mid-air. Something unreadable flickered in his eyes.
That was exactly the reaction I wanted.
I knew where his softest spot lay.
In truth, I'd already lined up a buyer for this bracelet.
Three thousand dollars—enough to cover two months of living expenses abroad.
If anything, I wished they'd humiliate me a little more.
Someone opened their mouth to add another jab, but Alexander's voice cut through coldly. "The drinks are here. Let's play a game."
Time for Truth or Dare.
I was out in the first round.
Roxanne pulled out her phone, already set to record my humiliation.
She asked, "Truth: Have you slept with Alexander yet?"
I grabbed my glass and knocked it back in one go.
Second round. My luck hadn't changed.
"Do you love Alexander, or his money?" Roxanne pressed.
Once again, I chose the drink.
They were targeting me—and on the third round, I lost once more.
My tolerance was decent, but three glasses in, it was time to let the alcohol take over.
I let myself slump right into Alexander's arms. As I said, I knew exactly how to handle him.
So when I went limp against his chest, smelling of liquor, his arm tightened around me. His expression darkened.
Fourth round, and Roxanne was still at it, phone in hand. "Madeline, do you think you're just a vain, gold-digging bitch?"
My hand fumbled for the glass again, but Alexander caught my wrist.
His lips pressed tightly. "Enough for tonight."
*****
In the bathroom, Alexander pinned me against the wall. His body burned against mine, breath hot against my skin.
"Why didn't you answer those questions?" he asked.
I lifted my teary eyes to meet his deep, unreadable gaze.
Perfect. The moment a playboy started asking "why," he was already softened in his own way—he just didn't know it yet.
I bit my lip and stayed silent, watching him.
Finally, Alexander lowered his head and brushed a kiss against my collarbone. "Roxy was out of line today. I'll make it up to you," he said, voice hoarse.
A soft chime from my phone—a bank notification.
The result of our little staring contest? He just wired me 300 thousand dollars.
Before leaving the room, I deliberately mussed my clothes.
Roxanne stood pale-faced by the door, teeth clenched as she mouthed the silent warning to Alexander, "Remember our agreement."
After everyone left, the clock struck midnight.
Alexander pushed me into the sofa, his kisses hot and urgent against my neck, sending shivers down my spine.
"Time to keep your promise, sweetheart."
He scooped me into his arms and carried me toward the bedroom.
The air hung thick with the scent of expensive sandalwood, warm and intimate.
His shirt hung open, revealing a firm chest, skin radiating heat.
As if punishing my earlier silence, his kiss turned fierce enough to draw blood before he finally pulled away.
I noticed the phone recording on the nightstand but said nothing as his hand slid beneath my skirt.
I knew it was time to take the initiative.