“I think I would have sang a different tune if she wasn’t so good with Odette,” he admitted. “It really helps that she is.”
“That matters to you a lot,” Oliver noted.
“Of course it does.”
He wanted to say that it was the only thing that mattered. But he realized that would not be the truth. In reality, he also enjoyed spending time with her as well.
“You know, you sound different now,” Oliver mused.
Alexander scoffed.
“Let me explain, at least,” Oliver said. “You sound like a man who’s… what’s the word.. content. Like you finally have someone to share a burden with. A life partner, if you will. Marriage looks good on you.”
Alexander gave him a look.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself.”
“Fine, fine.” Oliver held up his hands in surrender. “But I’d like to meet her.Ineed to see this miracle woman for myself.”
“Only on one condition,” Alexander’s expression was dry. “You’ll behave.”
“I always behave.”
Alexander snorted.
“Tell me one thing, do you like her?”
Alexander’s jaw shifted slightly as he considered the question. “She’s easy to be around.”
“That’s not a no. Now. The next question. Do you love her?”
“You are getting ahead of yourself again,” he rolled his eyes.
“I’ll reel back then,” Oliver said as he followed him toward the door. “But first, you’re inviting me to dinner.”
Alexander and Oliver had barely stepped into the front hall when the sound of raised voices caught their attention. A sharp crash rang out, glass breaking, followed by a low grunt.
Alexander froze for only a second. Then he was running towards the source of the noise.
Oliver was right behind him. Inside, two footmen were trying to separate Lewis from a red-faced man who was swinging wildly. The man appeared quite drunk.
Lewis had taken a blow to the jaw but was still standing, blocking the man from getting any farther into the club.
“Who is that?” Alexander muttered to Oliver.
“I’ve seen him around before,” Oliver replied, “I think he’s some minor noble man, though his exact name escapes me at this time.”
“I said I just need another blasted hour!” the man shouted, trying to shove past Lewis again. “You can’t keep me out, this place is built on men like me. You need me more than I need you.”
Lewis made no move to retaliate, just held his ground.
“You were asked to leave. You’re not welcome tonight.”
“Let me handle this,” Alexander sighed, rubbing his face with his hands. He stepped forward without hesitation. “That’s enough. I think you, gentleman, need to leave my establishment.”
The man turned, his eyes narrowing as he realized who had spoken.
“Easy for you to say, Your Grace,” The man sneered. “You’ve got more coin than you know what to do with.”
