He didn’t toss it aside.
Instead, he tucked it lazily into the waistband of his trousers.
The movement was casual, effortless, yet every curve of his muscle caught the dim light, gleaming slightly with sweat. His chest rose and fell in steady, controlled breaths, each one accentuating the lines of his sculpted torso. He continued speaking to Allen, his tone calm and normal, but the way he shifted his weight, the subtle flex of his arms, and the angle of his shoulders made it impossible for Mia to look away.He continued speaking to Allen as though this were entirely ordinary, deliberately angling his body just enough to ensure Mia had an unmissable view.
A towel lay draped over the chair beside him. Alexander lifted it and began to wipe his chest, the fabric gliding over his skin, following the ridges of muscle, then moving up to his neck. Each motion was unhurried, shameless, almost slow, leaving a faint trace of soap and warmth in the air. The scent of him—musky, clean, intoxicating—drifted toward Mia, drawing a small shiver from her.
Hazel’s reaction was immediate. She froze, eyes wide, jaw tight. “Look at that attention-seeker,” she muttered, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Showing off his body just to get your attention.”
Mia kept staring at Alexander, lips curving into a smile. Her gaze lingered on the way light played across his skin, the subtle glint of sweat on his sculpted chest, the confident tilt of his shoulders. “He is quite handsome,” she murmured, completely unbothered.
Hazel’s eyes widened, her jaw tightening as her hand flew to her chest in mock horror. She gagged dramatically, taking a step back. “That’s it. I—I can’t watch this,” she stammered, spinning on her heel. “My single soul cannot tolerate this disgusting display of affection.”
Before anyone could say another word, she bolted to her feet, the rustle of her skirt and the sharp click of her heels echoing as she stormed toward the backdoor of the house. She flung it open and disappeared down the hall, the sound of her retreating steps fading into the distance.
Allen glanced between Alexander and the door, clearing his throat softly. Without a word, he gathered the few items he had been working with, pausing for a brief nod toward Alexander,and quietly slipped out, his footsteps almost blending into the hum of the house.
Alexander’s gaze followed the empty doorway for a brief moment before turning fully to Mia. Without a word, he stepped closer. Then, in one smooth motion, he bent and scooped her into his arms. Mia gasped, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck. Her legs pressed lightly against his torso as he carried her toward the house.
His gaze dropped to the bracelet on her wrist—then lifted to her eyes. “We’re getting matching bracelets too,” he said decisively. “And rings.” His brows furrowed slightly, already planning. “And…” He hesitated for just a moment. “What else should we get?”
“Earrings?” Mia suggested with a playful snicker, her amusement spilling into laughter.
Alexander’s lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile. He leaned down and bit her lower lip playfully, making her gasp softly.
They didn’t stay inside the house for long.
Two hours later, dusk had already begun to settle when Alexander led her outside. He opened the car door for her, then slid into the driver’s seat and pulled onto the road. The city streets stretched ahead of them, quiet and glowing beneath the fading sky. Deep blues melted into streaks of gold, streetlights flickering on one by one as the cool night air drifted in through the open window.
Mia watched the unfamiliar route in silence until the car gradually slowed. It came to a smooth stop. She turned her head and looked out the window—and her eyes widened.
The harbor lay before her.
Dark water stretched out under the city lights, rippling softly as reflections danced across the surface. The air carried the crisp scent of salt and river breeze, cool and fresh against her skin.
Alexander stepped out and reached for her hand, lacing his fingers with hers as he guided her toward the docks. Sleek yachts rested quietly along the pier, their polished bodies glowing under soft lights, the water beneath them calm and endless, leading out toward open night.
Mia looked at him in surprise as he continued walking in silence, stopping only when they reached a sleek, private yacht.
Her steps slowed. Her fingers tightened around his instinctively. “Why are we here?” she asked, startled, her voice soft against the hush of the water.
Alexander didn’t answer. He simply turned, his hand sliding to her waist, guiding her closer before helping her step aboard.
Once on deck, Mia glanced around. The space was empty. Quiet. The faint scent of polished wood and salt hung in the air.
“You don’t have anyone to drive this?” she asked, confusion creeping into her voice as she turned back to him.
Alexander’s lips curved into a smirk. “Of course there is.”
Her brows knit together. “Who?”
“Your husband,” he replied, unmistakably pleased.
She stared at him, stunned. “You know how to drive a yacht?”
“Of course,” he said easily, stepping closer until her back brushed the railing. His hand slid to her waist, pulling her against him. “Your husband knows a lot of things, Mrs. Graves.”
Moments later, the engine hummed to life beneath their feet. The vibration traveled through the deck, subtle but powerful,as the yacht eased away from the dock. Water shifted and whispered against the hull, the city lights stretching into shimmering reflections as Manhattan slowly drifted behind them.
