Chapter Seventeen
Alexander slippedinto bed and pressed his naked body to hers. “You were exquisite tonight, Elizabeth. I…shite.”
The most intense sex of her life, more chocolate-covered strawberries, and a hot shower combined to leave Elizabeth’s mind hazy, but his oath broke through the fog. “What?” Wriggling in his arms, she met hisgaze.
“I think I’m falling in love withyou.”
Her world ground to a halt. “You…can’t be. N-notyet.”
Toosoon.
Nothing could have prepared her for Alexander Fairhaven. His sculpted body, his arrogant attitude, but most of all, his penchant for surprising her. How could he love heralready?
Regret swam in his eyes as he cupped the back of her neck. His kiss drove all rational thought from her mind, and despite her exhaustion, arousal heated her core. As he drew away, however, his words echoed in her mind. Only his finger to her lips silenced herprotest.
“I shouldn’t have said anything. But…I’ve been down this road, Elizabeth. I’m no whelp. No one has ever made me as happy as youdo.”
“The past few weeks have been wonderful,” Elizabeth murmured. “And I care—” The buzzing of her cell phone saved her from the eventual “but.” Who the hell would be calling her at this hour? Alexander retrieved her purse, and Elizabeth frowned when she checked thescreen.
“What’s wrong, Mrs.McGillis?”
Alexander sat next to her, worry pinching hisbrows.
“I’m sorry to bother you, Lizzie, but that damn cat of yours bit me hard enough to draw blood. She’s howling from the top of the cabinets. The young couple that lives next door already came over to complain about the noise. I’ve tried everything: shaking the food bowl, turning off the lights, dangling her feather toy in front ofher…”
“That’s not like her. Crap. I’ll…um…I’ll come home and take her to the boarders in the morning. I’m really sorry about the bite. Are you going to beokay?”
Once her elderly neighbor confirmed the injury wasn’t serious, Elizabeth hung up and then dropped her head into her hands. “I can drop River at her vet in the morning, but I can’t leave her alone tonight. She’s never once swiped at meorMrs. McGillis. I’m worried there’s something wrong withher.”
“I’ll take you to gether.”
Elizabeth gaped as he strode naked into his closet. “What are you doing? It’s after one. I’ll call acab.”
Alexander’s voice echoed. “Do you think I’m letting you out of my sight this weekend? Hardly,chérie. Not after what happened with Carter this evening. We need clothes for you anyway. River can stay here tonight. All weekend if you’dlike.”
As he emerged, clad in jeans and a tight green sweater, Elizabeth tugged on her dress. Needles of pain stabbed at her toes when she stood on the towering heels. At least she’d be able to pack comfortable clothes—andshoes.
Alexander draped the wrap over her shoulders. “I hope River doesn’t mind sharing thebed.”
Alexander and Elizabeth were halfway up the steps to her building’s outer door when tires squealed, and a car lurched to the curb only a few feet from Alexander’s Mercedes. He stepped in front of Elizabeth but quickly relaxed as his brother jumped out of theAudi.
Nicholas still wore his tuxedo from the ball, but he’d ditched his tie—and his date. “Goddamn son of a bitch! If I ever see him again, I’m going to shove a squash ball so fardown—”
Alexander cringed and met his brother at the bottom of the steps while Elizabeth huddled against the door forwarmth.
“How did you even know we were here,Nicholas?”
“I went to your house first. Samuel told me. Smythe—the Board’s secretary for fuck’s sake—broke his confidentiality agreement. He’sfriendswith Carter. Foyle’s working on the lawsuit against him right now, and Ben’s reached out to the Feds on Elizabeth’s behalf, but it’s fucking two in the morning, and he can’t get anyone to answer the bloody phone. We’ve lost any chance to blindside them with the lawsuit. And given how angry Carter was earlier, I’m starting to worry about both of you. Increase security.” Nicholas glanced at the Mercedes, clearly surprised Alexander hadn’t brought the limo, and shook his head. “Or get some, for thatmatter.”
Elizabeth hurried down the steps and clutched Alexander’s arm. An icy breeze flapped her dress, but she barely noticed. “If they know…they’ll come afterme.”
Wrapping his arm around her, Alexander pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Ben put enough in motion today to ensure you’re protected. Even now. We’ll get you to the federal prosecutor in the morning. Sooner if Ben can get him on the phone. This isn’t good news, but it won’t ruin you. I won’t letit.”
She wanted to believe him, but under his self-assured smile and intense green eyes, worry lingered. “I have to get River. Then…can we get out ofhere?”
“Nicholas, we’re going to get Elizabeth’s cat. See if Ben can meet us back at my house in an hour? I’ll call William to arrange extra security for the next few days.” Alexander and his brother exchanged glances, and Elizabeth almost asked them what they weren’t telling her, but Nicholas was alreadydialing.
As Alexander held the outer door open for her, Nicholasswore.
