Page 71 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

Sitting in that car, he'd been so close. I could see the line of his throat, the sliver of collarbone peeking out from his collar. When he said "please," his voice had been soft, almost shaking—that vulnerable tone made something in my chest twist.

Then he'd reached for me.

I'd pulled back, but my body had gone rigid in that instant. Not from fear. From something I didn't want to admit—desire. I wanted him to touch me. I wanted his fingers around mine, wanted him to pull me into his arms.

My wolf had whimpered.

So I'd bolted from the car. I couldn't—I couldn't just give in that easily. I was scared. Scared I'd fall into the same trap again.

I took a deep breath and opened my eyes. Anya rolled over on the couch, clutching the blanket, mumbling "Mommy" in her sleep. I smoothed her hair, and she settled, drifting deeper.

I stood and walked to the window. Outside was Reserpine's nightscape, bright with lights—same as five years ago. I wrapped my arms around myself. Elena, I told myself. You and Anya can have a home. You don't need Lucifer.

My phone rang.

I picked it up. One of my business contacts.

"Ms. Windsor, good evening." The voice was polite. "About the collaboration we discussed—would you be available Monday evening? We could go over the details."

I hesitated. "Monday evening?"

"Yes. If that works for you, we could meet at Maple Hotel. Seven o'clock."

Maple Hotel.

The name made me freeze. That was where I'd first met Lucifer. Where everything between us had started.

"Ms. Windsor?"

"Oh. Yes." I snapped back. "Monday evening, seven o'clock. Maple Hotel."

"Perfect. See you then."

I hung up and stood at the window, staring out at the night. For some reason, I sighed.

Monday evening, I stood in front of the mirror, studying my reflection.

I wore a women's suit—the waistline tailored just right, fitted without being tight, paired with matching trousers. My hair wasn't pinned up, just loose over my shoulders with a small clip tucked behind one ear. Makeup was light—just a touch of lipstick.

"Mommy, you look so pretty!" Anya sat on the bed hugging her bear, eyes bright.

"Thanks, baby." I turned and kissed her forehead. "Mommy has a business meeting tonight. You'll stay home with Amy, okay?"

Amy was the nanny I'd hired a few days ago—a human woman in her thirties with experience, soft-spoken and patient even when Anya got fussy at dinner. She was in the living room now, picking up Anya's toys.

"Okay." Anya nodded obediently. "Come home soon, Mommy."

"I will."

I grabbed my bag—inside were sample vials of my fragrance oils, different scents, and product brochures. I checked everything, made sure nothing was missing, then left the bedroom.

"Amy, I'm leaving Anya with you."

"Don't worry, Ms. Windsor." Amy smiled. "I'll take good care of her."

I nodded and left.

The taxi stopped in front of Maple Hotel at six-fifty. I paid, got out, and stood at the entrance, taking a deep breath. I hadn't expected to come back here. I pushed through the doors into the lobby. The crystal chandeliers were just as bright, the carpet just as plush—everything exactly as I remembered. I walked to the front desk, gave the room number, and a waiter led me upstairs.