Page 14 of The Billionaire's Bargain

My cheeks heat. "Alexander, you can't?—"

"I can." His voice leaves no room for argument. "I want to."

After dinner, when the dancing begins, he leads me to the floor without asking. His hand at my waist pulls me closer than is strictly proper, but not close enough to cause a scene. Just enough to make his intentions clear—to me and everyone watching.

"You're quiet tonight," he observes, guiding me through steps I barely remember from my one semester of ballroom dance in college.

"I'm...processing." It's the most honest answer I can give.

"Processing what?"

"This." I gesture vaguely with my head. "All of it. You, bringing me here. The way you're treating me."

"How am I treating you?"

I look up at him then, meeting those dark eyes that seem to miss nothing. "Like you want everyone to think I'm yours."

His hand tightens at my waist. "I do."

The music ends before I can form a response. Alexander leads me off the dance floor, his touch still firm, still possessive.

"I need to speak with some people," he says. "Will you be alright for a few minutes?"

I nod, secretly grateful for the chance to breathe without his intoxicating presence clouding my judgment.

"Don't go far." It sounds like an order. It probably is.

I find my way to a quiet corner near one of the ice sculptures—a swan with wings outstretched, already beginning to lose definition as it melts. I watch the crowd, feeling slightly less out of place now that I've survived dinner and dancing without embarrassing myself or Alexander.

"You must be a special one."

I turn to find a man beside me, younger than Alexander but with the same air of wealth and privilege. His smile is practiced, predatory.

"I'm sorry?"

"To catch Alexander Grant's attention." He extends a hand. "David Mercer. Alex and I go way back."

I shake his hand briefly. "Alice Reynolds."

"So what's your secret, Alice Reynolds?" He moves closer, invading my space. "What did you do to get our Alexander to break his no-dates rule?"

"I wasn't aware there was a rule." My voice is cooler than I feel.

"Oh yes." David's eyes travel down my body and back up, taking inventory.

I shift uncomfortably.

David laughs. His fingers brush my bare arm. "You know, if you ever want to explore other options, my company is always looking for talent."

The innuendo is unmistakable. I step back, but David follows.

"I'm quite happy where I am."

"I could make you happier." His hand settles on my waist where Alexander's had been during our dance. "I have a suite upstairs. We could discuss...opportunities."

"She's not interested."

Alexander's voice cuts through the conversation like a blade. I hadn't seen him approach, but suddenly he's there, his face a mask of controlled fury.

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