Page 117 of Strictly Business

My breath catches in my throat as I wrap my arms around his neck, leaning into him. “What’s going on between you two?”

Nicholas pulls back slightly, his jaw tightening as he glances away. He’s silent for a beat, and I brace myself for him to shut me out.

But then he lets out a sigh. “Alexander thinks he deserves the CEO position just because he’s the oldest,” he says, frustration lacing his words. “He’s trying to sabotage everything, trying to make the board think I’m not fit to run Blackwood Hotels. He wants it all, and he’s willing to tear me down to get it.”

My stomach sinks at the thought. “That won’t happen,” I tell him with certainty. “Everyone knows how hard you work.”

Nicholas looks at me, the hardness in his expression softening just a little. Without saying anything, he steps closer, removes one of my hands from around his neck, and kisses the back of it. It’s so soft, so unexpectedly gentle, it catches me off guard.Slowly, his lips move up my arm, inch by inch, kissing my skin before they finally find mine.

My heart beats in double time as I melt into his kiss, a soft moan leaving my lips. He pulls back just enough to speak. “God, I’m so happy you’re here with me.”

His words hit me in the chest. “Me too,” I whisper as he kisses me again.

He pulls away a few seconds later, his hands lingering on my waist. “I’ll be right back.”

I nod, and he turns to leave the room. My gaze returns to his jerseys, and I can’t help but smile at the young, carefree version of him frozen in time in the pictures.

“My brother left you alone?”

I gasp, turning to find Alexander leaning against the door, shaking his head with a smirk. His eyes skim me from head to toe, his gaze lingering in a way that makes my stomach churn. “He should know better than that.”

I’ve heard of Alexander, talked to him plenty since he always calls the office, but being in the same room with him is a different story. My stomach churns as he lazily swirls his drink, his eyes locked on me with a look I can’t quite decipher.

“Nicholas will be right back. He just went to get something.”

He hums, nodding as he pushes off the doorframe, walking toward me. “So, what’s it like being engaged to my brother?”

“It’s… nice,” I reply, the uncertainty creeping into my voice. I don’t even know how to answer him, especially with the way he’s looking at me.

“Nice,” he repeats, his tone dripping with amusement. “That’s quite the endorsement.”

I stiffen, but before I can respond, he leans forward. “You seem too sweet for him, you know.”

“I—”

“He can be…” Alexander pauses, his gaze searching mine as if he’s trying to gauge my reaction. “Intense. Boring. A workaholic. Way too fucking controlling. Are you sure you’re up for that?”

I suck in a breath as he takes a step closer, my hands pressing against Nicholas’s dresser. “I can handle it,” I tell him, narrowing my eyes. “What I can’t handle is you invading my personal space.”

His smirk returns, darker, dangerous. “Feisty. You’ve got my brother wrapped around your little finger, huh? What’s he promised you to go along with this? A raise? A promotion? Or is it just his cock you’re after?” He tilts his head. “Tell me, and I’ll sweeten the deal.”

“I’d rather die than go anywhere near you.”

He laughs, leaning in closer, his fingers grazing my cheek lightly. I turn my head, shuddering at his touch. “You know, if you ever get bored of Nicholas, and change your mind—”

“Alexander.” Nicholas’s voice cuts through the room, and Alexander steps back, slowly… unbothered. Nicholas enters the room, setting a bottle of white wine and two glasses on the dresser. “Get the fuck away from her.”

“Relax.” Alexander raises his hands, a smirk on his face. “I was just getting to know her.”

Nicholas doesn’t respond, his eyes sliding to mine. The muscles in his jaw ticks as he stares at me. “Amara, come with me.”

He doesn’t give me a chance to respond before he’s guiding me out of the room, his touch on my back heavy.

Once we’re in the hallway, I finally gather enough courage to speak. “How much did you see?”

“Enough,” he says, his voice cold and clipped.

A breath catches in my chest. “Why didn’t you say something?”

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