Page 45 of The Arrogant's Redemption

Yes, I saw it. When she mentioned “other responsibilities,” her expression dropped. I wanted to step in. Fix it. Push away whatever pain is clinging to her. And I have no idea why that matters to me.

"Tell me about your show, then."

"Have you heard of armchair detectives?"

"Yes. Investigative enthusiasts who anonymously try to solve cases even the police couldn’t crack."

"Exactly. And now, with advances in technology, a lot of cold cases are finally being solved. Not just identifying victims who used to be listed as John and Jane Does, but also catching criminals who’ve stayed free for thirty, forty years. Many of them are being sentenced now, in their seventies."

"Are you telling me you’re a modern-day vigilante?"

"Actually, when I started, it was more about the unidentified bodies." She pauses, glancing around the table, clearly uneasy. "Oh God, we just finished dinner and I’m talking about death."

"I’m a surgeon, Alexis. Trust me, blood and bodies don’t ruin my appetite."

"Either way, I don’t think we should talk about that now."

A small part of me—the controlling one—wants to push. But the bigger part clings to that one word she just said:now. A slip that tells me there will be a later. Not that I doubted it, but her quiet surrender feels like receiving a rare gift.

"So what do you suggest we do, then?"

Once again, her face flushes. "Show me the house."

Lazarus

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

As we walkthrough Morrison’s house, she stays ahead of me the entire time—not by my side. It might seem insignificant, but to me, it feels like a message. Alexis is telling me that no matter how vulnerable she feels to the attraction between us, she hasn’t fully surrendered.

I wouldn’t be surprised if, despite the burning desire between us, she asked to leave—just to prove to herself that she’s in control of her own will. But I doubt it.

We finally return to the first floor, but there’s still one room left.

"My cousin has a secret room in the basement, where he hides bodies. It’s never been used, though. We were waiting for a podcaster to break it in."

For a split second, her eyes widen—but then she smiles. "I can’t resist bodies. Take me there, and I’ll see if I find one that interests me."

I can’t keep my distance any longer. I’ve never had a problem with self-control, but Alexis is becoming my addiction. The moreI deny myself the urge to take her without restraint, the stronger that desire grows.

I lace our fingers together and lead her down the stairs, which actually take us to a nightclub. Morrison loves parties and women—not necessarily in that order—and every property he owns has a private club.

"A nightclub!" she exclaims, surprised, slipping her hand from mine.

As she explores the room, I sit in an armchair. I’ve only turned on the lights on the dance floor, so Alexis is completely visible to me, but she can’t see me watching her like a pervert.

"Can I play some music?"

"What fun would a nightclub be without it?"

I see her smile and a slight sway of her head from side to side. Alexis may be young, but she knows what we’re doing. From the moment we stood face-to-face today, the seduction began.

I watch her move toward the DJ booth, as my cousin always hires them to play at his parties. I’m curious what kind of music she’ll choose.

When it comes to music, I’m probably like most people. I enjoy various, contrasting genres. I don’t have a deep connection with art. I admire sculptors and painters because I respect anyone who achieves excellence in their craft, but art doesn’t move me. Music is different. I have a deep connection to sound and melody.

But as the first notes fill the air, I wouldn’t be able to tell you if it’s classical or rock. All I can focus on is the sexy body of the blonde in front of me.

I can’t sit still anymore. I get up and walk toward her.

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