Page 5 of Surprise Quadruplets for the Mob

Alec’s admiration for our work fills me with a sense of pride. And the fact that such a handsome man—and probably wealthy, if his expensive suit is anything to go by—is seemingly taken with me enough to compliment me so highly for my work is definitely a bonus.

He has an air of charisma that draws me in, making me want to know even more about him. He really is the whole package, and I can’t help but want to sit here and let him compliment me all night long.

But I know I should get back inside and mingle with the other guests. After all, this is a charity event, and there are people to meet and conversations to be had.

I take one last look at Alec, feeling a twinge of disappointment as we part ways. “Thank you for sharing your story with me,” I say. “I hope we can find more time to talk this evening.”

He gives me a charming smile that sets my heart racing. “I would like that very much, Abby. Until then, enjoy the rest of your evening.”

I watch as he walks away, admiring the way his suit fits him like a glove. I can’t help but wonder who he really is and what he does for a living. There’s something about him that intrigues me, and I can’t wait to find out more.

As I make my way back inside, I can’t help but think about Alec and the way he made me feel. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this kind of attraction to someone, and it both excites and scares me. I can’t even just blame the hormones, because they haven’t exactly made me feel attractedtoanyone so far. Just…frisky, in general.

But this is different,I think as I pass through the doors and into the chandelier-lit ballroom,this is most definitely interest in a specific and mysterious stranger who refused to remove his mask.

But I have so much going on in my life right now with the foundation, and now what’s about to come next with Maggie. The last thing I need is to get involved with someone.

But then again, maybe it’s exactly what I need.

Chapter 3

Maksim

As the night goes on, I find myself drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Her compassion is captivating, and her black dress hugs her curves, leaving little to the imagination. Her chocolate brown hair is pulled into a low, loose bun, with a few artful brown curls cascading down around her face to brush over her long neck, and I itch to run my fingers along the skin there. I watch as she moves gracefully through the room, talking to donors, and no matter where in the room I stand, her bright blue eyes shine through her silver mask like a beacon.

“Thank you all for your support tonight,” Abby announces as the fundraiser comes to a close. “Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this terrible disease.”

I can’t tear my eyes away from her as the crowd disperses. She’s been the center of my attention all night. Now, as people begin to leave, I finally have a chance to talk to her again.

When she begins walking towards the exit with her sister, the two of them of similar height and build, with generous curves and long black dresses, I can’t help that my eyes are stuck on her instead of her fairer haired sibling.

I move to position myself where they’ll pass me on the way out, and when a pompous looking older couple stop her sister near me, I take my chance and lean towards Abby.

“Lovely closing speech,” I murmur into her ear from behind, and she startles before those bright blue eyes of hers turn towards me, and she smiles.

“Oh!” She spins away from the chatting trio, her attention entirely on me, and I can’t help the way my eyes trace along her slender neck and collarbone before drawing back up. “Alec, you gave me a fright. I hope you’ve had a good night?”

“Yes, I have,” I hate that I have to lie to her about who I am, but it’s for her safety as much as my own need to stay as anonymous as possible. “The only thing that would make it better would be you agreeing to a drink with me.”

Her cheeks flush with color. “You want to have a drink with me? Tonight?”

I’m not sure why she sounds so surprised.

Am I too bold? Too forward? Probably. Am I going to apologize for going after what I want? Not a chance.

“Absolutely,” I answer. “Unless you already have other plans?”

“No, no other plans.” She nibbles at her lip, a little quirk that makes her seem even sexier in my eyes. “You’re sure you want to, though? I mean, I’m honestly pretty boring.”

I laugh. “I doubt that very much. I’ll be straight with you, Abby. I want to get to know you better. As much as you’ll let me.” I tuck a finger under her chin so her gaze will come up to meet mine squarely. “Come back to my hotel. We can have some wine and talk—whatever you’re comfortable doing.”

I watch her carefully as she takes in my words. I’m being very forward, no doubt. I see no reason not to make my intentionsand desires clear, no reason to try and lead her astray with false promises. But I watch her as she continues to nibble on her bottom lip and looks away once more, because I find myself wanting her to agree, with more need in me than I’m used to.

“Okay,” she answers with a small, blushing smile, and I feel my heartbeat quicken at her assent. “I’ll go with you.”

That’s all I need to hear. She says goodbye to her sister and we make our way toward the exit, and every step feels like an eternity. My heart races with anticipation, knowing what awaits us behind closed doors. As we walk, I reach out and gently take her hand, feeling the warmth radiating from her soft skin.

We stop before my sleek black Lamborghini, and when she hesitates to step in, I squeeze my fingers around hers and step before her.

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