Page 111 of On His Terms

“Of course, darling. Wouldn’t want to keep you from your tasks.”

Gritting her teeth, she resumed her search for Alexander and was in the main ballroom when the band’s lead singer interrupted the festivities to say that one of Monahan Capital’s owners had an announcement.

Across the room, she glanced at Jen, who shrugged as if to say this surprised her, as well.

Alexander took the stage—commanded it, really.

He thanked everyone for coming, commended You’re The Star on their excellent work, then he called up a girl who’d been helped by the children’s charity the evening was benefiting. He crouched next to the beautiful child, who had long, dark hair and big, luminous brown eyes.

Chelsea wasn’t sure she would have had the courage to call the girl on stage, but Alexander did, and it had clearly been prearranged. He placed his arm around her shoulder as he held the microphone for her.

She spoke in a halting tone, telling her story and expressing her gratitude. She was as articulate as she was gorgeous. And people’s eyes began to fill with tears. As she finished, Chelsea applauded, and she knew the evening would be a huge success, due in part to Alexander’s strategic move.

The band struck up a ballad, and he found her.

“That was smart.” But there was still the matter of their private event at the Den.

“Dance with me?”

Because it was a request more than a demand, he undid her.

Taking her hand, he led her to the patio where the first stars had started to appear.

As he wrapped her in the familiar comfort of his arms, resolve melted away.

The self-protective part of her wondered what she was doing. He’d broken her heart once. Wasn’t that enough to last a lifetime? “Alexander…”

“Master Alexander.”

“But you’re not my—”

“Later,” he interrupted. “Let’s have this moment.” He feathered his hands into her hair and drew her against him.

Without protest, so desperate for a moment of solace, she rested her head on his chest.

Too, too soon, the song ended, replaced by something much more up-tempo, and she reluctantly eased herself back from him.

“I need to work. We have to announce some of the raffle winners so people stay engaged.”

“I’m not finished with you.” It was delivered with part warning, part promise.

“I have something to discuss with you as well.”

When he nodded, she made her escape.

As the evening progressed and dinner was served, she noticed both Monahan brothers were constantly on the move, congratulating winners, shaking hands, encouraging donations.

At the end of an evening like this, adrenaline generally receded and exhaustion washed over her. At this event, she was gaining energy. It was as if the pent-up hurt of the past six weeks had gathered enough steam to push her to the top of a fourteen-thousand-foot summit.

Finally, the event wound to a close. Attendees claimed their silent auction winnings, the band began to load their instruments into a waiting truck, and the catering company packed up.

After the last goodbyes had been said, Alexander appeared at her side. “Jennifer said you rode with her.”

She nodded.

“I made your excuses. You’ll be going home with me.”

“I…”