Chapter 6

ALEXANDER

I stood there, arms folded and jaw set, bracing myself for what I knew was coming. I was certain of her answer, and I couldn’t deny that I’d half-hoped for it. She was going to say no. She had every reason to turn me down and refuse any connection between us, especially after the mess my family had made of the evening. I’d let them speak freely, act dismissively—even allowed Vanessa to put her hands on her. It was ugly, but somehow, I’d thought it justified, even deserved.

If I’d known tonight would end with Raina Graham holding my future between her fingers, I’d have planned differently. I’d have orchestrated every move, ensured my family behaved long enough to tolerate her presence if it meant securing her cooperation. But none of that mattered now. Her answer would be a firm, simple no. The way it should be. The way it had to be.

And yet—when she spoke, my certainty shattered.

She agreed. Just like that, she agreed, as though it meant nothing to