Chapter 262

Madison

We looked at each other for a long moment, something unspoken passing between us. Then Alexander cleared his throat and reached for his phone again.

“We should sleep. Early flight tomorrow.”

I nodded, turning away from him to hide the confusing mix of emotions on my face. What was happening between us? This arrangement was supposed to be straightforward: sex and companionship in exchange for financial help. So why did it feel increasingly like something more?

As I drifted toward sleep, I felt Alexander shift beside me. His arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me against his chest in a gesture that felt less sexual and more... protective. I relaxed into his warmth, too tired to question it.

Just before consciousness slipped away completely, I felt his lips press softly against my hair. It was such a tender gesture, so unlike his usual commanding presence, that I wondered if I’d imagined it.

But as sleep claimed me, one thought remain