“I asked Mathieu to hack into Khalid’s largest bank account. I called Khalid and told him that money would end up in the hands of the authorities if Maria wasn’t freed within the hour. If he accepted my deal, I’d leave the account alone. He took the offer to protect his most valuable assets and told me it was too late for you. He said he still wants what your mother took and that your deadline is almost up.”
Khalid and his legendary generosity… what a joke.
I can’t believe Alexander pulled this off with Mathieu just to protect Maria from Khalid’s grip.
“Where is Maria?”
“She’s at my place, guarded by five of my best men.”
I look at Alexander, unsure what to say or do to express how grateful I am.
It’s the kindest thing anyone’s ever done for me.
He has plenty of flaws and knows exactly how to push my buttons–but his actions always prove he’s there for me.
“There’s no time for thank–yous or for you to look at me like I’m some kind of hero. You can kiss me all you want once we’ve left this place. We need to go so my guys can clean up.”
He doesn’t give me time to react before grabbing my wrist and pulling me out of the hotel room, making
sure no one sees us.
He scans the hallway, pulls a gun from his pocket, and starts shooting out every surveillance camera, like he already knew where they were.
As we head downstairs, a hotel guest stares at my outfit and smirks.
Alexander shoots him a death glare and tightens his grip on my wrist.
We reach the exit. Alexander kicks the door open and pulls me behind him like a kid.
A sleek black car is waiting outside. He lets go of my hand to get in, while I stay frozen, staring.
“What are you waiting for? Get in!”
His tone is hostile.
“You don’t have to talk to me like I’m your dog.”
He drives in silence for ten minutes. I watch him discreetly: his muscles tense, brows furrowed, jaw
clenched.
His tux is perfectly pressed. He smells insanely good. He looks more dashing than usual.
Could he be going on a date?
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Chapter 104
I pull out my phone to check the time: 10:30 p.m.
So it’s impossible he was at a date before finding me.
He’s probably dropping me off somewhere so he can go to his big date afterward.
Why does the idea of him dressing up for another woman piss me off so much?
“Where are we going?”
No answer.
“Alexander, I’m talking to you.”
He frowns, not even glancing my way.
“I’m taking you to my place so you can reunite with Maria and Mathieu.”
“And you? You’re clearly going somewhere dressed like that.”
I do my best to hide my jealousy and curiosity.
“Mind your own business.”
“Either tell me, or I’ll follow you. Your choice.”
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I’m exhausted, but I need to know what he’s up to—and who he’s going to see. My curiosity will be the
death of me.
“I’m going to a strip club.”
Excuse me? Did I just hear that right?
I study him–no trace of sarcasm. He’s serious.
I try to look unfazed, but it’s tough–I want to ask a million questions.
“What the hell are you going to do there?”
“What’s it to you?”
“I’m just curious.”
“You know what? I don’t have the patience for your games right now, so I’ll answer you.”
See? That wasn’t so hard.
“I did some digging. Found out the poison that killed Hakim was recently requested from a man named Graves–he’s pretty big in the criminal world.”
So he wants to handle this on his own even though Hakim’s death affects me just as much?
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Chapter 104
I let it go–arguing would get us nowhere.
“What poison are we talking about?”
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“Not sure yet. It’s hard to detect. Maybe the man who just died tonight will help us learn more if it’s the same poison.”
“What makes you think this Graves guy has something to do with it?”
“He’s an expert in the field. If anyone wants poison, they go to him. The one that killed Hakim must’ve been expensive since you said he lived long enough to speak. It’s also hard for coroners to detect. It must be rare. So the buyer definitely had money.”
I don’t show it, but I’m impressed by his reasoning.
“Why a strip club?”
“Graves is always surrounded by a dozen bodyguards. That’s the only place where he’s vulnerable.”
“What’s your plan?”
“I’m going to pay a stripper to seduce him. She’ll take him to a room so I can talk to him without his goons.”
It’s a solid plan–with one flaw.
“Why pay a stripper when you’ve got one available for free?”
He doesn’t get it right away… until he sees my smirk.
He raises his eyebrows and shakes his head.
“Get that idea out of your head immediately!”
He’s even more tense.
“It’ll be easier if I do it. You just meet me after.”
“Are you insane?! You almost got raped and now you want to dive right back into danger?!”
“I just want answers.”
“Forget it!”
I look at him coldly.
“With or without your approval, I’m going. Let me remind you–we’re not a couple, or anything close. I do
what I want.”
He groans.
“You’re so reckless, it drives me insane!”
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1 roll my eyes.
“Are you worried about me?”
He shoots me an indescribable look.
“Not at all. I just don’t want you in my way.”
“This is as much my fight as it is yours, remember.”
“You’re a pain in the ass.”
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