A Secretive Deal with My Billionaire Boss (by Gregory Ellington) novel Chapter 465

Madison

"Yes. Because you're exhausted and sore and you need rest." He released my wrist, taking the body wash from me. "Behave."

"Since when do I behave?"

"Fair point." He soaped up his hands again, then started washing my hair. His fingers massaged my scalp, working the shampoo through.

I closed my eyes, enjoying the feeling. It was intimate in a different way. Caring, gentle, and sweet.

He rinsed my hair carefully, making sure no soap got in my eyes. Then he conditioned it, his fingers combing through the strands.

"Your turn," I said when he finished.

I washed his hair, having to reach up since he was so much taller. He bent down slightly to help, smiling the whole time.

"What?"

"Nothing. Just enjoying this."

"Enjoying what? Me washing your hair?"

"Enjoying you taking care of me."

I finished rinsing his hair, watching the water cascade down his chest. "You're easy to take care of."

"Am I?" He straightened, water streaming down his face. "Most people would disagree with that assessment."

"Most people haven't seen you like this."

"Like what?"

"Relaxed. Open. Actually letting someone do something for you without trying to control every aspect of it."

He pulled me close, water flowing between our bodies. "That's because it's you. I trust you."

The words settled in my chest, warm and solid. "I trust you too."

We stood there for a moment, just holding each other under the spray. His arms around me felt like home. Safe and right and exactly where I was supposed to be.

Finally, he reached behind me, turning off the water. "Come on. Let's get you dried off before you fall asleep standing up."

He grabbed fluffy towels from a heated rack, wrapping one around me before taking one for himself. I dried off quickly, my muscles pleasantly sore, exhaustion creeping in around the edges.

Alexander handed me one of his T-shirts from the bedroom. "Here. Wear this."

I slipped it on. The fabric fell to mid-thigh on me, the sleeves past my elbows. "This is huge."

"Looks perfect." He pulled on sleep pants, leaving his chest bare. "Bed. Now."

"So bossy."

"You love it."

I couldn't argue with that. I climbed into bed, the sheets cool against my skin. Alexander slid in beside me, pulling me against his chest.

I rested my head over his heart, listening to the steady rhythm. His fingers traced lazy patterns on my back through the T-shirt.

"Madison?"

"Mmm?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For giving me another chance. For letting me be part of Ethan's life. For being here." His arms tightened around me. "For everything."

"Ethan?"

Still nothing.

I walked through the living room and checked the kitchen, but both were empty. The guest room door was open, Ethan's new dinosaur pajamas folded neatly on the bed.

They must have gone out, probably for breakfast or to the park.

My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn't eaten since last night's pasta dinner. Coffee first, then I'd figure out where they went.

I moved to the kitchen, pulled beans from the cabinet, ground them fresh, and started preparing a cappuccino. The familiar routine calmed me, muscle memory taking over.

While the machine heated, I found myself smiling. Last night had been intense. My body was still reminding me of exactly how intense it was with every movement. Worth it, absolutely worth it.

The espresso pulled perfectly, crema thick and rich. I steamed the milk, creating microfoam with just the right texture. Poured it carefully, not bothering with latte art this time. Just needed the caffeine.

I grabbed the cup and wandered toward the balcony, sliding open the glass door. The morning air hit my face, crisp but not cold. Manhattan stretched out before me, the city alive with movement and sound even from this height.

I took another sip, the coffee sliding down warm and bitter and perfect. The caffeine hit my system, chasing away the last remnants of sleep fog. I leaned against the railing, watching the city move below. Taxis honked, people rushed past each other on sidewalks, life continuing at its relentless Manhattan pace.

My phone. I should check where Alexander and Ethan went.

I drained the last of my cappuccino and headed back inside, sliding the glass door shut behind me. The penthouse was still eerily quiet without them. I set my empty cup in the sink, then went to find my phone.

It was still on the nightstand where I'd left it. I grabbed it, unlocking the screen to call Alexander, when a notification caught my eye.

Hazel. A message with a link attached.

Hazel: Hey, Mads, check this.

I clicked the link before calling Alexander, curiosity getting the better of me.

"MANHATTAN'S GOLDEN COUPLE CALLS IT QUITS: Alexander Knight and Katherine Sinclair End Engagement"