When a knock sounded at the door, he slipped out from beside her and accepted her luggage, tipping the man quietly. Then Alex climbed back into bed and eased his arm around her once more.
In the peaceful silence, he couldn’t help but look at his own life with more appreciation than he ever had before. His family was dysfunctional, but they were his. They were there. Day in and day out, he’d had people who loved him and who he could rely on. He had food to eat, a roof over his head, and though his father was a bastard of the first order, he’d always made sure he and his siblings never wanted for anything. Even Ian and his brothers and sisters hadn’t been neglected.
Every child had a right to security and love, but the woman in his arms had had none of those things. She wouldn’t want his pity, and in truth, he couldn’t give it to her. Not when he admired her so damned much. She’d overcome her past and become a strong, independent woman. One he wanted to take care of and give everything she’d missed out on for all these years, especially the family she’d been denied.
Today had been an eye-opener on many levels, from the courageous teenager he’d met to the brave female he loved—
His thoughts screeched to a halt at the word that had just run through his brain. Yet he couldn’t deny it. For six months, he hadn’t looked at another woman. In the last few weeks, he’d done all he could to show her he’d changed. Now he wanted to give her the security she’d never had and possess her completely. If that wasn’t love, he didn’t know what was.
* * *
Madison felt awkward after her emotional breakdown, but to Alex’s credit, he didn’t treat her any differently. She woke up to find the bellman had delivered her suitcase. Other than asking if she was okay, Alex had merely kissed her senseless and left her to get ready for dinner and clubbing afterwards. For her part, she was determined to put the episode behind her and move forward like she always did.
After dinner, they headed over to Elite, Alex’s cousin’s club. Olivia and Dylan headed for the bar while Alex looked for his cousin. They paused by the dance floor.
The club was elegant, glamorous, luxurious, and any other name Madison could think of for a New York City hot spot. Black ceiling, gold inlay etchings in the walls, leather banquettes, and open-air decks overlooking the main dance floor.
“According to the write-ups, when this place first opened, it cost three million.” Alex shook his head. “Thousand-dollar cover charges if the papers can be believed. Gabe doesn’t talk.”
Madison blinked in shock. “Just … wow. But it is gorgeous.”
“My cousin has good taste. So does his sister Lucy. She helped design the place.”
Madison grinned and met his gaze. His dark eyes devoured her, and she did the same right back. He looked incredibly handsome in black pants and a white shirt, rolled at the sleeves. The unbuttoned shirt revealed tanned skin and gave her an enticing peek at his sprinkling of chest hair.
He looked over her shoulder, and a wide smile took hold. “There’s Gabe.” Alex led her to the private, roped-off area, his hand hot and branding on the small of her back, open thanks to a deep plunge in the material of her dress.
The private area was raised higher than the dance floor and bar, and Alex whistled over the music.
To her surprise, Gabe heard. He rose, disentangling himself from women who hung all over him, though she had to admit he looked bored with them all.
“Cousin!” Alex said as Gabe strode down a few steps and joined them. “Look at you up high so you can survey your kingdom.”
Gabe’s lips twitched but didn’t lift in a full-blown grin. In this, Madison could see distinct differences between Alex and Gabe. Gabe was more like Ian, more serious and always in control.
“It’s about time you showed your face in New York.” Gabe slapped Alex on the back. “Good to see you.”
“Same. And thanks for coming to all those games. It was always good to have family there.” Once learning about his other cousins, Gabe and his siblings welcomed them with open arms.
“My pleasure.” He shifted his steely gaze to Madison. “Who is this?”
Approval laced his tone.
“Madison Evans.” Alex snaked an arm around her waist in an unnecessarily proprietary gesture she actually liked. “Madison, this is my cousin Gabe.”
She smiled at the man. “Nice to meet you, Gabe. Actually, I see a little family resemblance.” She extended her hand, and Alex eased it down before tucking her even closer to his side.
Gabe chuckled. “So that’s how it is.”
“How what is?” Madison asked.
“I’ve seen you with women. This one’s off-limits.”
Before he could reply, Olivia walked over and threw her arms around him. “Hi there, cousin.”
Madison realized that since Olivia and Alex shared a father, Gabe was the cousin of both of them.
“Hi, beautiful.” Gabe hugged her tightly, light in his eyes as he looked her over. “Long time no see.”
“Too long. It’s a good thing business brought us to New York. Nice place you’ve got here.” She gestured her hand wide, taking in the expanse of the club.
Pride glinted in his eyes. “I like it. You’re all comped for the night, so enjoy. I’ll come over to check on you later.” With a nod of his head, he turned and walked away.
Madison blinked. “He’s … interesting. Very Ian-like.”
Olivia, Ian’s sibling, burst out laughing. “Well said! I knew I liked you.” She hooked her arm into Madison’s free one and pulled her away from Alex.
“Where are you taking her?” he asked, a scowl on his handsome face.
“For drinks and girl time. We’ll see you gentlemen in a little while.”
EIGHT
Madison found herself sitting at a small private table with Olivia, shots of tequila in front of her. Olivia worked as assistant travel secretary to the team. She also sat in on high-level meetings with Ian because he valued her advice and was training her in all aspects of team business. Madison didn’t know her well, but Riley spoke highly of her, which vetted her enough for Madison. If she was going to drink with her and ultimately let down her guard, she needed that kind of assurance.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?” Madison asked, gesturing between them.
“I wanted to get to know you better,” Olivia said.
“And take a breather from Dylan?”
Olivia laughed. “And now I know why Riley likes you.” She raised her tequila glass. “Lick, salt, drink, and bite. Ready?”