Page 76 of LA King

“Of course, I’d love to.” I’m so pleased that he’s taking an interest and didn’t simply show his face because it would be “good for business.”

I’ve almost given Alejandro the full tour of the new facility, which has taken some considerable time as I had to introduce him to every person we came across along the way. He’s been charming to everyone, dripping with the kind of magnetic charisma that has people eating out of the palm of his hand. I feel like I’ve gotten a real insight into how the outside world must see him—the king of LA.

We’re walking down the hallway when Alejandro pulls me into a storage closet. He closes the door, presses me against it, and kisses me hungrily. His hand slips down to my ass, and he squeezes hard.

My body reacts on instinct, yielding to him as it always does.

Remembering where we are and where his kisses usually lead, I manage to wrench my lips from his. “We can’t do this in here.”

“I know.” He dusts his knuckles over my cheek. “I just had to kiss you. I can wait until we get home to fuck you—or at least until we get in the car.”

I pull him closer and can feel his growing hardness through his jeans. “You’re obsessed with sex.”

“I’m obsessed with sex with you, Mrs. Montoya.” He nips my shoulder. “And seeing how much these people love you is only making me want to take you home and remind you that you’re mine.”

I rest my hands on his muscular chest, hard as steel under the soft cotton. “How could I ever possibly forget?”

He cups my jaw and gives me another quick peck on the lips. “So, how much is this place costing me?”

“What do you mean?”

“This new shelter. How much did you put me down for investing?”

I can hardly believe the arrogance of this man. Does he seriously think I’d take his money like that? “Nothing.” I say, crossing my arms over my chest to create some distance between us.

“Nothing? Not even a cent?” Why is he shocked? He’s never shown an interest in my work before.

“We have fundraised every single cent spent on this place. I haven’t used any of your money.”

“Why not? You have the Amex card.” He insisted I keep that, but I only use it for essentials, like panties and cocktail dresses for him to ruin. “I expected you would at least commit to a donation on behalf of the business.”

“Why would I do that? I had no idea you’d be interested in donating.”

His brow furrows. “You didn’t think that I’d be interested in helping abused women and children?”

“No, I didn’t,” I snap. It’s probably harsh, but it’s rooted in truth.

He grinds his jaw and reaches behind me to open the door. “Let’s go,” he growls.

I step out of the closet, and he follows close behind. Before I can say anything to ease the unexpected tension between us, he pulls out his cell phone and has it pressed to his ear. A few seconds later, he starts barking orders in Spanish. I feel like I might throw up as those fluttery feelings from earlier make a reappearance, only this time it’s ten times worse.

Alejandro is clearly upset about our conversation, and like he usually does with any kind of unpleasant emotions, he’s channeled them into anger. Is he going to leave now? Go back to his hotel and ruin what was a wonderful day? This is why we shouldn’t do normal couple things.

Kristen and one of the workers, Casey, approach us, and I bristle, hoping Alejandro doesn’t snap at them. But he ends his call and gives them a reassuring smile, his public persona firmly back in place.

“Alana, I need to show you the TV in the rec room,” Casey says. “It’s huge!” She grabs my hand and urges me to go with her. I can only offer Alejandro an apologetic look as I leave him talking to Kristen.

Twenty minutes later, I’m chatting with a few of the kids in the den when Alejandro finds me. This is probably where he tells me he’s leaving.

“Alana, it’s time to for us to leave,” he says instead. His tone is light, but that’s no indication of anything with him. He could be a raging inferno underneath that cool, calm exterior.

It is getting late, and I suppose I’ve taken enough of his time today. I nod my agreement and say goodbye to the kids.

After we bid our goodbyes to Kristen and Lucy, we head outside. The car is idling beside the curb a little way down the road, but when I turn that way, Alejandro grabs my arm and shakes his head. “Not that car, princesa.”

He’s leaving because I offended him. Asshole.

Jacob approaches and hands Alejandro a set of keys. “Be gentle with her, Boss, won’t you?” he says.