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Stassi’s warm hand wove itself in Madison’s. “That you’re Alex’s wife? Of course, I do. Jordan isn’t his type. She’s too overconfident. She certainly the charmer, between her command of languages and how she leads with her breasts.” Stassi shook her head. “Alex would never go for that.”
Even with Jordan out of earshot, Madison had to stand up for her friend. “Jordan’s really nice.”
Stassi leaned closer. “You’re nicer. I can tell. You have that specialje ne sais quoi. All warmth with a kind demeanor…and a quiet passion I’m sure few know about.”
Madison blushed.Were there cameras in that bathroom?
“No,” Stassi said staunchly. “You are exactly the woman Alex would give his heart to. Because you’re a woman who would give all of yours.”
Call it sentimental or hormonal—or both—Stassi’s words had Madison welling up. “I love your son so much.”
Stassi stopped to cup her cheeks. “And he loves you. I could tell from the moment you arrived.” She shakes her head. “When he kissed her, there was no spark. I knew it had to be some overly dramatic distraction. Fake PDA.” Her head shakes with disapproval. “You must have been upset.”
“Furious,” Madison says, laughing. But something was still nagging at the back of Madison’s mind. “Did you put something in my jam last night? Some…sedative?” She patted her belly.
She wasn’t worried for herself—if anything, the lingering effect seemed to be more energy than ever. But the babies…
“Oh, that.” Stassi’s bright eyes widened. “I might have slipped in a little carbo vegetabilis.”
Madison gulped. What was that? Something dangerous?
Stassi slipped a hand around Madison’s waist, urging her along. “Vegetable charcoal.”
“Vegetable charcoal,” Madison repeated. It didn’t sound dangerous. Stassi went on. “A little of it does wonders for lightheadedness during pregnancy. Completely natural and safe for the little ones.” She whispered, “It eases bloating and gas, too.”
Madison thought it over. Yup, definitely less gassy. A smile lifted up her lips. “But I slept so hard. Overslept until nearly noon.”
Stassi laughed. “Well, you are pregnant, my dear. It’s been a while, but pregnancy gave me the best sleep of my life.”
Madison pulled her aside, slowing her steps. “But you drugged Jordan, right?”
Her voice lowered as a guilt little smile emerged. “I couldn’t take it anymore. A little red wine and a few hors d'oeuvres, and our Jordan’s quite the chatterbox.”
Madison covered her mouth, giggling. “I’m afraid she is.”
Arm in arm, they swiftly caught up to Alex and Stone—their conversation intense. Madison’s jaw dropped, brows hiked to the sky, as Alex asked, “Are you’re my father too?”
CHAPTER32
ALEX
For a moment, the question lingered between Alex and Stone.
Finally, Stone replied. “No,” he replied, his voice softened by sadness. “If it’s any consolation, I’ve begun to think of you as a son.” Stone nodded with adamance. “Blood or not, we are connected. I’ve looked out for you when I could. Built you up from a distance. Protected you. I am bound to you more than words can ever express, and I will always look after you. Until my dying breath.”
A surge of strength and peace swept over Alex. Stone was right. He’d always been there. Always. Lurking in the shadows. Watching over him from afar. An invisible hand molding Alex Drake into the man he’d become today.
It wasn’t obvious who hugged who first, Alex or Stone. But the hug was so natural, so raw, both men welled up, their bond forging harder. Alex cleared his throat. “I’m not sure I want to know the meet-cute between you and my mother.”
Stone chuckled, patting him on the back. “Trust me, you don’t.”
They both laughed as Stassi rushed in, joining their hug. “My boys,” she marveled. Stone kissed her head as she pointed.
“The door.” Madison pointed to the exit, hurrying.
“Finally,” Stassi said, rushing ahead to unfasten the bolt. The door swung wide.
There was no time to react. The gunshot cracked the air, the bullet hitting her square in the chest, her body flying back to Stone and Alex.
