Another Chance for the Luna Queen novel

Chapter 0251 Alexander POV I stared at Ella .

The look on her face was teasing , but her eyes told a different story .

They were dark , intent appraising .

She wasnt just joking .

At least , I didnt think so Her confidence when she said I wouldnt be able to tell the difference wasnt misplaced .

It unsettled me .

I wasnt completely convinced that she was serious , but for the first time in longer than I cared to admit , I found myself doubting my instincts .

That was unusual for me .

But maybe that wasnt all there was to it .

I knew I should resist this attraction to Ella .

I should have been trying harder all along .

This was a complication we couldnt afford , not when so much was riding on the delicate balance of our deal .

It was too late , though .

We both knew our attraction was mutual , and if I were honest , it might have become something beyond the physical .

At this point , Ella was more than a beautiful woman .

She was enchanting , and that was the only word that came to mind .

I would never allow myself such a thought if I were sober .

Shed cast a spell on me , and I was utterly captivated .

Resisting didnt even cross my mind anymore .

The truth was , I didnt want to resist .

Ella was a puzzle a fascinating , complex puzzle and I was consumed by the need to solve her .

I enjoyed being the only one allowed to try .

The only man who could get a rise out of her .

Making her blush , making her angry , coaxing emotions from her that she usually kept so tightly controlled it was intoxicating .

It reassured me that whatever magnetic pull I felt toward her , she felt something similar for me .

That wasnt wishful thinking .

Now , as she looked at me , there was a challenge in her gaze daring me to respond .

But there was something else , too .

If I wasnt imagining it , there was something hopeful in her eyes , as though she wanted me to meet her halfway .

I shouldnt , but I wanted to .

She was hard to resist .

Ella POV Youre staring , I said after several seconds passed without Alexander saying a word .

I had never rendered him speechless before , and I wondered how many others could claim the same feat .

Likely not many .

The thought filled me with an odd sense of satisfaction .

Alexander Black : powerful , intimidating , charismatic , and intelligent .

He wasnt someone you teased lightly he was the type to make others second guess themselves with a single look .

And yet , here he was , silent , caught off guard , staring at me as if trying to decipher whether I meant what Id said .

I wasnt even sure myself .

I was drunk and strangely emotional after the whirlwind of events over the past few weeks .

173 +25 BONUS Chapter 025 ! Being married to Alexander had turned out better than I ever could have Imagined .

For something that was supposed to be fake , we were managing a remarkably real relationship .

It wasnt just necessity driving us anymore .

The adjustments wed made to our routines werent for the sake of appearances they were for each other .

Genuine care , consideration , and concern had crept into our lives , unbidden and unstoppable .

I swallowed hard .

That wasnt something you did for a contract .

The thought was dangerous , and I tried to push it away .

But it lingered , refusing to be silenced .

Was it worth it to keep pretending this was only business ? What was the point of fighting what was clearly growing between us ? Right now , I felt untouchable , like everything was finally falling into place .

Youre still staring , I said , my voice quieter this time .

Shouldnt I ? Alexander replied , his tone steady and deliberate .

Is there somewhere else I should be looking ? No , I admitted , heat creeping up my neck .

I like when you look at me .

Is that so ? he asked , raising a single eyebrow .

Funny .

There are times you seem to have trouble meeting my gaze , or you blush just because Ive looked a second too long .

Thats true , I agreed , smiling faintly .

You do make me blush .

Have you ever wondered why ? 11 I have , he admitted , his voice low and thoughtful .

Though I assumed it was because you were … Innocent ? I interrupted , my tone teasing but light .

Inexperienced ? I gave a small shrug , a faint smirk tugging at my lips .

Thats true enough .

Alexanders gaze sharpened , and the corner of his mouth twitched in response .

You dont seem quite that way now , he murmured .

And Ive seen you drunk before this isnt just the alcohol talking .

I tilted my head , meeting his gaze boldly .

Maybe not .

Maybe its something else entirely .

His eyes darkened , the weight of his stare intensifying .

What are you trying to say , Ella ? The car hummed softly beneath us as it moved , but I barely noticed .

I shifted , standing briefly to slide across the seat and settle beside Alexander .

He looked momentarily startled by my sudden proximity , and even more so when my hand came to rest on his leg .

What do you think Im trying to say ? I asked , my voice steady but charged with tension .

I dont know how to answer that , he replied , his voice low , almost inaudible over the quiet of the car .

I think you do , I said , my fingers lightly tracing the fabric of his trousers .

Alexander shook his head , a slight , reluctant motion .

Its a bad idea .

Probably , I agreed with a small , mischievous smile .

But arent you supposed to have bad ideas when youre drunk ? Its best not to act on them , though , he countered , even as his hand slid to my lower back , pulling me closer .

Then tell me no , I challenged , my hand inching higher up his leg .

You know I cant do that , he said , his tone soft but unwavering .

You tease me all the time , I pointed out , leaning in .

You enjoy it I can tell .

You think its funny to make me blush , to embarrass me .

2/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 0251 I dont think its funny , he murmured , his eyes darkening Well , you had to know you couldnt go on teasing me forever , I said , my voice softening .

Eventually , youre going to have to back it up .

Alexanders lips quirked , his gaze unflinching .

Is that what this is ? You want me to back up my words with actions ? I want you to show me how great you are , I replied , daring him .

Before I could process what was happening , Alexander moved , swift and deliberate .

I found myself in his lap , my legs straddling his hips .

His hands settled on my waist , firm but careful , and his bright , piercing eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that stole my breath .

This is your decision , he said , his voice steady , almost commanding .

So I need you to make it .

No games , no talking around it .

Tell me directly , or this doesnt go any further .

The sincerity in his expression hit me like a wave , dissolving my desire to tease .

My breath hitched as I placed my hands on his shoulders , meeting his gaze without hesitation .

No teasing , I said quietly .

Im not joking around .

Then tell me what you want , he urged , his tone soft but resolute .

I want you , I said , the words clear and unshakable .