Another Chance for the Luna Queen novel

3/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 0253 Chapter 0253 Ella POV The trip upstairs to the apartment was mostly silent .

I couldnt speak for Alexander , but I was feeling strangely sober after what had just passed between us .

I didnt regret it exactly , but I knew it had been a mistake a mistake I had insisted upon making .

Alexander seemed composed , but the tension in his shoulders betrayed him .

He carried the racing jacket slung over one arm , his fingers tracing idly over the embroidered words .

The drivers carefully averted gaze when we stepped out of the car told me he was fully aware of what had happened , though it wasnt as if we were keeping it a secret The hallway to the apartment was short , and Alexanders fingerprint scan unlocked the door with a soft beep .

When it clicked shut behind us , I kicked off my shoes with a quiet sigh of relief .

I should have worn something more practical , but Id wanted to look good for our dinner after the race , so Id gone with heels .

My sore feet would remind me not to sacrifice comfort for fashion again at least not too often .

Alexander walked to the coat closet and carefully hung up the racing jacket before slipping off his own .

When he turned back , I was shrugging off my jacket , and he stepped closer to take it .

His fingers brushed mine as he did , sending a small jolt through me .

We stood there in the entryway for a moment , an odd tension settling between us .

When Alexander finally smiled , it was his usual teasing , cocky smile but there was a subtle uncertainty in it that caught me off guard .

It was a great night , he said , his voice soft .

I just hope you dont regret it .

What do you mean ? I asked , though I knew exactly what he meant .

You regretted it the last time we slept together , he said plainly , his tone devoid of any attempt at coyness .

I hope you dont this time .

I dont , I said quickly .

And … I dont think I really regretted it the first time , either .

Not exactly .

I think I was just embarrassed about the situation .

Crossing my arms not in anger but to steel myself I met his gaze .

This was delicate ground , a topic wed avoided broaching so openly before , and I didnt want to let the moment slip by .

Thats good , Alexander said , his smile softening .

I wouldnt want you to feel uncomfortable or as if youd made a mistake .

I think it was a mistake , I admitted quietly , just … one I dont regret .

His smile faded , and his brow furrowed slightly .

How do you mean ? I think its a mistake for us to keep violating our deal .

But dont regret our actions .

Does that make sense ? It makes perfect sense , he said after a pause , his voice low and thoughtful .

And I agree completely .

Its a mistake to treat our contract so casually .

If we start bending the rules now , itll be harder to enforce them later , should we need to .

He hesitated , his tone growing more serious .

We might need to revisit the contract … maybe add some additional provisions .

Additional provisions ? I asked , my brows furrowing .

What do.you mean by that ? Shouldnt we just update the terms ? 1/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 0253 I dont feel that would be sufficient , he replied , glancing away , his bright eyes suddenly shadowed with unease .

There was something he didnt want to say I could tell .

But I wasnt willing to let it go .

Dancing around serious topics as though we were too fragile to handle them wouldnt do us any good .

Still , I didnt want to upset him , so I chose my words carefully .

If were going to be sleeping together , I began slowly , shouldnt we just remove the provision in the contract that makes this … a violation ? Alexander shook his head , his voice steady but low .

I think an additional provision will be necessary .

If were going to continue sleeping together and to be clear , I would like to .

His smirk returned as his eyes raked over me , and I felt my cheeks flush under his gaze .

Then whats the problem ? I asked , my voice a bit sharper than I intended .

Alexander hesitated , then stepped closer , his hands reaching for me .

His grip was light , first on my elbows and then sliding down to hold my hands .

I uncrossed my arms to let him , and the warmth of his touch sent a ripple of heat through me .

The memory of earlier made my skin feel alive , tingling with electricity .

Ive told you this before , he said gently , his tone earnest But I need you to understand that nothing has changed .

I cant fall for anyone .

I want to make sure that our attraction doesnt create confusion about that .

The words stung more than I cared to admit , but I hoped my expression betrayed nothing .

Youve made that clear , I said softly , though my voice felt thin .

I just wish I knew why .

Thats not something Im ready to talk about , he said , his grip tightening slightly , as though bracing himself .

Not with anyone .

Even you .

I nodded , swallowing hard .

Alexander was entitled to his secrets , especially about something that seemed so deeply personal .

I wouldnt press him .

Ive grown very fond of you , he continued , his tone quiet but deliberate .

And Im very attracted to you .

But thats all it is .

I understand , I replied , though my voice caught just slightly .

We can update the contract on Monday .

Alexanders shoulders relaxed , a look of relief softening his features .

Okay , he said , his voice a little lighter .

I rose onto my tiptoes and pressed a light kiss to his cheek .

Thank you for speaking openly with me , I said softly .

And Im glad you had a good day you deserved it .

Im not sure how to thank you for it , he replied , finally releasing my hands .

His voice was quiet , almost introspective .

No ones ever shown me that kind of consideration before .

I cant think of a better gift .

I smiled , warmth blooming in my chest .

Im glad my guess was right , I said .

But its getting late .

We should get cleaned up and get some sleep .

I have a feeling Ill be nursing a hangover in the morning .

Alexander nodded thoughtfully .

Would you like to shower ? he asked .

That sounds nice , I said , brushing my hair back from my face .

I need to wash my makeup off anyway .

Ill make some coffee , he offered , already heading toward the kitchen .

And maybe grab a snack .

Getting some food in your system might help with the headache tomorrow .

Thank you , I said as I turned toward the bedroom .

Ill save you some hot water .

2/3 $ 25 BONUS Chapter 0253 I appreciate it , he said , shrugging out of his suit jacket and draping it over the back of a barstool .

I paused for a moment in the hallway , watching him as he moved with quiet efficiency , his focus already on the coffee machine .

Then , before he could turn and catch me string , I slipped into the bedroom .

The night had been wonderful , even grounding in a way I hadnt expected .

Alexander and I were growing closer , and today , hed let me in if only a little .

Yet , as much as I treasured these moments , I couldnt ignore the quiet truth pressing against my thoughts .

There was still a distance between us , one I was beginning to accept would always remain .