Solace in Scandal (25 page)

She inhaled deeply. ‘If she’s a friend of my stepmother’s, I know exactly what type of woman she is. Candace is the queen of the gold-diggers.’

And a bitch.

But that went without saying.

She rubbed her temple and felt Alex’s grip on her hand tighten.

‘I’m sorry I didn’t stop her sooner,’ he said.

She’d come perilously close to stopping the woman herself. The comment about her father had been cheap, and it had blindsided her. Yet the way the woman had touched Alex with such familiarity and thrust her breasts in his face had almost been worse.

Elena let out a breath and her eyes fluttered closed. She’d almost put her fist in the woman’s overly white teeth. She couldn’t imagine the brouhaha that would have caused. In Jean-Georges? With the press watching their every move and hanging on every word?

‘James, pull over here,’ Alex instructed suddenly.

Her eyes popped open. They were stopping? All she wanted to do was get back to the penthouse.

Alex caught her chin and lifted her face. The garish lights of New York City spilled into the car, and she couldn’t hide her mood. His thumb ran across her lower lip. ‘You need a drink.’

She needed a pitcher.

Elena wasn’t in the mood, but she got out of the car, accepting Alex’s hand. She glanced up and down the street but didn’t see a pub. She didn’t see any camera flashes, either. Apparently James had lost the paparazzi. The driver was good.

The wolf in Alex was still looking for threats. He wrapped an arm around her waist and guided her across the sidewalk to a building. They stood on a landing where three steps led down to a basement level. The blues club was hidden away and there wasn’t a name on the door. The nightspot was shadowy and exclusive, and Elena felt more relaxed the moment they stepped inside.

The crowd here was looser and more accepting – or they just didn’t care who’d stepped into their midst. Compared to the white starkness of Jean-Georges, the club was a panacea for the eyes. The lighting was dim, and the air was hazy. The tables were small, but visitors were more into each other than into their neighbours. Heads were bent together and glasses clinked.

Alex pulled out a chair for her, and a waitress appeared the moment he took his seat. She wrote down their order and moved along.

Elena turned towards the stage when she heard a bass being tuned. ‘Live music?’

‘It’s what they’re known for.’

By the time the waitress returned with their drinks, the band had started their set. The music had a throbbing beat and a seductive melody, but that was the way blues were. It suited Elena’s mood perfectly. Heartache and pain. Temptation and soulfulness. She swayed in her seat, drawn in by the ambience.

The second number was slower and sexier. They hadn’t even hit the chorus when Alex stood and held out his hand.

‘Dance with me.’

Her heart gave a little flutter. She hadn’t expected dancing. Taking his hand, she slipped from the chair. They moved to the tiny wooden floor and she turned into his hold.

They said that some men danced the way they made love. Her thighs turned to jelly when she discovered he was one of those rare few. He drew her so close, her breasts plumped against him. She rested her head against his chest, and their thighs brushed as they moved. ‘I thought it was your mission to go incognito tonight.’

He’d chosen tables on the edge of the rooms and had discouraged anyone who paid too close attention. Here, though, they were the only ones on the dancefloor. The mood-lighting wasn’t bright, but they were still out in the open and on display.

‘I changed my mind.’

‘Why?’

His hand stroked the small of her back. ‘Barbara.’ He frowned down at her. ‘She thought we were business partners.’

‘Oh, the
Fonzie
thing.’ Elena rolled her eyes and followed as he circled them over the polished floorboards.

Alex wasn’t laughing. ‘People are seriously asking that question. I had a reporter throw it at me this morning.’

She rubbed her lips together, considering how to answer. She’d been through this thing once before. She didn’t want to go through all the questions and suppositions again, yet she cared for him. ‘I can take it.’

He stopped moving. ‘I’ve got a better solution.’

There, in the middle of the pulsating dancefloor, he kissed her long and slow. A hoot went up, followed by cheers and a smattering of applause.

And cellphone flashes.

People were taking pictures of them. The club might be discreet, but people knew who they were and they were putting on a show. They’d be in all the newspapers and supermarket rags by morning.

Spinning her around, he dipped her sexily. ‘It’s time we dispelled the rumour that I’m into you for your criminal mind.’

They went out to dinner the next night, too, and then to a Broadway show. The more appearances they made on the social scene, the more Elena found her poise. Alex was protective wherever they went, and the merest hint of a television camera would have him snarling. In those times, a soft word or touch from her could ease him.

And circumstances did improve.

Once high society determined that The Ax really was back – and as rich and powerful as ever – they welcomed him into their midst. His notorious reputation took on a strange kind of cachet. Everyone who was anyone wanted him at their parties and events.

The press wasn’t exactly warming to them, but their focus had shifted. Reporters and pundits alike were intrigued by the Wolfe–Bardot alliance. Their romance was at once considered scandalous and dreamy, a dark turn on Romeo and Juliet.

Through it all, Elena stood at Alex’s side. He fit into the scene like an integral cog that made it all work, but she could see the defence mechanisms he had in place. Everything he did and said was strategic. He planted himself at her side whenever he saw a socialite with a nasty or gossipy reputation sidle up to her. He avoided delicate topics such as stocks or Wolfe Financial when talking with old friends.

In essence, he became The Ax.

At home at night, though, he was her lover. The emotions he bottled up came pouring out when they were in bed. The sex was hotter and greedier. Their connection was becoming closer, almost obsessive. He seemed intent on protecting her, insulating her and pleasuring her.

It was at Wolfe Pack where he was calmest.

He pushed himself there, too, but it wasn’t punishment. Elena felt comfortable at the company’s offices, and she liked seeing Alex secure enough to lower his guards. He loved his work and he trusted his people. He’d grown Wolfe Pack from scratch and it was now an industry leader. Even with a blue-blood CEO who’d come from old money, the company had an X-gen culture. Located in the FiDi neighbourhood, the office was nonetheless outfitted with beanbag chairs and comfy sectionals. The kitchen was filled with free snacks and drinks. The techies dressed like college kids, but they worked like maniacs.

Elena tended to stay in the penthouse to work, but on some days like today she’d work in the Wolfe Pack office.

‘Hi, Elena,’ a fresh-faced programmer said. ‘How’s the dissertation coming along?’

‘Hi. Josie.’ Elena pulled her ear buds out of her ears and sat back in the chair. The young woman was a user interaction designer about her age. ‘I’m so close I can taste it.’

Her new friend looked over her dress and high heels. ‘What fancy party is the boss taking you to tonight?’

‘I don’t know.’ Alex had only told her the event was dressy, but not too dressy. ‘It’s a surprise.’

‘Ooh, a mystery. That’s fun.’

It was fun, because he’d actually seemed excited about whatever he had planned. Excitement wasn’t a quality she saw much from him. He was more reserved these days. Distrustful.

She glanced towards the conference room where he and his team leads were working. They’d been in there all day long, writing things on the white board, staring at computer screens and pasting post-it notes on the wall. ‘What are they working on in there?’

Josie shrugged. ‘Dunno. Something big. All I’ve heard is that it’s called Project Alpha Wolf.’

‘Hm.’ Through the windows, Elena saw a developer write something on the board. Alex shook his head, erased part of it and wrote something else. Apparently the Alpha Wolf was being a rogue.

She stood and stretched. ‘Hungry?’

Josie held up a plastic cup filled with Gummy Bears. ‘Already got my snack.’

Elena felt her back pop. She really needed to get back into doing yoga more regularly. ‘I need some tea.’

Leaving her things in the cubicle, she walked towards the kitchen. Her path took her right by the conference room. As if sensing her, Alex looked up. His gaze settled on her, bright and alert. Heat settled inside her, way down low, but she smiled and waved, not wanting to bother him. Her steps slowed, though, when she saw the notebooks spread out on the conference room table.

Understanding dawned in her head. Project Alpha Wolf.

It was the project he’d been working on obsessively since she’d first met him. The one she’d tried to spy upon. Her smile dimmed as guilt caught her, but that didn’t stop her curiosity. At least now she knew for sure it was a project for the company.

She poured herself some tea and was walking back to her desk when the receptionist turned the corner.

‘Oh! Excuse us, Elena.’

Elena held her tea away from her body and narrowly missed spilling it on herself. ‘Oops. That’s OK. I should have been paying more attention.’

She grabbed a tissue from the desk next to her and wiped the cup.

‘Elena?’

She looked up at the sound of the familiar voice and saw a familiar face. ‘Dr Walters?’

‘Hello, dear.’ The rumpled professor tucked his leather notebook under his arm and reached out to shake her hand. ‘How are things coming along with the dissertation? I see you’re on my calendar for your defence in a few weeks.’

‘I am. It’s coming along well.’ Confusion gripped her. Dr Walters was on her evaluation committee. What was he doing here? Checking up on her? Had Alex called him to help her? ‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘Did we have an appointment?’

The older man chuckled. ‘No, no. I’ve been asked here by Mr Wolfe. He’s asked me to consult on a project.’

Her head swung around, and she saw Alex watching their little group.

‘Oh, there he is,’ the cheerful professor said.

‘What are you working on?’ She knew she shouldn’t, but she couldn’t stop herself from asking.

‘A very intriguing question, I must say.’ The professor caught himself and frowned. He tapped his folder. ‘Ah, I’m sorry, dear. I’ve signed a confidentiality agreement.’

‘Oh, well.’ She stepped aside, being careful with her tea. ‘Have a good meeting.’

Curiosity consumed her as she sat back down at her desk. It had been Dr Walters’ book that she’d been trying to borrow at the Wolfe Library. Alex had been reading it, too. They must be working on a new financial analysis program or a new feature. Professor Walters would be the obvious consultant for that.

Although seeing him here reminded her that she had work of her own to do.

It could have been minutes or hours later when she noticed the shiny black loafers stop beside her desk. She looked up to find Alex standing over her, putting on his suit jacket. Even after a day of work, he still looked crisp, professional and sexy.

‘Ready to go?’ he asked.

She smiled. ‘You still haven’t told me where.’

He grinned, and her stomach tightened. It was the first smile she’d seen out of him in weeks, maybe ever. ‘You’ll never guess, but hurry up. We’re the guests of honour.’

She was sure that he was the guest of honour, but he had her intrigued. He attended events strategically, but since he’d returned to the New York scene he’d stayed away from the limelight. This was a change-up for him, and it intrigued her.

Especially since it was honouring him.

‘Just a minute.’ She turned off her computer and put the laptop and power cords into the carrying case. She kicked her shoes out from under the desk and reached down to put them on.

Her breath caught when he knelt to do the task for her. A warm hand circled her ankle, protecting her Achilles heel as he slid the slingback over her toes. He hooked the strap around her heel and butterflies swirled in her stomach.

Looking over his shoulder, she found Josie watching wide-eyed. Her friend patted her heart as if she was having palpitations and then dramatically swooned.

Elena smiled self-consciously. He made her swoon, too, only for real.

‘There.’ He caught her hand and pulled her to her feet. ‘James is waiting outside.’

When they started on their trek, Elena became even more confused. The driver was heading north. That ruled out the symphony, ballet and opera. She frowned as they continued north and east. A Yankees game, maybe?

She scooted closer on the limo seat. ‘The Bronx?’

Alex toyed with her hair. ‘Maybe.’

‘We’re awfully dressy for a ball game.’

‘We’re not going to a ball game.’

‘A friend’s house?’ she guessed.

‘You’re not very patient,’ he said, tickling her ear. He leaned closer to give her earlobe a soft nip. ‘Then again, I knew that.’

‘Alex!’ She glanced towards the driver, but the divider was up. She pushed the button that would lower it. ‘Where are we going, James?’

He grinned and shook his head. ‘I’m not allowed to tell you, Miss Elena.’

She peered through the front window as they travelled along, trying to find landmarks or clues. They were a few blocks away when she had an idea. She tilted her head. ‘The zoo?’

Alex smiled. ‘They’re dedicating the Grey Wolf exhibit today.’

Her mouth dropped open in surprise. ‘You funded it?’

He tugged her hair again. ‘I wasn’t going to support a cat exhibit.’

She grinned so wide, her cheeks ached. They’d been to plays and shows, dinners and art exhibits. She’d enjoyed them, but this sounded special. Impulsively, she leaned over and kissed him. ‘I love it already.’

She loved it even more when they got inside. An employee in a golf cart picked them up at the gate and drove them directly to the new exhibit. Alex sat next to her, his legs spread out casually and his arm looped around her back. The terrain turned from savannah grassland to rougher, wooded hills. The paths might be made of asphalt, but Elena was immediately taken back to Wolfe Manor and the lake.