Mated by Contract to the Alpha
<b>Chapter </b><b>75 </b>
<b>I </b>smiled, a warm feeling spreading through my chest. “You’ve made me feel at home here, Diana. That means more
than you know.”
Next, I found Raymond in the garage, polishing the Bentley. His face remained impassive <b>as </b>I handed him his gift, but I caught the slight widening of his eyes as he unwrapped the custom driving gloves and ergonomic seat cushion.
“For all the times you’ve protected me,” I said simply.
Raymond ran his fingers over the leather of the gloves. “These are excellent quality, Miss Brown.”
“They’re designed for professional drivers,” I told him. “The salesperson assured me they’re the best.”
Raymond’s lips curved in the barest hint of a smile–the first I’d ever seen from him. “It <b>is </b>my honor to serve you and Mr. Sterling,” he said, his voice less formal than usual.
I’d also purchased a beautiful silk scarf in Sophia’s favorite colors and the makeup palette she’d been coveting. I had someone arrange for them to be delivered to her apartment, along with a note expressing my gratitude.
As evening approached, my phone rang with Sophia’s familiar ringtone.
“You absolute queen!” she eximed without preamble. “How did you know exactly what I wanted? That makeup palette has been sold out for weeks!”
Iughed, genuinely happy to hear her excited voice. “I have my ways. Do you like the scarf?”
“Like it? I’m wearing it right now, and I’ve already taken about fifty selfies. Seriously, Ba, this is too much.”
“It’s not nearly enough,” <b>I </b>said. “You’ve been there for me through everything.”
Sophia’s voice softened. “That’s what friends do. Speaking of which, can we do lunch tomorrow? I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever, and I have so much to tell you.”
‘I’d love that,‘ I said, and then remembered the photographer she had fallen in love with at first sight. “By the way<b>, </b>you and the photographer…?”
‘I forgot to tell you, we’re together.” Sophia sounded sweet. “He confessed to me first.”
“Really!” I screamed, pulling the sheets from under me, genuinely happy for Sophia. “I’m kind of curious about what kind of person he is.”
“Honey, <b>it’s </b>easy,” Sophiaughed. “How about we meet tomorrow at 12 o’clock at the new restaurant near the Stirling Group<b>? </b>I’ll take you to meet my new boyfriend.”
“Perfect,” I agreed. “I can’t wait to see you.”
It was nearly midnight when I heard the front door open and close. Dominic’s footsteps sounded in the hallway- confident, measured, powerful. I sat up in bed, suddenly nervous. My palms grew damp. Would he expect a repeat ofst night? Did I want that?
The bedroom door opened, and there he stood. His tie was loosened, his hair slightly mussed. His eyes locked onto mine immediately, and I felt the intensity of his gaze like a physical touch.
“You’re still awake,” he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.
“I wanted to wait for you,” I replied<b>, </b>then gestured to the wrapped packages on the dresser. “I got some gifts today. For Diana and Raymond. And Sophia.”
Dominic approached the bed slowly. Each step made my heartbeat quicken. Even tired, he moved with grace that reminded me of what he truly was.
“That was thoughtful of you,” he said, eyes never leaving my face.
“Emma called,” I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. “Thank you for thepensation. It… it helps a lot.”
He shrugged off his suit jacket, still watching me. “It was the least I could do. Thepany failed to protect you.” His gaze fell on the nightstand where an empty gift box sat. “I see everyone got a gift except me.”
Despite his serious expression, I caught something yful in his eyes. My lips curved upward. “Yours is still being made. I designed it myself.”
“Designed?” His eyebrows rose with interest.
“You’ll have to wait and see,” I teased. “It’ll be a few days.”
Dominic loosened his tiepletely, removing it with a soft swish. “I’m not ustomed to waiting for things I want,” he murmured, his voice dropping lower.