Chapter 113
Elle’s POV
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“Don’t move,” he said firmly, his large hands settling more securely on my shoulders. “You walked around all day. If you don’t relax properly now, you’ll be miserable tomorrow.”
His fingers were skilled and strong, working out knots I didn’t even know I had. Despite my initial nervousness, I found myself melting
under his ministrations. His hands were warm and sure, and I could feel calluses on his fingertips that spoke of physical work despite his
executive lifestyle.
A soft sound of pleasure escaped my lips before I could stop it.
Brad’s hands stilled for just a moment, and when I glanced back, his amber eyes had darkened considerably.
“Are you trying to tempt me?” he murmured, his voice dropping to that low, intimate register that never failed to make my pulse race.
My brain short-circuited. I’d been so relaxed, so comfortable, that his words caught me completely off guard. I turned toward him
instinctively, and somehow our faces ended up much closer than I’d anticipated.
My ear brushed against his lips, and the light contact sent electricity shooting through my entire body. I watched, fascinated and flustered, as his mouth curved into that knowing smile that meant trouble.
“Brad, what are you saying?” I stammered, my face heating up. “Susan is still here…”
But even as I protested, I couldn’t help but notice how devastatingly handsome he looked up close. His skin was flawless, his features perfectly sculpted. It really wasn’t fair for one person to be so beautiful.
“Mmm,” he hummed thoughtfully, leaning even closer. “So you’re saying that when Susan isn’t here, it would be acceptable?’
His amber eyes sparkled with mischief as he watched my face turn what I was sure was an impressive shade of red.
‘Want to explore more of me?” he added with that wicked grin that made my knees weak.
I was completely speechless, my mind filled with entirely inappropriate thoughts.
Brad seemed to sense my flustered state and slowly began leaning closer, backing me against the sofa cushions. I found myself retreating until there was nowhere left to go, trapped between the soft cushions and his approaching warmth.
When his arm slipped around my waist to support me, I squeezed my eyes shut, my heart hammering against my ribs. This was it. He was going to kiss me, and I was going to let him, and Mom was upstairs, and-
I waited. One second. Two. A full five seconds.
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Chapter 113
Nothing happened.
Confused, I opened my eyes to find Brad watching me with obvious amusement, his face still tantalizingly clone but making no meow to
close the distance.
“Were you hoping I’d kiss you?” he asked softly, his breath warm against my skin.
Mortification flooded through me. Had I been that obvious?
“I was not!” I protested, pushing weakly against his solid chest. “You’re the one who-
“Yes,” he interrupted, his voice suddenly serious. “I am the one who wants to kiss you.”
And then, before I could process his words, he did.
His lips captured mine in a kiss that was nothing like the brief, perfunctory contacts we’d shared before. This was slow and thorough and
devastatingly tender. My hands, which had been pushing against his chest, slowly curled into the fabric of his shirt instead.
When we finally broke apart, I was breathless and confused and more shaken than I cared to admit.
“Brad,” I whispered, not sure what I was asking.
His thumb traced my cheek gently. “What is it, Elle?”
“What do you really want from me?”
His expression grew serious, and for a moment I thought he might actually answer. Instead, he pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.
“Get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.”
The next morning arrived too quickly. Before dawn, I was helping Mom pack the last of her things while trying not to cry. The convoy of vehicles Brad had arranged was impressive-not just a luxury sedan for Mom, but a separate truck just for all the things I’d bought her.
“I’ll come visit you in just a few days,” I promised, hugging her tightly at the front door.
“Don’t you dare,” Mom said firmly, though her own eyes were suspiciously bright. ‘You focus on taking care of yourself and that baby. I’ll
come back when the little one is born.”
She cupped my face in her hands. “Elle, be good to Brad. He’s a good man, and he loves you.”
“Mom-”
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Chapter 113
*Take care of yourself! Call me when you get there! And Elle…” She squeezed my hands. Remember that you deserve to be happy.”
I watched until the cars disappeared completely, Brad’s arm warm and steady around my shoulders.
“She’ll be fine,” he said quietly. “You can visit whenever you want.”
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
“Come on,’ he said gently. “We have a plane to catch.”
Three hours later, I was carefully descending the steps of Brad’s private jet with Alex’s assistance, still somewhat dazed by the luxurious
experience. The sleek aircraft had made the journey from Moonshade Bay to Moon Lake City feel effortless, cutting what would have been
a grueling thousand-mile drive down to just a few comfortable hours in the air.
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As soon as I stepped onto the tarmac, I was struck by how different the climate was here. While Moonshade Bay was already requiring
heavy coats and warm layers, Moon Lake City was still pleasantly warm, with bright sunshine that felt like a gentle embrace.
What impressed me even more than the private jet was the level of coordination Brad commanded. A convoy of three luxury SUVs was
already waiting on the tarmac.
“How did you manage all this?” I asked Alex as he helped me toward the waiting cars.
Alex smiled. “Mr. Rayne has partnerships with luxury car services in every major city. These were arranged before we even took off.”
I shook my head in amazement. The efficiency was undeniable, and I had to admit that this level of organization made the entire trip feel
seamless and stress-free.
As I looked around at the beautiful city spread out before us, I couldn’t help but wonder what other surprises this trip might bring.
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After One Night with the Alpha
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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The readers' comments on the novel: After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle)
Not sure how the story ended without completing the circle on what happened to Sophia and Lester. That loop was just left hanging... what happened with the Blair contract of having to married Raymond? All Eleanor wanted was a piece of Rayne industries?...