After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 209

Chapter 209

Elle’s POV

The moment of judgment had arrived, and I could feel the nervous energy crackling through the air like electricity. All the contestants stood around their cooking stations, eyes fixed on the panel of indees seated at the front of the deck. But everyone’s attention was drawn to the figure in the center–th

ornate silver mask.

his

One by one, contestants were called forward to present their dishes. The world–renowned chefs on the

panel gave brief but professional critiques, their expressions revealing their honest opinions before they

even spoke. When they looked at some dishes, I could see the polite disappointment in their faces.

Then my name was called.

“Elle West.”

My stomach dropped. I picked up my plate of cream puffs, knowing full well they looked like absolute shit. The pastry was uneven, the cream filling was slightly lumpy, and honestly, I’d be surprised if they tasted any better than they looked. I had zero confidence as I walked toward the judges‘ table.

The panel of celebrity chefs took one look at my sad excuse for dessert and I could practically see them trying not to wince. One chef raised an eyebrow, another pursed his lips. It was obvious they knew exactly

what they were looking at–amateur hour.

But then the captain spoke up.

“I’d like to evaluate this dish personally,” he said, his voice carrying that smooth authority I’d grown to

recognize.

What the hell?

I placed the plate in front of him, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. “I know muttered, unable to meet his gaze through that mask.

great,” I

The captain lifted a spoon with elegant precision, took a careful bite of my pathetic cream puff, and chewed thoughtfully. The entire deck fell silent, waiting for his verdict.

“It’s awful,” he said simply.

My body went rigid.

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Chapter 209

Awful? I’ve heard that comment before…

I could hear some of the other female contestants barely containing their snickers behind me, clearly enjoying my humiliation.

Despite declaring it awful, the captain continued eating Spoonful after spoonful, he methodically consumed the entire plate while maintaining eye contact with me.

“This is the worst cream puff I’ve ever tasted in my life he stated, taking another bite.

That habit–saying one thing while doing the complete opposite–was so damn familiar.

“Are you going to stand there all day, or are you planning to return to your station?” he asked, but there was something in his tone, something I recognized.

Without thinking, I stepped forward and reached for his mask. “I know you.”

His hand shot out and caught my wrist before I could touch the silver surface. The contact sent that

familiar jolt through my system, the same electric feeling I got whenever Brad touched me.

He lifted my hand to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to my knuckles. “Easy. I haven’t given my final score

yet. Are you so eager to offer yourself?”

The audacity! The entire crowd was watching this exchange, and he was openly flirting with me like some

kind of performer putting on a show.

“You should wait quietly for the results.” he continued smoothly.

Before I could respond, he suddenly pulled me toward him. I found myself sitting on his lap, facing the

crowd of shocked contestants and judges. The entire deck erupted in gasps and murmurs.

“What the hell are you doing?” I hissed, completely mortified. This had escalated from private harassment

to public humiliation.

I tried to get up, but he held me firmly in place.

The bastard was enjoying this way too much. I reached for his mask again, determined to expose him, but

his voice stopped me.

“If you’re not afraid of me kissing you in front of everyone, then by all means, go ahead.”

There was an Alpha authority in those words that made my entire body react. The commanding tone, the

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Chapter 209

Before I could even begin to process what was happening, Brad’s hands cupped my face and he leaned

down to kiss me.

The crowd erupted in applause.

But as Brad’s lips met mine, memories of the past flooded back. Anger flared in my chest and 1 bit hard on his lower lip, tasting blood.

Instead of pulling away, Brad deepened the kiss, his arms tightening around me.

The kiss seemed to last forever. When he finally pulled back, Brad pressed his forehead against mine, his

hands still cradling my face.

“Elle, I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. “I’m sorry you suffered.”

“Why didn’t you trust me this time?” he asked, his thumb brushing away a tear I didn’t realize had fallen. “Elle, don’t push me toward other women, okay? I only want you. Just you.”

I couldn’t speak. My throat was tight with emotion, and tears were streaming down my face.

Brad took my hand and pressed it flat against his chest, over his heart. “It’s so empty here, Elle. Come back and fill this space, please?”

More tears fell.

He leaned down and pressed soft kisses to my lips, my cheeks, my forehead. “Please, baby. My love, come back to me… come back to me…”

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