After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Elle’s POV

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“What else can I do?” Brad shrugged slightly, pushing a plate of crab cakes toward me.

I took one silently, noticing the subtle satisfaction in Brad’s eyes as I ate. Something about him watching

me eat had become oddly familiar-comforting, even.

The rest of dinner passed in peaceful quiet. When we finished, I automatically stood to head back to the bedroom. After the emotional rollercoaster of today, sleep seemed like the only reasonable option.

“You slept all afternoon. Think you can still fall asleep now?” Brad asked, dabbing the corner of his mouth with a napkin. “This is your first time in Silverpeak, isnt it? Come on, let’s go for a drive.”

hesitated, and he added quickly: “Fresh air would be good for the baby.”

I caught the awkwardness in his voice as he said it, as if he needed to justify why he wanted to spend time

with m

The clarification stung a little, but it made sense. Of course-his kindness was about the baby, not

“Sure,” I nodded, too tired to argue.

Something like joy flickered across Brad’s face as he stood. “I’ll bring the car around.”

Twenty minutes later, I stepped outside wearing fresh clothes and carrying a small purse Alex had coordinated for me. Brad was already waiting in the driveway in what had to be the most stunning car I’d

ever seen.

“Holy shit,” I whispered under my breath.

The butler opened the passenger door for me, and I slid into the butter-soft leather seat, trying not to look

as intimidated as I felt.

“Like it?” Brad asked, noticing my wide-eyed stare. “It’s Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster. Only five were

ever made.”

“It’s incredible,” I admitted, running my fingers lightly over the dashboard. “I remember guys at the office talking about these. Said seeing one was like spotting a unicorn.”

“You know your cars,” Brad remarked, a smile playing at his lips as he pulled away from the house.

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I noticed he drove more carefully than usual, maintaining a steady speed without any sudden movements.

The cool night air rushed around us as we headed into the city center, the lights of Silverpeak growing

brighter as we approached.

As soon as we hit the main streets, people began staring and pointing. Car enthusiasts pulled out phones to snap pictures, while women gave me envious looks. Brad accelerated slightly, leaving the impromptu

paparazzi behind.

“Any favorite brands?” he asked casually. “Silverpeak has all the latest collections, usually before anywhere

else.”

“How would you know that?” I asked, genuinely curious

Brad laughed. “Because Rayne Group owns one of those brands. Se is part of our fashion division.”

I felt immediately stupid. Of course-Se was one of the world’s top luxury brands. People camped out

overnight just to buy their latest releases.

“I’m good,” I said quickly. “You’ve already filled my closet with more clothes than I could wear in a year.”

Brad’s long fingers tapped thoughtfully against the steering wheel. Suddenly, he made a sharp turn,

heading in a new direction.

“You should get your driver’s license,” he said as we pulled up to a sleek building with the illuminated Se logo above the entrance. “If you like this car, it’s yours.”

I nearly choked. “Are you serious? This is a collector’s item! I couldn’t possibly-”

“It’s just a car,” he said with that casual dismissiveness that only the truly wealthy can master.

The moment we entered the flagship store, I could feel he atmosphere change. A woman who must have

been the manager froze mid-step.

“A-Alpha Rayne,” she stammered, clearly shocked to see him. Though the staff didn’t know who I was, they

quickly assembled, bowing respectfully,

Brad nodded in acknowledgment. “This season’s collection…” he glanced at me, his eyes briefly dropping to

assess my size, “smallest size, all of it. Pack it up.”

“Right away, Alpha,” the manager said, immediately dispatching staff to fulfill the request.

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I could feel the envious stares from the female employees. I didn’t blame them-I would have reacted the same way before all this happened.

“Take a look around,” Brad told me. “Clothing on the first floor, accessories on the second, footwear on the

third. Get whatever catches your eye.”

The women nearby practically vibrated with jealousy. I knew what they were thinking: Who is this human girl and why is Alpha Rayne treating her like this?

Knowing Brad wanted me to enjoy myself, I nodded. “Alright, I’ll look around.”

Two sales associates trailed behind me as I browsed, softly explaining the special features of various items. I listened politely but wasn’t particularly interested in trying anything on.

Then I spotted it-a light blue dress shirt hanging on a display. Immediately, I remembered how I’d ruined Brad’s expensive shirt with my tears earlier. Without thinking, I pointed to it.

“Can I see that one?” I asked, then turned to Brad. “What’s your size?”

The two saleswomen behind me audibly gasped. I was picking out last season’s design for an Alpha who

could afford anything.

To everyone’s shock, Brad’s expression brightened. “They know my measurements. Bring that in my size. I

want to try it on.”

The store manager recovered quickly, rushing to find the shirt. Brad took it and, without hesitation, removed his current shirt right there in the store.

The collective intake of breath from the female staff was almost comical. I’d seen Brad shirtless before, but I had to admit the sight of his sculpted torso still made my mouth go dry. Perfect didn’t begin to describe him-the defined muscles, the smooth tan skin, the way his shoulders tapered to a narrow waist.

He pulled on the blue shirt and turned to me. “What do you think?”

“It looks good,” I said honestly. On him, everything did.

Brad beamed at my simple approval. “I’ll wear this one ut,” he told the manager, who looked like she wanted to say something but thought better of it.

I noticed his collar was crooked and instinctively reached up to fix it, standing on tiptoe. Brad went still, watching me intently as I smoothed the fabric against his neck.

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Our eyes met, and something electric passed between us. The store, the people watching, everything faded away for a moment. Brad’s expression softened, and he opened his mouth to speak-

‘Well, what a coincidence! Alpha Rayne, I didn’t expect to see you here!”

I turned toward the voice, finding myself face-to-face with a familiar figure standing just feet away from

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After One Night with the Alpha