His Awesome Ex Is Now Uncle's Lady (Alicia and Austin) novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44 Fire and Smoke

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Finished

David opened his mouth as if to speak, but hesitated, torn between wanting to grab her hand and fearing she would push him away. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe the shock, but his body suddenly felt weak and unsteady.

Alicia seized the chance to leave. “Forget about me.”

David stood there in a daze, murmuring, “Alicia… don’t go.”

Even if she wants to cut ties completely, at least she isn’t sick-and she’s here in Litchbrook. That’s enough. Surely our three years together mean something; I could win her back.

If she’s truly married, she wouldn’t be tangled up with some male host. That ring has to be a provocation, a way to hurt me. A man who turns over a new leaf is worth redemption. It’s not too late yet.

Just then, a hand waved in front of his face, breaking his train of thought. “Hey, what’s with that look? You seeing ghosts?”

“No,” David said, his eyes regaining focus. “I found her, Reggie. She was just here. Find out where Alicia’s living now. Starting tomorrow, I’m winning her back.”

Reggie gawked. “You serious? You’re the Burton heir. And she-what is she, really? If you’re going to marry, at least marry someone in your league.”

“Reggie,” David said quietly, “after everything that’s happened, I finally know what I want. I love Alicia. I don’t care who she is-I’m going to marry her.”

“Fine, fine. But tonight, let’s at least welcome you home properly. I’ve got a few new girls lined faces, great company. You can blow off some steam.

up-fresh

David’s expression darkened. His hand lashed out with a sharp crack across Reggie’s cheek. “Are you deaf? Didn’t you hear what I said? From now on, there’s no one else. If you ever try to send women my way again, we’re through.”

Reggie rubbed his jaw, baffled. “Seriously? What kind of spell did that Alicia woman put on you? You’re done with women altogether?”

David’s eyes lit up with something fierce. “She’s changed-Alicia’s different now. She’s… intoxicating.”

She wasn’t the rigid workaholic he’d once known. Every gesture, every glance now struck straight at his desires.

When he returned to the private room, he froze to see Aria there-apparently brought along by one of Reggie’s friends.

Aria approached him with a charming smile and raised her glass. “Mr. David, what a coincidence.

Meanwhile, Alicia hurried out of the club. She spotted the man leaning against a car, a lit cigarette between his fingers. The ember flared and dimmed with the night wind. He wasn’t even looking at her, yet her heart still lurched with guilt. She jogged up to him. “Austin.”

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11:37 Mon, Jan 5 d

Chapter 44 Fire and Smoke

“Done catching up with your old flame?” His tone was cool, his words even colder.

“Are you mad?”

Finished

Before she could blink, he pulled her close, pinning her against the car. The cigarette burned between his fingers as his thumb and forefinger tilted her chin upward. The smoke coiled in the air, hot against her check-dangerous and intimate all at once.

His deep, unreadable eyes bored into hers until she felt her breath hitch.

“Alicia Gibson,” he said evenly, “did I or did I not warn you? I don’t tolerate fickleness. You agreed to marry me, so you don’t get to be involved with other men. I hate betrayal, and I hate lies even more.”

Even if she tried to explain, it would sound like excuses. It was like arguing with a client-no one cared how hard one worked, only whether the final product pleased them

“I understand,” Alicia said softly. “It won’t happen again. I won’t lie to you anymore.”

The ash from his cigarette broke off and fell near his polished shoes. The flame crept dangerously close to his fingers, but he still didn’t move.

Alicia’s voice turned gentle, pleading. “I was wrong, Austin. Please forgive me, okay? I already made things clear with David.”

“I want you to make our marriage public,” Austin said, his voice low but commanding. It wasn’t a request-it was an order.

Alicia glanced at the cigarette burning down between his fingers and nodded quickly. “All right.”

That night was destined to be anything but ordinary.

David, meanwhile, was burning up from the inside-too much alcohol, and something else coursing through his veins. A drug. He wasn’t thinking clearly anymore. Once upon a time, he could have waved a hand and summoned women at will, but not that night. He had vowed to change-to never betray Alicia again.

He grabbed Reggie by the collar. “Someone drugged me.”

“What? Who’d dare do that? I’ll get you a clean girl right now.”

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