The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 56

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
*Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale*

“Let me show you,” Thane offered, his voice low and inviting.

Tracy, intrigued yet skeptical, questioned him gently, “And how exactly do you plan on doing that?” The air between them crackled with unspoken tension as Thane tilted his head slightly, closing the distance between them.

Tracy found herself captivated by the way his lips moved, while his gaze was firmly locked onto her eyes, deep and searching.

With a flutter of courage, Tracy leaned in and pressed her lips against his. She anticipated a spark, a reaction, but instead, there was an unexpected stillness.

However, Thane soon took charge, his lips moving against hers with a fervor that sent shivers down her spine. Without thinking, Tracy wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling the warmth radiate from him, but just as quickly, he pulled back, a reminder of their surroundings flooding his mind.

“I’m working, ma’am,” he stated matter-of-factly, a hint of playful formality in his tone. Tracy couldn’t help but laugh softly at his sudden shift back to professionalism.

“How about a quick break then? Do you have a room of your own?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Thane didn’t respond verbally; instead, he inclined his head slightly and began walking down the hallway, leaving Tracy to follow him.

Her laughter bubbled up again, light and carefree, as she trailed behind him. He stopped in front of a door, opening it with a swift motion, and she slipped inside right after him.

As soon as they were inside, Thane closed the door with a soft click and pinned her against the wall, a sudden surge of urgency in his kiss.

Tracy melted into him, her arms instinctively wrapping around his waist. He lifted her effortlessly, and she wrapped her legs around his torso, the kiss deepening with every heartbeat.

Before she knew it, her back hit the bed, and Thane pulled away, shedding his jacket in a fluid motion. Tracy followed suit, her shirt slipping off her shoulders as she watched him with a mixture of desire and anticipation.

When their lips met again, a soft moan escaped her, echoing the passion that swirled in the room. Thane’s hand wandered, exploring her body, and Tracy’s fingers traced the contours of his muscular frame, igniting a fire within her.

Yet, something shifted. She suddenly pulled back from their kiss, and Thane’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“Is something wrong?” he asked, concern lacing his voice. Tracy shook her head, but doubt flickered in her eyes.

Just as Thane leaned in again, a voice interrupted them, pulling him from the moment.

“What?” he asked, his breath heavy as he looked down at her, his expression a mix of longing and uncertainty.

“This is all happening so quickly. Have you always wanted this with me?” she inquired, her voice trembling slightly with vulnerability.

“You came to me, does that even matter?” Thane replied, his tone defensive. Tracy rolled her eyes, exasperated by his nonchalance.

“That’s true, but I just want a clear answer,” she insisted, her heart racing. Thane suppressed a groan, irritated by the weight of her question.

With a newfound determination, he leaned in closer, capturing her lips once more. This kiss was different—slow, deliberate, and charged with emotion.

“Does that answer your question?” he murmured, pulling back slightly to gauge her reaction. Tracy nodded, a smile breaking across her face as she giggled, pulling him closer for another kiss.

Meanwhile, in another part of the hotel, Aiden was growing impatient. “Why can’t we go to the party?” he asked for what felt like the hundredth time, his voice tinged with frustration as Alessa and Tracy prepared.

It was their second day in vibrant Las Vegas, and everything had gone smoothly thus far. Alessa had informed her children that she would be attending a party with Tracy while they stayed back at the hotel with Thane.

“I’ve told you before, Aiden. It’s an adult party, and children aren’t allowed,” Alessa replied, her fingers deftly styling her hair. She wore a stunning long black gown, identical to Tracy’s, as per their unspoken theme for the evening.

“But you called me a man just weeks ago,” Aiden whined, his youthful indignation evident. Tracy chuckled at his plight.

“Yes, you are a man, but that doesn’t mean you can come to adult parties,” Alessa countered, her tone light yet firm.

“Be more like Aria; she doesn’t seem bothered by this,” Alessa suggested, turning her attention to Aria, who was preoccupied with her phone.

“Bye, my darlings. We’ll be back soon,” she said, her tone affectionate.

Aiden and Aria exchanged eye rolls, and Alessa shrugged, unfazed. Tracy offered Thane a smile, but he didn’t return it, and she understood the weight of the moment. There was no anger, only a shared understanding of the boundaries they had crossed.

As they exited the room together, Tracy felt a flutter of anticipation. “So, what’s this party about? You haven’t told me yet,” she asked as they reached the elevator.

Alessa pressed the button for the ground floor. “Oh, it’s just a business party,” she replied casually, and Tracy nodded, though curiosity lingered.

“Was the sex good?” Alessa suddenly asked, her tone playful yet probing. Tracy paused, taken aback.

“What?” she stuttered, her cheeks flushing.

“With Thane. Did he fuck you well?” Alessa pressed, her gaze unwavering. Tracy’s mouth fell open slightly, her mind racing to comprehend how Alessa had found out.

Alessa raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile on her lips, and Tracy couldn’t help but chuckle nervously.

“Are you surprised? He’s worked for me for five years, and we had something more a few years back,” Alessa revealed, her tone light yet filled with history.

“Oh, you used to…?” Tracy began, her eyes wide with intrigue.

“Was the sex good?” Alessa asked again, her smile mischievous. Tracy felt warmth creep into her cheeks.

“Yeah,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper, and Alessa nodded knowingly.

“Just remember, don’t get too caught up with Thane. He’s not who you think he is,” Alessa warned as the elevator doors opened, and she stepped out.

Tracy paused, her mind racing with Alessa’s words. What did that even mean?