Chapter 30
Chapter Thirty
T he sound of distant laughter and the soft clink of glasses drifted through the air as Alex walked toward the private dining area. Spotting his target, Alex observed the man as he approached the table.
Declan was a little paler than normal, and his enormous frame, while still powerful, was slightly thinner. For a man who had essentially been dead a month ago, he looked pretty good.
“Do you want to take a picture?” Declan drawled in his slight Irish accent.
“Nah, I’ll just observe your pretty face from here.” Alex took a seat across from him. “I hear you’re in Atlanta for good.”
Declan sipped what Alex knew would be whiskey. “This is where Olivia’s company is located, and my family all live here now, so…”
He shrugged as if it was of no consequence, but Alex knew the truth. This was a massive shift in the billionaire’s life.
“Congratulations by the way.” Alex waved the server over.
Declan waited until Alex ordered a drink and the server walked away before answering. “Thank you. To you as well, I hear.”
The two of them shared a friendship of sorts—though competitive alliance might be a more accurate term. Their bond had been forged over a decade ago, in the aftermath of a bloodbath in a Dublin pub. Since that night, they had traded favors back and forth.
The truth was, aside from Liev and Madison, Declan was the only person Alex truly trusted.
“I’m guessing we’re at this pompous place for a reason?”
Alex smirked. “Why do you say that? Maybe I just missed you, and with the whole almost dying thing, I wanted to spend some quality time with you.”
Declan arched a dark brow. “I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that a certain Senator and his family—a family I believe you and your lovely new bride are engaged in a nasty custody battle with—are sitting over there.”
“Are they?” Alex feigned surprise, and Declan shook his head with a low chuckle.
“What do you want me to do?”
“Why do you think I want you to do anything?”
“Because you never call me unless you want something.”
“Uh, I believe on tally you are three, or is it four, favors behind?”
Declan’s voice hardened. “I didn’t ask for your help with the Albanians.”
“Tut tut. How soon he forgets. I told you that one didn’t count.”
The Albanian threat to Declan had been neutralized because Alex had asked his brother for a favor, and he didn’t look forward to the day Mikhail wanted payment for it.
“I was referring to my endeavors regarding your lovely fiancée’s ex-husband.”
Declan’s face darkened at the mention of Olivia’s abusive ex-husband. “As I recall, your failure to find him resulted in Olivia’s kidnapping.”
“True.” Alex spread his hands wide. “But I tried.”
Declan glowered at him.
“Fine. We’ll call it two favors still owed then. You owed me one already, and then I saved your sister-in-law’s life.”
“Cut the bullshit. What do you want?”
“I just need you to stand next to me and look vaguely menacing with all your Bloom power on display. You’ll love it. No one does sneering condescension the way you do,” Alex mocked.
“Why haven’t you already put a stop to this shit? Wouldn’t it be easier to resolve this with a more direct approach?” Declan frowned. “From what I’ve learned about the kid’s dad, he’s a nasty little fucker, no one will miss.”
Alex ground his teeth and shot back the rest of his drink. “His new family would, and there are also family considerations on my side, which prohibit me from utilizing my best skills.”
Declan studied him for a moment and then finished his drink. “All right. Ready when you are.” The two men rose. “Are you looking for a wet-their-pants kind of fear, or just a be-aware-of-who-you-are-fucking-with kind of fear?”
“You got bored with all that bed rest, didn’t you?” Alex grinned and then sobered. “Your primary job is to keep me from forgetting my obligations and gutting the bastard like a fish.”
Declan chuckled. “Fun.”
Alex strode through the tables with Declan at his side, aware of the looks they were drawing from the other guests. The restaurant at Armstrong’s country club was busy, but Alex barely registered the noise. His attention was fixed on one specific table.
It was perfect. He wanted Armstrong and Felix to understand that he didn’t need to operate in the dark or in his brother’s shadow. He was more than happy to meet them where they thought they were protected.
The Senator had positioned himself at the head of the table. Felix sat beside him, smug and self-assured alongside an attractive brunette Alex knew to be Mary.
The moment Felix saw him, his entire bodylocked up.
He knows who I am. Excellent.
Armstrong followed his son-in-law’s gaze, his mouth lifting in amusement as he took in Alex and the man at his side.
“Senator,” Alex drawled.
Armstrong set his drink down and cocked his head slightly as he studied them. “Mr. Kovalyov, what a surprise.”
“And this must be the infamous Felix.” Alex pinned the man with a stare. “Madison has told me so much about you. I’ve been dying to meet you.”
Felix squirmed in his seat, tugging at his navy blazer as a red flush snuck up his neck.
Mary smiled sweetly up at him, but Alex didn’t miss the steel in her gaze.
“You must be Alex, Madison’s new husband. I have to say, I’ve been curious about the man who is living with our little Jax. My father has told me so many interesting things about you.”
Not a bad opening volley.
Alex looked at the woman, reassessing her role. From what Madison had said, he’d expected Mary to sit quietly as a spectator, but he sensed she might be more in the driver's seat than Felix.
“ Interesting isn’t the word I’d use for Alex,” Declan said. “I’d have thought formidable was better.”
“Ahh,” Alex clutched his chest. “I didn’t know you cared.”
Declan glowered at him. “Arrogant Asshole also comes to mind.”
“That’s two words,” Alex mused, before turning back to the three people watching them with varying degrees of confusion and irritation. “But we digress.”
The Senator’s gaze flicked toward Declan, his political smile never faltering. “Bloom, nice to see you.”
Declan turned cold violet eyes on the man. “Have we met?” His lip curled as if to convey that it was doubtful.
Armstrong didn’t flinch. “I knew your father. We had many things in common and Bloom Media has always been my preferred news outlet. I didn’t realize the two of you knew each other. How peculiar. It doesn’t seem as if you’d have much in common.”
“Oh, we go way back.” Alex turned his gaze to Felix. “Our mutual devotion to family and a positively animalistic approach to protecting what’s ours is a bond we’ve always shared.”
Armstrong gestured at two empty chairs. “Join us?”
“We wouldn’t want to intrude on your lovely family dinner. I just wanted to say hello. We haven’t met in person before. I wanted to be sure you recognized my face… in case we ever run into each other.” Alex turned a lethal smile on Felix.
Felix tried to keep his expression neutral, but he sank in his seat a little.
“How thoughtful of you,” Armstrong murmured.
Alex didn’t lift his perusal of Felix who now squirmed more obviously. Declan chuckled behind him.
“How is Madison?” Armstrong asked smoothly, lifting his glass. “I’m afraid I’ve never had the pleasure of speaking with her. I saw her once or twice—across the courtroom.” He pursed his lips. “Unfortunately, on both occasions she seemed distraught.”
The man had balls. Alex would give him that. He’d love a chance to shove them down the cocky bastard’s throat.
“She’s thriving. She and Jax both are.”
“I was so surprised when I heard Madison had gotten married,” Mary interjected.
“You aren’t friends.”
“Sadly, no.” Another demure smile. “But it would have been nice to know there was a man around Jax.” She shrugged. “We worry about him.”
“We all love the little boy so much,” the Senator said. “It’s only natural Felix would have concerns.”
Hearing his name, Felix straightened in his seat. Catching his father-in-law’s eye, he puffed out his chest. “Jax is my son. If you care so much about family, then you should want him to be with his father .”
Alex hid the sudden, blistering rage Felix’s words evoked. This degenerate making any claim on Jax had every possessive and protective instinct inside him roaring to life.
Instantly, it clicked in his brain, the concept fusing itself into his DNA.
He never questioned his desire for Madison.
He wanted her.
He’d wanted her from the minute he’d laid eyes on her, and while he had acknowledged to himself that he cared about the toddler, it had always been as an extension of Madison.
But now?
The strength of his own reaction surprised him.
It wasn’t just anger. It was raw and primal.
Alex had only lived with the boy for a month, and already hecouldn’t imagine his life without him.
The urge to shoot the pathetic piece of shit in the face, and be done with the whole mess, was almost irresistible.
Jax was not this sperm donor’s son.
He is mine.
Armstrong smiled, shifting his attention fully to Alex. “Family is important,” he said smoothly. “It’s the foundation of everything a strong society needs. My entire re-election campaign is built on the return of family values to this country.”
Declan made a disgusted noise that he didn’t bother to hide. “Whose definition of family and which values?”
Alex shot his friend a look, and while Declan gave the Senator a contemptuous glare, he spread his hands wide, acknowledging he wasn’t part of the conversation.
“The kind of values anyone could embrace. A safe, loving, and healthy home.”
Alex shook his head as if he were confused. “Isn’t Felix an abusive drug addict? I’m not sure how that translates to safe and healthy.”
Felix glared back at him but apparently couldn’t find the courage to challenge Alex directly again.
Next to him, Mary sucked in a breath. “Felix has had his troubles in the past, but thankfully he is doing wonderfully now.” She beamed at Felix, her gaze darting to Declan when he made a gagging noise. “The same problems Jax’s real mother had.”
She adopted a sorrowful expression. “And while it’s tragic that Opal couldn’t overcome her demons, with my help, and the hope his son brings him, Felix has put it all behind him.”
“Not exactly the same as Opal.”
“What do you mean?” Mary looked genuinely confused.
“Bartow County.” Alex turned his stare on the Senator. “The domestic violence reports…”
Armstrong’s jaw tensed. “Felix has a clean criminal record. He’s never been arrested.”
“A clean criminal record doesn’t mean a person didn’t commit a crime. It simply means there’s no official record of it anymore. However, it doesn’t mean the officers involved don’t remember the calls.”
“You would know more about that than me, I’m sure.” Armstrong said. “I really don’t know what you’re talking about, but I hope you aren’t thinking of making false allegations against my son-in-law. Especially the kind that could reflect badly on me.” He smiled smugly. “That kind of thing could have repercussions.”
“I’m sure this is all very difficult for you,” Mary interjected, though her smile was no longer easy. “Obviously you don’t want to see Madison upset, but Jax belongs with his father.”
“Of course,” the Senator continued, his voice dripping with fake magnanimity, “Madison will always have a place in Jax’s life. She is his aunt , after all.”
The word was deliberate.
Aunt. Not mother .
“She stepped up when she was needed,” he added. “And for that, we areallgrateful. However, even her own parents recognize Jax belongs with his father.” He gestured toward Alex. “Surely, you want children of your own ?”
Felix smirked, happy to let everyone else speak for him.
Fucking coward.
Alex forced himself to breathe and push down the tidal wave of violence raging through him, while mentally cursing his brother for tying his hands.
Armstrong thought he was safe. That Mikhail would protect him.
He wasn’t.
The second the Senator stopped being of use to the Kovalyov Bratva, his breaths were numbered for the disrespect to Madison alone.
“I forgot to mention…” Alex smiled widely. “Jax hit a big milestone this week.”
Armstrong lifted a brow. “Oh?”
“He clearly says Mama now. Absolutely adorable.”
Felix turned purple, and Mary paled. Armstrong’s serene smile froze.
The only mother Jax knew was Madison, and Alex intended it stay that way.
“Children adapt easily,” Armstrong said coldly.
Alex smiled, resisting the urge to grab the man by the throat.
“We should get home. Madison is making dinner for our family. I’ll let you get back to yours. Good luck with your campaign, Senator.”
“What a slimy fucking bastard,” Declan muttered, as Alex handed his key to the valet.
“Yeah. He really is.”
The moment Alex and Declan walked through the front door, the tension from the country club dissipated. He could smell garlic and something else delicious from the front door. Settling Declan with a drink, he followed his nose to the kitchen.
Madison stood by the stove, stirring a simmering sauce, while Jax sat in the sectioned-off play area on a cushioned mat pushing buttons on an incredibly obnoxious loud toy.
Leaning casually against the door frame, Alex watched the scene in front of him. Never in a million years did he think this was what he wanted. Now, coming home to his family settled something in him.
Looking up and spotting him, Jax squealed happily, his arms immediately lifting, causing Madison to spin around.
“Hey, little man,” he greeted Jax, giving the boy a hug before he perched him on his hip. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” he said to Madison.
“Want a glass of wine?” She nodded at her glass.
“I’m good. It smells incredible in here.”
“Nothing exciting. Just a basic spaghetti Bolognese,” she said as he kissed her temple. After the encounter at the country club, he needed to touch her.
And he wasn’t going to ask himself why.
“Enough for me?” Declan’s deep voice sounded behind him.
“Of course.” Though Madison’s glanced at Alex in surprise.
“You didn’t tell her I was coming, did you?” Declan smirked. “Rookie mistake.”
“Last I checked, I’m the only one of us married.”
“Where are the two of you coming from?” Madison asked, clearly trying to head off an argument.
“We met for a drink,” Alex said smoothly. It wasn’t a lie.
“Well, I have plenty of food. Let me set the table, and we should be good to go.”
Alex set Jax on his feet, and the toddler immediately clutched Alex’s pant leg and proceeded to stuff two fingers in his mouth as he stared up at Declan.
Declan crouched down and extended his large hand to Jax. The toddler studied him for a minute warily.
Alex brushed the boy’s curls back and said in a soft voice, “Jax, this is my friend. I know he looks like an ugly ogre, but he’s the nice kind.”
The look in Declan’s eyes said, ‘fuck off,’ but he kept a gentle smile on his face. It was odd to see him like this, and Alex imagined Declan probably felt the same about him.
Jax let go of his leg and toddled forward to grab Declan’s hand. Something soft crossed the normally ruthless billionaire’s face.
It was fucking unnerving.
“Strong lad.”
Madison smiled. “He is.”
“I can’t wait to have my own.”
Madison’s face brightened. “Well, you’ll be able to get a lot of practice when Cami and James’s twins arrive.”
“What?” Declan’s eyes bulged, and Madison covered her mouth with a gasp.
“Oh my god. Forget I said that.”
“Twins?” Declan repeated. “With James’s DNA? God help us all.”
“Please, please, please don’t tell anyone I told you. Act surprised when you hear. Cami is going to kill me!” Madison exclaimed, looking genuinely upset.
Alex sent Declan a glare over her head.
Declan smiled. “Don’t worry. I will have the biggest surprised face you can imagine.”
Dishing up plates for everyone, Madison settled Jax in his highchair and pulled off his shirt.
When the two men looked at her curiously, she laughed. “It’s the easiest way to clean him up. I learned the hard way that Jax and spaghetti are a messy business. But he loves it so much. Don’t you, Jaxy?” She tickled the toddler’s belly to his delight.
Alex watched her, and then he caught Declan watching him and scowled.
They made small talk for a few minutes before Madison took a deep breath. “I’m going out of town this weekend. Felix has visitation, so you don’t need to worry about taking care of Jax. I’ll drop him off on the way to the airport.”
Alex’s stomach tightened, but he wasn’t sure if it was because she was leaving or if it was the reminder that Jax had to go to the Armstrong mansion.
Declan met his eyes, his expression somber.
He did his best to keep his tone light. “Really? How long will you be gone?”
“Just a couple of days. The new production company wants more local flair, so I need to go in person. Take some pics for social media and maybe do some video interviews.”
“What’s the podcast about?” Declan asked. “I haven’t caught up with Camellia recently.”
“It’s a cold case—a house fire that was possibly used to cover a murder. The victim was involved in a nasty custody fight with his ex-girlfriend.” She made a face. “Sometimes the details are hitting a little too close, but the twist in this case is that the first officer on the scene of the fire was the ex-girlfriend’s brother, Clint Weaver. Her other brother Elijah was also there. He was one of the firefighters who responded.”
“Really?” Declan’s interest was clearly piqued.
“Yup. The police barely investigated. They settled on an accidental fire early and ignored some key autopsy evidence that would indicate it was a murder. If the victim’s sister hadn’t started a social media account with several viral videos, they probably would have ignored the case and forgotten it.”
Alex’s eyes narrowed slightly, his lips pressing into a thin line. “And you’re planning to go to this town and look into this… alone?”
“Cami’s morning sickness is too severe for her to travel.” Madison shrugged. “She did the last case practically on her own. It’s only fair.”
“It doesn’t sound safe.” Alex felt his muscles tense.
She offered him a reassuring smile. “It’s a small town, Alex. I’m not planning to go digging in dark alleys. I’m just there to get the lay of the land, talk to the victim’s family in person and get a sense of the town’s atmosphere.” She gave him a playful nudge. “It’s my job. I know what I’m doing, Charming.”
Declan choked on his drink. “ Charming ?”
Normally Alex would threaten Declan’s life for that, but he was more concerned about the immediate problem. “You should take security. Liev could go with you.”
“Because he wouldn’t stand out at all.” Madison rolled her eyes. “I’m going to check my gun in my luggage, but I promise this really isn’t anything to be concerned about. I leave Friday evening, and I’ll be back Sunday afternoon.”
She gnawed on her lip for a second, her eyes darting to Jax who was carefully picking up tiny pieces of noodle Madison had cut up for him.
“The only thing I’m worried about is being away from Jax. I know this is all new…” She cast a look at Declan and flushed before turning her gaze back to Alex. “I would feel a lot better if I knew you were keeping an eye on him. Cami is always around too, but she’s sick and you’re his…”
Something swelled inside Alex, even though she didn’t finish the sentence. “You don’t need to ask. I’m here if Jax needs anything.”
Madison beamed at him before placing her hand over his. “Thank you so much. Seriously. Felix won’t call, but in case there is an emergency, knowing you’re around...” Her voice caught, and then she shook her head with a laugh as she turned beet red. “You both must think I’m being silly.”
“Not at all,” Declan said. “I’d feel the same way if I had to leave my child.”
A loud, splatting noise sounded from nearby as Jax reached the end of his meal and began drumming his hands in the sauce left behind.
“Annnd that’s my cue,” Madison said, rising to her feet. “I need to get this little monster in the bath and into bed.” Draping a dish towel over her chest to protect her top from the sauce Jax had smeared on his torso, Madison picked him up so that his back was to her chest.
“Wave goodnight, baby.”
“Ni ni,” Jax babbled, and Alex grinned back at him.
“Night, Jax.”
Alex cleared the plates and led Declan to the chairs on the back terrace where the spring night air was still warm. He lit a cigar, offering one to Declan.
Declan took it but arched a brow. “Why are we outside?”
Alex exhaled, the smoke wafting around him. “Jax has delicate lungs. Can’t have smoke in the house.”
Declan gave him a long look. “Do you know what you’re doing?”
Alex tapped the ash from the cigar end. “Don’t tell me we do feelings now.”
“Call it morbid curiosity. You all but declared war on a U.S. Senator for a woman you say you don’t care about.”
“I never said I didn’t care about Madison. She’s my wife,” Alex growled, not liking the direction in which the conversation was going.
“I think you’re in love with her.”
“Shut the fuck up.”
Declan chuckled. “I’m just saying.”
“Don’t you have a leprechaun you should be fucking?”
Declan threw back his head and laughed. They sat in silence for several minutes before he added, “You know she’s in love with you, right?”
Alex’s fingers tightened around the cigar. “No, she’s not.”
“I don’t even want to know what all went into this sudden marriage, but I have eyes.”
“Our marriage is our business.” His heart began to pound.
Madison wasn’t in love with him.
A suffocating feeling twisted in his chest. He instantly shoved it down. It didn’t matter. Whatever Declan thought he saw, whatever ridiculous assumptions he’d made, it changed nothing.
Except, underneath his irritation was an odd tingling—an emotion that both enticed and terrified him.
No. He wouldn’t let Declan get in his head.
Their marriage was an arrangement.
A partnership.
He would protect her. Give her anything she needed.
Just not that.
Declan’s voice lowered, suddenly serious. “Are you prepared for what it will feel like when she walks away? When you can’t give her what she needs? Because that’s what will happen someday. It’s hard to live with a broken heart full of regrets for something you should have recognized before it was too late.”
Alex’s stomach twisted.
No.
He wasn’t prepared.
But he could ignore Declan because he never planned onletting Madison go.