Chapter 86

Scarlett's POV

I awakened suddenly to a light touch, something tickling my nose.

Opening my eyes, I found a pair of deep blue eyes staring directly at me—a color-point Siamese cat had somehow climbed onto my bed.

I sat up abruptly, my mind still foggy, but the cat showed no fear, lazily rubbing against my arm as if I were its new territory.

"Seems she likes you," Alexander's unhurried voice came from across the room.

I turned to see him walking toward me, dressed in an exquisite tailored suit, his demeanor unusually formal.

He bent down to scratch under the cat's chin, eliciting a satisfied purr. An expensive watch adorned his wrist, catching the morning light.

"Is it your cat?" I asked, though I already guessed the answer.

"A gift from a friend. Pure Thai bloodline," he replied while adjusting his tie, his long, strong fingers moving somewhat clumsily.

His attire today was far more formal than usual, the suit perfectly conforming to his strong physique, a testament to his military background.

I shifted slightly, suddenly aware that I was wearing only his oversized shirt, the soft fabric barely covering the essential parts of my body.

A wave of inexplicable embarrassment washed over me, and I instinctively tugged at the collar. "Are you going out?"

"Yes," Alexander responded briefly, but I noticed his mood seemed particularly good today, the smile at the corners of his eyes more pronounced than usual.

When Alexander was happy, it typically meant someone was about to have a bad day.

He suddenly reached over and playfully scratched under my chin, just as he had done with the cat.

This casual intimate gesture brought an unexpected warmth, causing my heartbeat to involuntarily quicken. "Where to?" I asked in a nonchalant tone, pretending indifference.

"That I can't tell you, but if you're tired, you can continue sleeping." His tone carried a hint of teasing, then he softly cursed, "Damn this thing, it always needs..."

Watching him struggle with his tie, a rare feeling of lightness surfaced within me.

"Let me," I extended my hand to take over the rebellious tie.

He immediately grabbed my outstretched hand. "So these hands aren't just capable of..." He wore a mischievous smirk, his gaze deliberately sweeping over my body.

My cheeks couldn't help but warm as I quickened my movements adjusting his tie, wanting to create distance between us.

His neck was long and elegant; even with the tie tightly binding his collar, his Adam's apple remained distinctly visible, moving up and down with each swallow.

If one could set everything else aside, Alexander was indeed an excellent bedmate—skilled, attentive, and despite his dominance, still mindful of my feelings.

I held his tie, lost in thought.

When I came back to my senses, Alexander had effortlessly pulled me onto his lap, our bodies pressed tightly together.

His scent mingled with the freshness of his morning shower, momentarily disorienting me.

This feeling was like that of an ordinary couple, a perfectly normal, tender daily routine.

His gaze fell shamelessly on the open part of the shirt. "After all my efforts last night, you're still so..." he teased, his fingers ghosting over my chest. "When you have children in the future, you certainly won't lack milk."

"Enough." The fantasy in my mind shattered instantly, leaving only shame and embarrassment. Since he discovered my ability to lactate, Alexander, the bastard, often used it to tease me.

"I should thank Richard for making me the beneficiary of this situation," he continued with that irritating smile.

"Alexander, don't go too far," I warned, raising my fist to hit him, only to be easily caught.

His palm was warm and strong, making me realize how great the difference in strength was between us.

"Alright, alright." His fingertips traced my ear, which had reddened from embarrassment, the sensation causing me to tremble involuntarily.

"I have important business today. I'll come back tonight to play with you."

He gently placed me back on the bed before turning to leave, his broad shoulders and narrow waist perfectly accentuated by his suit jacket.

I suddenly remembered something and quickly called out to him.

"Could I ask you for a favor?" Although Alexander refused to help me escape Richard, perhaps he could help me find Yvette.

Thinking of Yvette, a wave of bitterness rose within me. I had to ensure her safety; she was my only blood relative now.

"Hmm?" He turned to look at me, his features handsome to the point of cruelty, instinctively warning one not to get too close, yet irresistibly drawing curiosity.

"I want you to—"

"When asking for help, one should have the appropriate attitude. I believe I've taught you this before," Alexander interrupted, stepping lightly, dangerous light flickering in his blue eyes. "Say it properly, will you?"

I clenched my teeth, restraining the anger within. This taming game disgusted me, but I needed his help.

"Sir..." I tried, my voice almost squeezed through gritted teeth.

"Wrong," he immediately rejected, displeasure evident on his face.

"Mr. Gray..." I attempted again, feeling like a puppet forced to perform.

An unsatisfied silence followed as he stood there, looking down at me, waiting for the correct response.

"Honey..." I finally forced out the word, my throat feeling blocked, each syllable painfully difficult.

"Still not quite right," he said, clearly enjoying my discomfort, the corners of his mouth turning upward, victory gleaming in his eyes.

"What do you want me to call you?" Cold sweat broke out on my forehead as I tried to end this exchange quickly.

"Try 'Alexander, my Honey,'" he suggested, his voice deep and magnetic, his eyes sparkling.

I took a deep breath, finding it easier the second time. "Alexander, my Honey..."

"Very good," he nodded with satisfaction. "Be good at home, waiting for your Honey to return."