Chapter 30
“Take it easy. Don’t rush,” Joseph said to Elizabeth. Elizabeth nodded and smiled at him. Alexander was stunned by her bright smile aimed at another man, but he quickly shook it off. Since when did I start caring about Elizabeth? “Shouldn’t I be focusing on Esme right now?” he thought.
Esme nailed the ball, every move sharp and smooth. Years of golf will do that. Alexander snapped back to reality and clapped. “Esme, you’re incredible.” Esme blew him a kiss, giggling. “Love you, Alexander!”
Elizabeth, trying to concentrate, couldn’t ignore Esme’s words. They made her stomach churn. In the end, Elizabeth only got two balls in. Esme tossed her club, sipped some water, and declared, “You lost.”
“I accept,” Elizabeth said calmly, wiping her hands. Alexander watched her leave. Is she really gonna kiss some guy just because Esme said so? he wondered. Esme pulled him up, grinning. “Alexander, let’s watch the show!”
But Alexander couldn’t smile; he was getting more and more uneasy. Elizabeth looked up as a young waiter walked in with a tray of water. At least he was young. Kissing him didn’t seem like a big deal.
Joseph stepped up. “Elizabeth, you don’t always have to keep a promise…”
“It’s just a game. If Ms. Russell wants to play, I’ll see it through,” Elizabeth smiled at Joseph, then looked at Alexander. “Mr. Tudor loves his fiancée so much. He wouldn’t let me break my promise.”
Esme lifted her chin, looking all smug and ready to gloat. She was loving this moment of triumph. Alexander stared at Elizabeth with a frosty glare, the tension around him thickening.
“Mr. Tudor’s a gentleman. Plus, you’ve been married for three years. Just laugh it off and don’t take the bet seriously,” Joseph tried to smooth things over.
Chapter 30
Elizabeth glanced at Alexander, her eyes too calm, almost taunting him, making his mood even darker. If Elizabeth would just back down, he could help her out of this mess! If only she’d call out to him, he’d step in!
Elizabeth cut off the waiter. “Hello, Ms. Percy. Need any help?” The guy smiled, his voice smooth. Elizabeth’s lips curled slightly, her eyes locked on him as she softly asked, “Can I kiss you?”
The guy froze, caught off guard. Alexander’s brows knitted, his fists clenching, thinking she was out of her mind. Elizabeth glanced at Alexander, her eyes cold. She stood on her toes, hands on the guy’s shoulders, and whispered, “Excuse me.”
Just as she was about to kiss him, her wrist was grabbed, and she was yanked away. “That’s enough.” Alexander’s voice was low and rough, seething with anger. Elizabeth’s lashes fluttered as she lazily stepped back, locking eyes with Alexander. She looked cool and unbothered, like she had everything under control. But Alexander’s face was dark, radiating tension. Esme’s smile froze, staring at Alexander in shock. She’d been enjoying the show, but he just shut it down.