FATED ENCOUNTER

CHAPTER 39

"Home, Heat & Her Enemy Watching"

Hazel’s POV

"She didn't throw anything at me," I said, toeing off my heels at the entrance of Alex's penthouse. "I think that's a win."

Alex chuckled, taking my coat and hanging it with casual ease. "You survived Eleanor William. That's better than most."

I gave him a half-glare, half-grin. "You could have warned me she was part queen, part military general."

"Where's the fun in that?"

He reached out, pulling me close by the waist, lips brushing my forehead. "You were incredible today. Proud of you."

I melted. The stress of the day dissolved under the warmth of his praise.

Then came the loud banging at the door.

Raymond.

He barged in with a grocery bag in hand, no shame, no knock. "You met the Queen Mother and didn’t die? Damn, Hazel. You deserve