2. A Night to Satisfy His Desire

Alexander said nothing. He simply walked beside him, lighting a cigarette as if the conversation didn't concern him.

"You need to get out of your head for one night, man. Seriously."

"I'm fine," Alexander finally replied, taking out his pack of cigarettes and handing it to Arthur.

"Liar." Arthur lit a cigarette, taking a drag before continuing. "You literally just got lectured about marriage, business, and legacy. I know how suffocating that feels."

Alexander remained silent. They eventually stopped beside their cars, staring up at the night sky.

After a moment, Arthur opened his car door. "Come on, just try it. I'll send you the owner's number. If I didn't trust the place, I wouldn't recommend it to you. Your privacy will be protected."

He paused, a faint grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "The madam's picky. She only keeps the best girls. Trust me, you won't be disappointed."

Hearing his cousin ramble on, Alexander let out a quiet sigh. "Just go. I've heard enough about your nightlife."

Arthur chuckled. "Thank me later."

With that, Arthur got into his car and drove away leaving Alexander alone with his thoughts. He took another drag from his cigarette, exhaling slowly into the night.

Seeing several members of the Harrington family stepping out of his parents' mansion, Alexander stubbed out his cigarette before getting into the passenger seat of the car. The driver started the engine, and they pulled away into the quiet night.

Not long after, his phone rang. His mother was calling. Alexander let out a sigh before answering.

"You’re not driving yourself, are you?" Catherine asked immediately as soon as the call connected.

"Hm."

"Let me know when you get home. Remember."

"Yeah."

Before Catherine could say anything else, Alexander had already ended the call. At the same moment, a new message from Arthur came in.

[Arthur: Rosaline's number: +44...]

[Arthur: Go easy on her, Casanova. Don't make Edward a grandfather tonight 😉]

Alexander stared at the messages for a moment before shifting his gaze to the road outside.

Maybe Arthur was right.

It had been a long time since he had been with anyone. Maybe one night was enough to silence the noise in his head.

Alexander's thoughts were still consumed by everything that had happened during dinner by the time he arrived at the mansion. As soon as he stepped inside, he ran into Emily, the housekeeper who had taken care of his personal needs for years.

"Prepare some clothes for me. I'm going out again," he said, handing her his suit jacket.

"Where?"

"I just need some fresh air."

"But if Mrs. Harrington finds out, she'll be angry."

"Then don't let her find out."

Once he was in his bedroom, Alexander stared at the number Arthur had sent. He knew this was probably a bad idea. For a moment, he considered putting his phone down and forgetting about it. But before he could change his mind, his finger pressed the call button.

"Hello. Madam Rosaline speaking," the voice of a mature woman came from the other end of the line.

Alexander tightened his grip on his phone. It was the first time in his life he had ever called a woman like Rosaline. He searched for something to say but came up blank.

"Arthur gave me your number," he said at last. It was the only thing he could think of.

"I've been expecting your call, Mr. Harrington. When will you be coming?"

Alexander glanced toward Emily as she picked out his clothes. He lowered the volume on his phone. “In a little while.”

"I'll make sure everything is ready by the time you arrive. I'll text you the address."

Alexander was about to end the call when Rosaline spoke again.

"And what kind of woman would you like?"

Alexander fell silent for a brief moment. He hadn't given it any thought. "I'll leave that to you."

A soft chuckle came through the receiver. "I like your answer. I think I have just the woman for you."

The call ended.

Alexander let out a slow breath. What was he getting himself into? He remained by the window, his gaze fixed on the view outside. 

Just then, Emily walked over to Alexander. Without saying a word, she reached for his shirt and began unbuttoning it, one button at a time. A shy smile lingered on her lips as her fingertips occasionally brushed against the firm muscles of his chest.

"You don't have to do that," Alexander said, finally pulling himself out of his thoughts.

"It's part of my job, Mr. Harrington. Please, let me." Emily's smile never wavered.

Before she could reach for the next button, Alexander gently caught her wrist. "You can go, I'll take it from here," he said, his voice calm but firm. 

Emily's expression faltered for only a second.

Without another glance, Alexander stepped away from her. A few minutes later, he left his bedroom and walked out of the mansion. He headed toward his car, where the driver was already waiting.

"Sir, please let me take you there," the driver said as Alexander reached for the driver's door.

Alexander raised one finger, signaling him to stop. “If my mother asks, tell her I’m home and resting. Don't tell her anything else. Understood?"

The driver hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, sir."

Alexander got into the car and drove away.

Tonight, he wanted nothing more than a brief escape. One night with a stranger. No attachments. No commitments. Nothing more.