Semua Bab Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire: Bab 441 - Bab 450

Madeline's POV My mouth was dry. Every beat of my heart thundered in my ears, a primitive response to the heat and desire radiating from him. Pregnancy hormones already had me living in a near-constant state of heightened sensitivity, and now they'd found their spark. A heat different from the fireplace began to bloom inside me, a sweet, unbearable tension low in my belly. "Control yourself?" The words slipped out as a rough whisper, almost a challenge. "Who said I want you to?" It was like I'd cut the rope holding him back. His eyes darkened, his pupils dilating until they nearly swallowed the blue. A low sound, almost a growl, escaped his throat before his hands, big, warm, steady, framed my face. His thumbs brushed my cheeks, and then his mouth was on mine. It wasn't a gentle kiss. It wasn't exploratory. It was a statement. Possession. His lips moved against mine with a hunger held back for far too long, like a wild animal finally set loose. I gave in instantly, my hands sli

Marcus' POV I woke up before Madeline, which had become a habit over the past few days. The mountain morning was utterly silent, broken only by distant birds and the low crackle of dying embers in the fireplace. She was curled against my chest, one hand resting on my skin, breathing with the calm steadiness of someone who had slept deeply. I stayed there for a few minutes, just watching her sleep, replaying everything that had happened the night before. There was something different between us now, something in the air. An intimacy that went beyond the physical, although that part had been… intense. It felt like an invisible barrier had finally fallen. Carefully, so I wouldn't wake her, I got out of bed and went to the bathroom. The hot shower was invigorating after the long night, and I dressed quietly, already knowing I wanted to do something special for her. I stepped outside into the crisp morning air and headed to the main dining hall. The staff was already preparing break

Madeline's POV Mia and I had found a strategic spot to watch the activity. Two fallen logs formed natural benches on a small rise that gave us a perfect view of the entire competition area. It was comforting to be able to participate without exposing myself to the obvious physical risks of building a bridge. I'd only need to cross at the right moment. "Look at Zoey," Mia said, laughing as she pointed at the energetic figure darting back and forth across the Kensington construction zone. It was impossible not to laugh. Zoey was clearly in full competition mode, gesturing dramatically as she directed the placement of each plank, personally testing the strength of every rope, and occasionally shouting instructions at team members like a general commanding her troops. "She's taking this very seriously," I commented, watching as she practically flew from one end of the structure to the other. "You'd better have a solid strategy to win this," we heard Christian say to Marcus, who w

Madeline's POV The dining hall was busier at lunchtime, but we managed to get a table tucked into a quieter corner. Just the four of us. Me, Zoey, Mia, and Olivia. Christian, Luke, and Marcus were still in a meeting with the organizers, probably trying to file a formal complaint about the defective materials. Zoey was visibly frustrated, pushing food around her plate without much interest. The orthopedic boot on her right foot was a constant reminder of how badly the morning activity had spiraled out of control. "How's the pain?" I asked, watching her adjust her leg under the table. "Manageable," she muttered. "But it's humiliating being sidelined from the more intense activities. I came here to compete, not to sit around watching." "But you were incredibly brave and you saved Madeline," Olivia pointed out, taking a sip of water. "It could've been a lot worse." "Exactly," Mia agreed. "And honestly, it's really strange that only our team's materials looked that damaged." "

Madeline's POV The bonfire crackled loudly in the forest, lighting up the faces of the thirty Kensington team members gathered around it in a wide, uneven circle. The air was freezing, but the flames gave off a comforting warmth that made the night pleasant despite the harsh mountain winter. It was a moment of lightness after an intense day. Even though we'd lost the bridge challenge, our two victories had put us in the overall lead. And best of all, Montgomery was in last place. "A toast to the most united team I've ever seen!" Christian shouted from across the fire, raising his glass of wine. Cheers echoed through the forest, and several people clapped. The atmosphere was festive, with lively conversations breaking out in small groups around the flames. Marcus sat beside me, our shoulders touching to share warmth. The firelight danced across his face, casting shadows that somehow made him even more handsome. Olivia had settled on a nearby rock, Luke was sitting on the groun