Before I can second guess my decision, I pull open the door. Tamika and Tyler are both still asleep, and I breathe a sigh of relief before slipping from the room.
The whole house seems to still be asleep, which makes sense; they stayed up late. While I retreated to my room to get my emotions under control, the whole house seemed to have a party. Now, I’m thankful for that as I wait for eight a.m. to arrive.
The half hour passes slowly, and at about ten minutes till eight, the rumble of a large engine pulls my attention to the long driveway. A SUV makes its way down the narrow path, and as it comes to a stop near the front steps, I notice the cameramen already here filming.
Miles climbs out from the driver's seat looking like he just stepped off of a GQ magazine in his light blue t-shirt and athletic pants. That color blue will make his eyes pop. Elliott hits the same vibe on its head as he climbs out of the back seat. Only he wears a deep green shirt that makes his light hair look even lighter. Rafe is the last one from the car, as if they had to choreograph the order they get out of the SUV for filming purposes. His T-shirt is a soft heather gray, with matching pants that should be illegal.
Finally releasing the breath that had lodged in my throat the second I saw them, I inhaled a greedy lungful of fresh air. Deciding not to wait for them to come inside, I rush to the door and fling it open. Sure, I might look eager, but that’s what the show wants anyway, right?
Miles’ face lights up the second he sees me, and Elliott follows his line of sight, his gaze softening with happiness the moment our eyes meet. I smooth my hands over my leggings before tugging my soft oversized sweater down over my fingers. The chill in the morning air had me dressing for warmth. I still have on a T-shirt under my sweater, just in case.
“Hey,” I say after I realize I’m just staring at them like some lovesick omega.
Miles bounds up the stone steps and pulls me in for a hug.Completely wrapping me in his arms. The second he touches me, I know going without the pills is a grave mistake because I cannot control the slight sweet scent of baking cookies and cream wafting from me. His arms tighten, and he buries his head into my neck, inhaling deeply.
“Is that—?” he asks, a slight possessive growl rumbling in his throat.
I pull back from him, my eyes on the ground. I didn’t expect to perfume the second they arrived. But here we are, and it’s awkward as fuck. My face heats, and I’m unable to lift my gaze from the planter at the bottom of the steps.
“I, uh, I need to go take my pill. I was rushing to get ready, and I must have forgotten.” I gesture behind me, my stomach in knots at my lie. Without waiting for a response, I turn away from him, only to be stopped as he wraps his fingers around my wrist and pulls me back.
“Don’t.” He clears his throat, and I force my eyes up to his. “Don’t take it.”
I wet my lips and swallow as I try to find my words. Tingles run over my body all the way down to my toes. “It’s against the rules,” I say. I knew that. Yet, it didn’t stop me.
“I won’t tell…if you don’t,” he says.
He runs a finger along my jaw, his thumb brushing over my lips like he wants to kiss me. My stomach twists with the sensation, and I sway into him.
It’s wrong, I know it is, but I nod and let him lead me from the steps. I may have just jumped into the deep end, and I’m not sure I can swim.
CHAPTER 17
Miles
My breath isshallow and quick as I lead Lilah to the SUV. The surge of possession that ripped through me the second I scented her was like nothing I’ve ever felt before. And I need more.
Making sure the cameras, and the fucking men that are filming with them, are far enough away from her, I create distance between her and them. Elliott greets her at the SUV and smoothly opens the passenger side door for her.
She climbs in, and Rafe leans into the space, pulling the seatbelt across her body, securing her in like a delicate package. The second he stiffens, I know he’s scented her too. Is he going to ruin this for us?
Fuck. When I encouraged her to not take that damn pill, I hadn't been thinking clearly. This is a clear violation of the rules.
Hastily, I close the distance. “Rafe, I think she’s secure,” I say, forcing a laugh.
He’s staring at her, his mouth slightly parted, but he doesn’t look like he’s going to raise the alarm. However, the hit of her perfume slammed into him the same way it did me.I can tell by the look on his face, like his whole world was just shaken.
“Maybe I should ride up here with her, hold her in my lap to make sure,” he replies.
She pulls in a quick breath and holds it, while Elliott says, “If anyone rides with her it will be me.”
I do laugh now because Elliott’s saying that without smelling her fucking perfect perfume. A cameraman approaches the SUV, ready to climb in the back seat, and if I thought the possession was strong before, it’s ten times worse right this second.
Blocking his way, I say, “Are you a beta?”
A crease of confusion appears on his forehead, and he glances at Thomas on the sidelines. “Uh, no, alpha,” he replies, sounding unsure.
“We need a beta only for these smaller dates with the SUV,” I say, directing my words at Thomas.
