He’s got Kade’s trait of being able to talk pleasantly to people he meets, so I hope that doesn’t mean he’s also a cop. Thatsudden thought unlocks my anxiety. The reminder that life is not all I pretend it is has me watching him closer, searching for any tells. But even if he were an officer of the law, the sizzling thrill he brings means his choice of profession wouldn’t necessarily be a deal breaker. As long as he isn’t one of Victor's men, I don’t think anything would waylay me.
My head races, anxiety stacking on top of anxiety. I should walk away. This is insane, even entertaining the idea of admitting he is my scent-matched Alpha, spending time with him, risking so much. I slam my eyes shut, trying to quell the spinning vortex threatening to swallow me whole. I focus on breathing first, then moving on to the frantic race of my thoughts, leaving my beating heart to last. And once everything is calmer, I restart my questions, challenging myself to think logically and strategically. Each answer, whether right or wrong, ends the same—doing this is selfish, but I should anyway.
When he passes over his ticket and passport to the lady at the counter, I get an inkling we might be spending our time together sooner, rather than later. The swagger in his step as he returns, along with the accompanying plume of his rich, sensual amber scent all but confirms it, settling my warring thoughts. My brain switches off, letting me sink deeper into a very Omega moment. He is mine. For today, at least.
He clears his throat, calling my attention. I was there already, kind of.
“The aircraft has a technical issue. They’ve given us a couple of options, but it depends on where you’re headed.”
I realize then that we never talked about destinations. Maybe not knowing too much about each other is for the better. Names won’t matter in a few days. He can call mebaby, like he did before. It works for me.
“I hope you choose the same option of waiting for them to get a replacement aircraft. We’ll be stuck here with twelve hoursto spare, and I’m pretty sure I could fuck you every which way possible in that time. Then some.”
I belt out a very unladylike laugh before hiding my blush behind my hand. “And here I was just thinking you weren’t arrogant.”
His lethal smirk has me up and out of my seat before another look between us passes. Like him, I accept the offer of a later flight, along with the option of taking a suite in the hotel above. Flying first class brings those kinds of perks. The airline's customer service means if anyone calls the airline looking for an update on my scheduled arrival, I’m covering my ass too.
He’s waiting for me near where we were sitting, my small carry-on bag in his hand, his suit jacket slung over his shoulder. And boy, it’s just a goddamn piece of clothing and he is just a man, but it’s like watching live porn.
Instead of moving off, he closes his eyes and inhales deeply, a low, bassy rumble spilling from his lips.
I hadn’t really taken appropriate action on my side. I was getting distracted by him, so any thought of my body’s reaction and shielding or hiding it was virtually nonexistent. Based on his reaction, I must be scenting up a storm.
I turn my head slightly and see my pink cheeks and dark eyes in the reflection of the mirror lining the wall. C’est la vie, or perhaps it’s carpe diem in this case.
Is it inappropriate for me to accept his outstretched hand and intertwine our fingers? Hardly. But, I’m about to lock myself on his knot and whine in ecstasy until I lose my voice, so I take his hand.
He power walks us through the small crowd, steering us into and out of elevators, concierges eager to help, before he hesitates at the closed door of his suite.
“No regrets?”
I smile up at him. “I’m one of those people who never regrets anything. If it’s good, it’s wonderful. If it’s bad, it’s an experience.”
“And if it’s incredible?”
“Then all this was meant to be.”
He hands the card to me, giving me full control. I go to tap the card but twist to look over my shoulder. “No bites, and no marks on places I can’t cover up. And no wasted moments on things that don’t matter.”
“Such as?”
“Names, for starters. Plans for a repeat. We keep it simple.”
“Is making you work my knot and covering you in my come simple enough?”
“Yeah, that works.”
“Open the door, then.”
I tap the card. The bags drop at his feet, and he crowds in behind me as the door starts to close. His hands are already pulling my shirt over my head. I go to twist to face him, but he grips my hip.
“Let me,” he insists. His arms are wrapped around me, making the space between us disappear.
I’m surrounded by his amber scent, so much I see stars. The room is thick with his beautiful scent, too, so it's the only thing I can breathe. It’s intense and makes me feel like I’ve been drinking expensive champagne. All the sensations his presence and touch bring are enhanced by our compatibility. It’s how life should be.
His mouth ghosts over my shoulder before he nuzzles my neck, like he can’t figure out where to start. Blindly, I reach behind me and draw him back to my neck. He drags his nose, that rumbly noise louder than the frantic beat of my heart.
And he keeps ensuring I’m the one in the limelight, even though all I see, taste, and feel is him.
