His eyes softened and he squeezed my wrist. “I see that. Good girl.”
I almost melted into a puddle right there.
“But you need wrist guards.” His scowl returned. “And to be more careful.” There was a gentleness underneath his rough tone and it made me feel cared for.
“I’ll be alright.” I moved closer, my body seemingly out of my control as I leaned in towards him. Our faces almost touched and my lips parted.Kiss me,I silently begged. I felt almost drugged as his leather scent swirled around me.
A crash and a loud curse from the warehouse made me jump, and Bear released my hand. The loss of his touch was like being dunked in cold water. I stepped away, blinking at the icy sensation washing over my skin.
He cleared his throat, looking awkward as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh, well, I’m glad you got a helmet.”
“Yeah,” I said softly.
Bear looked like he wanted to say something else, but I spoke up instead. “I guess I should go home. With my helmet.” I pointed at it, feeling like a fucking idiot.
Bear opened his mouth. My heart stuttered, briefly hopeful. “I’ll see you around, Westin,” he said softly, taking a small step back.
My throat felt instantly tightened and I nodded. I had almost lost myself in the fantasy that he would want me. But all I had to offer was my broken omega, and that would never be enough.
I shuffled out of the workshop, stealing one last glance at Bear. There was a flash of emotion in his eyes, and then the door closed behind me. The guy at the front desk cocked a brow as I headed towards the exit. I gave him a little wave before pushing myself out into the falling darkness.
I pushed myself to skate faster as my heart pounded. I used to love being out at night, but the events of the past couple of days had set me on edge. My phone vibrated in my back pocket, and I used it as an excuse to stop and catch my breath.
Nox
I know this is soon, but is there any chance you would want to meet tomorrow night? 7pm? I checked and the penthouse suite at the Dream Hotel downtown is available.
The dollar amount attached to the proposal was almost as tempting as the idea of not being alone for a night. I groaned and rubbed my forehead. I was thinking way too romantically about what was essentially a business meeting. I needed to rein in my heart.
Ava
That sounds perfect
Nox
Can’t wait to see you, sweetheart
I ran my finger across the message, loving the sound ofsweetheartjust as much asbaby.
9
WESTIN
Itapped my fingernails against the hotel room keycard as the elevator doors closed, nervous energy sparking through me. A beta male in a dark blue suit stood beside me as we ascended. He slowly licked his lips as he took me in, his arousal amplifying his faint scent until the elevator smelled like damp paper towels. Maybe I was imagining it, but he seemed to be inching ever so slightly closer. I pulled my long coat around me tighter and shifted away from him, willing the elevator to move faster. For once, I was grateful for my lack of scent. I hated to think how he would have reacted to an omega’s scent in an enclosed space.
The elevator stopped with a ding on the eighth floor and the beta reluctantly got out, leering at me over his shoulder until he ran into the hallway wall. I snorted as the doors closed and the elevator started moving again. All the way to the penthouse.
Nox must be loaded to afford a penthouse suite at this hotel… in addition to what he was paying me. I played with the edges of my coat as my anxiety crept in. What would he expect from me? Would I be able to deliver?
My heart started pounding and I wished I could slow the elevator’s ascent. Part of me wanted to furiously hit the lobby button and forget all about this.
What if he wasn’t anything like he’d been over text? What if he hurt me?
What if he was exactly like he’d been over text, and I fell for him?
A bead of sweat rolled down my back and I quickly swiped it away, second-guessing my decision to wear this uncomfortable backless dress. Although I guessed the whole point of this was menotwearing clothing.
That was what he waspayingfor.
