The fuck.
Where the hell did that come from?
“To put it simply, you’re only here because I’ve let them down.”
Okay. Ihatethat expression.
Her gaze drops from mine for the first time since we met, and the urge to reach out has my fingers twitching.
“The problem is,” she continues, like that moment never happened, her eyes back on mine, “most of my staff have had bad experiences with alphas.” She gestures vaguely at me. “And now… here you are.”
I open my mouth, but she beats me to it.
“I know, not all alphas are bad, but all the trauma they have is from alphas. Despite what people might think about me, I’m not anti-alpha or anti-pack. I know there are good alphas out there. I have two brothers and had three dads who have shown me that. I’m telling you this because the people you’ll be protecting might not see you as a protector.”
That’s a line I don’t expect to hit so hard. All I’ve done, all my life, is protect and care for people.
“And I don’t want you here.”
Ouch. That one stings even worse.
“But I need you.”
And that sting disappears immediately. Now I’m taking that sentence and dropping it into all sorts of other scenarios.
She laughs a little, and that sound is being added to the collection as well. “Let’s be real, all your training and experience, and now you’re working as security in a salon? Idoubt that’s what you signed up for when you got employed by the best security firm in the country.”
Employed?
Seems our little Rue didn’t tell Revea I’m actually one of his bosses. Great.
“So here’s what I propose, Luciano.”
Oh god, the way she says my name… and then she crosses her legs the other way, and goddam it, I can’t help but take a quick look.
“I’ll stay out of your way, and you stay out of my staff’s way,” she says. “If this works out, good. If it doesn’t.” She shrugs. “We end it. Understood?”
“Sí, mami.” It slips out, but I don’t regret it. Her authoritative tone is doing all sorts of things to me.
I’ve met plenty of omegas, and rarely do they have the nerve to hold eye contact for even a few seconds. Never mind tell me I’m not wanted, then deliver a command like that.
Her mouth drops open, and a cute peachy blush colours her cheeks. It’s the first time she’s allowed there to be silence, so it’s my time to shine.
“What’s wrong? Don’t know any Spanish,mami?” I smirk, watching her sweet face pull into a scowl. Oh, I’mdefinitelycalling her that more. “I’ll translate. Yes, ma’am.”
And wouldn’t you know, that blush goes a little darker.
“Good,” she murmurs, scraping hair back from her face. “I’m glad we understand each other.”
“Can I just say a few things, Revea?” I swear I catch her swallowing right before she nods. “I’m very good at my job. I’m also very good at getting people to like me. Especially the ones who don’t want to. It’s actually one of my many,manytalents.” I smirk, and although she tries to hide it, I see that little twitch of her mouth.
“Just… don’t expect my staff to react like you’re used to.”
“Like I’m used to?” My smile widens. “What exactly am I used to, ma’am?”
She rolls her eyes, smiling as she shakes her head, and my pants suddenly feel tight.
How the hell has that one small action given me a hard-on?
