And when he suddenly leans in, caging me against the wall beside the door, his arms bracing each side of my head, any bitter words die on my tongue.
“But the thing is…” His voice lowers. “The way you thanked me earlier… it sounded like a goodbye.”
I swallow. “Wasn’t it?”
He sucks on his teeth, and something hot and heavy unfurls in my gut.
“You’ve got it all wrong, cariño,” he murmurs, tone dropping on that final word. “We like to be prepared.” His fingers graze my cheekbone. “We want your business covered… your people safe…” He leans closer. “…so that when you stop fighting this…” A whisper against my ear. “…we’ll be ready for you.”
I’m breathless. All the air in my lungs evaporates as those deep eyes search mine.
“Can you help me with that, trouble?” He leans back, eyes dropping to my parted mouth. “Can you let us take care of you?”
I’ve no idea what he’s really asking, but I find myself nodding.
“Yeah? Good girl.” His thumb skims the edge of my mouth. “You can start by telling me the hotel you’re staying in.”
My gaze slides back into a glare. “And if I don’t?”
He quirks a brow, those plump lips curving into a small, amused smile. “Sylvan.”
And I’ve no doubt, from what I’ve seen Sylvan do already, he’d have that information, and some, within the hour.
I try to act shocked, appalled, but it’s difficult when my omega’s rolling around, creating a flutter of butterflies in my belly.
I take a deep breath and try to stand taller. It only makes his lips pull higher.
“Let me remind you of something, Valentin.” I deepen my voice, standing on my toes to place a pointed nail against his padded chest which rumbles under my fingertip. I yank it away. “You mightbe my security right now, but my work trip has absolutely nothing to do with you—”
“You’re lucky I’m not convincing your brother one of us should go with you.”
A soft snarl rumbles out of me.
He returns it, louder.
My eyes fall into slits. “You’re overstepping, Valentin.”
He grits his teeth, but then his hand drops from my face as he steps back. He takes a few breaths, squeezing the back of his neck.
“You’re right,” he says, eyes dropping to the floor. “Sorry, Revea. I’ve never…”
His second apology shakes me a little. To see this military-trained alpha a little rattled, uncomposed, constantly switching between possessive growls and genuine guilt.
And now he isn’t touching me… I find myself wishing he was.
“My alpha is...” he begins, jaw sharp until he shakes it away. “It’s not an excuse, I swear, but he’s… I’m protective of you.” His gaze meets mine. “I know you can protect yourself, but that doesn’t stop me wanting to do it for you.”
And now my omega is struggling too, whimpering at the sight of him.
The loss of him.
“Arlton Hotel,” I say. Our eyes lock. “That’s where I’m staying. I know a lot of people who’re going, and we all stay there. So I might be travelling alone, but I won’tbealone.”
“Thank you. Revea,” he says so genuinely, those soft hazel eyes gazing at me like I’ve said so much more.
He steps close again, and I hold my breath, but rather than touch me, he reaches down and opens the door.
Sylvan is there, still on the phone.But before he can step back in, Val places an arm around his shoulders and steers him away.
