He was offering me a captive audience, and I found the words spilling from my lips before I could overthink it and stop myself. Once again, I explained what I’d been through and who I’d left behind.
Not once did he flinch. He looked angry on my behalf, but there was no judgment there, and very little shock.
“My heart still belongs to Nikolai, and I think it always will. But she’s right… maybe there’s room for more.”
He gave my hand a squeeze. The hope in his eyes was burning bright now.
“Does that mean…?”
I took a deep breath, his scent filling my senses and wrapping around me, my shoulders finally relaxing. I swear this beta was like a drug.
Not that it was the only reason I wanted him around. He was so much more than a scent.
“If you feel the same… maybe we could give it a shot?” I questioned.
God, I was pathetic. I didn’t know how to be flirty or romantic.
But it didn’t seem to matter. Leon’s face split into a wide grin. Instead of answering, he moved closer, stopping just a breath away from my face. His eyes asked if I was ready, waiting for permission.
So, I leaned in and brushed my lips over his.
Leon’s hand slid into my hair, holding me steady as his plush lips pressed against mine. They were soft and warm and inviting, and I melted into it. For the first time in a long time, my omega was truly awake. As if his kiss jolted us back to life, reminding me that I was so much more than the shell of a person I’d been.
My omega was still in there, desperate for his touch.
We weren’t meant to live solitary lives. My therapist even used the words ‘touch-starved’ at one point, but I’d refused to feel weak again. I ignored it, pretended it wasn’t an issue.
But now, here with Leon’s lips on mine, his hand touching me, fulfilling a craving I’d all but given up on. My entire body leaned into his, pulling him closer and widening my legs to make room for him as I kissed him back just as fiercely.
We were both breathless when he pulled away, his beautiful, blue eyes shining. That blueberry lemonade scent had evened out over time, but now it was sweeter than ever, teasing me and making my mouth water.
He was gorgeous. His angular features, the slight dimple in his chin, and the crooked grin I adored… all of it just melted me completely.
“Is that a yes?” I questioned, a goofy smile on my face.
He tipped his head back and laughed, the sound was the most relaxed I’d ever heard him.
“That was a fuck yes.”
“When are you free, then?” I said, not letting it go. I needed solid plans. Something to look forward to.
He frowned. “Well, my shift is just starting for the night, but it’s a short Wednesday. I’ll be free in four hours.”
“Four hours? That’s plenty of time,” I said with a grin. “I’m logging out now. I’ll be back for you.”
“You’ve got it, boss,” he said, standing up and putting a bit of distance between us.
I felt cold all of a sudden and hated watching him walk away. Now that he’d given me a taste, my needy side was coming out. Something I’d locked away a long time ago.
I’d learned over the years that my omega wasn’t safe. There was no one in my life I could truly be needy or desperate aroundanymore. Then Leon walked in and reminded me that I could still have a piece of that life I craved.
As soon as I was outside, I had my phone in my hand, calling Briar.
“Hello—” she started, but I cut her off.
“I have a date in four hours. Help! I don’t know how to date.”
“Well, hello to you, too,” she laughed. “I’m gonna guess it’s with a cute, little beta that’s already moved in with you?”
