Page 79 of King of Pride

“Why the sudden change?”

“I wasn’t really calling you honey,” she rushed to explain, trying to calm the big, intimidating man standing over her. “Ivan came to my office and wouldn't leave me alone. He was bothering me, and then you called. I thought talking to you that way would be the easiest way to get rid of him.”

Maverick's expression changed immediately.

His brows drew together.

“Ivan came to see you?”

Concern flashed through his eyes, followed quickly by something darker.

His hand closed around her arm as he pulled her closer.

“Did he hurt you again?”

Before she could answer, his other hand came up to her face. His fingers gently moved along her cheek as he examined her skin, his gaze searching for the slightest sign of redness or injury.

Rose quickly shook her head.

“He didn't.”

Some of the tension left his shoulders, but his expression remained hard.

“So that sweet voice...” His thumb brushed lightly over her cheek. “And calling me honey.”

His eyes narrowed.

“You did all of that for him?”

Rose stiffened.

“No. I mean... kind of. But not really.”

She hurried to explain.

“He showed up out of nowhere and kept bothering me. He wouldn't leave me alone. Then you called, and I thought it would be the perfect way to get rid of him.”

“Get rid of him by making him jealous?”

Maverick stepped closer.

Rose instinctively tried to move back, but there was nowhere left to go.

“I wasn't trying to make him jealous.”

“He was your boyfriend until a few days ago.” Maverick's gaze drilled into hers. “And now you're telling me you weren't at least a little pleased to see him chasing after you?”

Rose swallowed.

“You'd better not let me find out you're thinking about forgiving him.”

“I’m not forgiving him. No.”

The answer came immediately.

“It was only to get rid of him. That's all.”

She hesitated before adding quietly, “And I'm married to you now. I know I can't just walk away from my marriage.”