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Reeling in the beast, I say, “I don’t like that Derek hurt you or that he continues to cause you pain.”
Placing her other hand on my chest, she smiles. “He can’t really hurt me. I’ll admit, I hadn’t been prepared for him to marry my sister and become a permanent member of my family. I had hoped to never see him again after he ended things.”
I’m comforted, but I still want to punch him. “I’m glad you don’t love him.”
“Are you?”
“Yes.”
She presses her cheek to my chest. “Why?”
“You are my mate. It would be complicated if you loved another man, even one that isn’t available.” I cup her head and slide my hand down her back to the swell of her perfect ass. My cock, as well as my beast, think this garden is as good a place as any to strip her naked and pleasure her.
“You’re aroused by me even now?” She presses her hips forward, rubbing against my dick and driving me crazy.
“Always, little lioness.” I breathe in the floral scent of her hair and kiss her head. “I’m guessing if you don’t go to the show tonight, one of your family will come looking for you.”
She laughs. “Without a doubt. They want me to toe the line and accept Derek as my brother-in-law. My mother told me that if I wanted him, I should have fought for him. Not a thought to how quickly they were engaged after our breakup.”
I lean back to look her in the eye. “Do you think she was the woman he was seeing when you were still engaged, or was there someone else?”
Shrugging, she pulls away, takes my hand, and we stroll through the flowers. “I don’t know and it makes no difference now. They’re married and since she’s my sister. Derek Millar will be a part of my life forever.”
Not liking the truth won’t change it. “When do you have to go back to Brooklyn?”
“Bored with me already?” She says it like a joke, but I feel her insecurity seeping through.
“Not in the least. I want to know how long I can keep you.” My beast grumbles through, making my voice an octave deeper.
She stops and clears her throat. “Do you want to keep me?” Those big blue eyes blink up at me and all I want is to show her how perfect and wonderful she is.
First, I need to find out who wanted to keep me a manticore. I can’t afford to put her in danger. “Can I answer that question after I resolve the issue that brought us together?”
Sorrow shadows her gaze and she lowers her chin. “Of course.”
I pull her close, ready to tell her to stop worrying. How can I make her feel safe and secure when someone attacked me and nearly destroyed what I am?
Patty’s voice cuts through the peace. “Leona, the show is starting in ten minutes. I’m sure you’ve had enough air. Cade, please join us.”
Pressing her forehead against my chest, Leona laughs. Her whisper is only for me. “Sorry. She smells money.”
Everything about this woman fills me with joy. With my hands gently on her shoulders, I look at her mother. “That’s very kind, Patty. We’ll be right in.”
Giving me a wink, Patty turns and heads back inside.
“You don’t need to apologize for your family.”
“Of course, I do. They’ll drive you crazy if you let them. You’re too polite. I know that on the inside, you’re rolling your eyes.” Her chest rises and falls with a resigned breath, and she takes my hand, heading toward the main building.
“They are not relevant beyond what they mean to you. I’m polite because they matter to you. Your sister and Millar, I will tolerate because it’s expected. They have a much shorter list of reasons to be polite.” Lifting her hand, I kiss her fingers.
“I wonder why Derek took such an interest in you at dinner.” She steps through the door.
Holding it until she’s safely inside, I follow her in. “Perhaps he regrets his choice.”
She shakes her head. “No. I can’t imagine that.”
“You’re spectacular. If I were foolish enough to let you go, I would regret another man showing interest.” I don’t mention that my beast would likely rip that man to shreds.
