Somehow, this hits harder than an outright rejection. I release her shoulders and capture her hands instead, bringing them to my lips.
“Please, Selene.” I press a kiss to her knuckles, then her palm. “Give me a chance to prove myself to you.”
She tries to pull away, but I hold firm, kissing my way up her wrist to her forearm, making her shiver despite herself.
“Seth—”
“One chance,” I murmur against her skin. “That’s all I’m asking for.”
A reluctant smile tugs at her lips, even as she tries to maintain her resistance. “You’re not playing fair.”
“I never claimed to play fair.” I kiss the inside of her elbow, then look up at her. “Is it working?”
The smile widens slightly, and the thrill of victory surges through me. “Maybe.”
“Maybe?” I press another kiss to her wrist. “Just maybe?”
“You’re ridiculous,” she mutters, but there’s no malice in it.
“Ridiculously charming?” I offer.
She actually lets out a laugh—soft and brief, but genuine. “Ridiculously persistent.”
“I can work with that.” I place one more kiss on the back of her hand, then meet her eyes seriously. “Please, Selene. Let me try.”
She studies my face unblinkingly, and I can see her defenses crumbling. Finally, she takes a shaky breath. “Okay.”
Relief crashes over me so hard, my grip on her hands tightens. “Okay?”
She nods slowly. “I–I’ll try. But Seth, if you hurt me again—”
“I won’t.” The promise comes immediately, fiercely. “I swear to you, I won’t.”
“You can’t know that.”
“Then, let me prove it.” I brush away her tears with my thumbs. “One day at a time.”
She’s quiet for a moment, then nods again. “One day at a time.”
“Will you move into my quarters?” I ask, pushing my advantage while I have it.
Hesitation flickers across her face. “I don’t know if—”
“I want you there, Selene. Not seeing you every day is driving me insane.” I pause. “I’ve been following you around like some kind of stalker just to catch glimpses of you.”
A small, reluctant smile tugs at her lips. “That’s pathetic.”
“It is,” I agree. “Completely pathetic.”
Her smile widens slightly, and my chest loosens at the sight.
“So?” I prompt her. “Will you move in with me?”
She takes a deep breath, and I can see the exact moment she makes her decision. “Yes.”
The word sends satisfaction gushing through my chest, my wolf practically howling with joy. “Good.” I kiss her forehead. “We’ll move you in tomorrow. Tonight, I’m stayinghere with you.”
“Seth—”
