Page 95 of King of Pride

“It won't make a difference.”

“It does to me.”

“Who cares what they think?”

Rose's expression fell.

“It's fine.”

She turned away again, but before she could get more than a step, Maverick caught her once more.

This time, he let out a slow breath and closed his eyes for a moment.

Rose watched him closely.

There was a brief flicker of frustration across his face, followed by something that looked suspiciously like resignation. When he opened his eyes again, his gaze settled on hers.

“How long?”

Rose blinked.

“What?”

“How long is the project?”

She stared at him for a second before the meaning finally sank in.

“Three months.”

Hope immediately brightened her voice.

“Three months?”

Maverick clenched his jaw, as though he were gathering every ounce of patience he possessed.

“Fine.” He finally gave in. “We'll keep our relationship private for three months.”

Rose's eyes widened.

“But after that, I'm not hiding it for another second. I don't care what you want after those three months. Three months from today. That's it.”

Her face lit up.

“Of course. Yes!”

Before he could say anything else, she threw her arms around him.

Maverick stiffened for half a second before the tension in his body melted away. He let out a quiet breath and lowered his head, burying his face against her shoulder as he held her close.

The scent of her hair surrounded him, and whatever irritation had been lingering in his expression disappeared completely.

After a moment, he eased his hold and pulled back just enough to look at her.

Rose looked up at him.

The way he was looking at her made her heart stumble.

There was something so openly affectionate in his eyes that it sent a strange warmth through her entire body. She found herself staring back at him, unable to look away.