Page 112 of The Alpha’s Unclaimed Mate

“If you’ll have me,” he murmurs, “I want a place in your life, and not only as Mia’s father.”

“I’ve run my own life for ten years.”

“You’ve done far more than run it. I’ve never seen anyone do it better.” His palm stills on my thigh. “You’ve looked after everyone who ever stood close to you.” His mouth grazes my temple. “Not one person has looked after you. I’d like that job.”

“I don’t need anyone taking care of me.” It snaps out, an old reflex, all defense.

He shifts me until I have no choice but to meet his eyes. “Are you turning me down?”

“I’m about to—”

He kisses me. It’s quick, over before I’ve caught up to it. He draws back and lifts a brow. “Sorry. You were saying?”

“I was going to say—” He does it again.

“Marcus.”

“Mm?”

“Are you going to let me finish a sentence?”

“Not if you’re ending it with a no.” He shakes his head slowly.

I’m still annoyed, but the laugh sneaks out anyway. “What kind of hostage situation is this?”

“One where I get my way.” He looks entirely unrepentant.

“You’re impossible.”

“Tell me where I’m short, and I’ll fix it.” His thumb draws a slow line up my spine. “I could be a good boyfriend. A good husband.”

“You’re getting ahead of yourself.”

“A good father I’ve already got down.” He tips his head. “For tonight, I’ll settle for boyfriend. Or fiancé, if you’ll stretch that far.”

“I’m not marrying you.”

“Not today.”

“You’re rushing this.” I flatten a hand on his chest.

“If I slow down, you’ll change your mind.” He catches my hand and keeps it over his heartbeat. “I know how your head works.”

“What’s the plan, then? You drag me to a registry office at two in the morning?”

“That would be insane.” His mouth twitches. “I’m only saying we’ve got a kid together already, and we’re good together. Maybe we get to be reckless once in our lives.”

“Reckless how?”

“Plenty of ways.” He’s enjoying this way too much now. “We could marry, if you asked me. I wouldn’t say no.” He tilts his head. “Or an engagement. I’m flexible.”

I clap my palm over his mouth. “Or we could just try being together.”

He peels my hand off his lips, looking wholly unimpressed. “That’s a bit boring.” He kisses my palm before letting it go. “But I’ll take whatever you’ll give me. I’m excellent boyfriend material, for the record.”

“I’m too old for a boyfriend.”

“Then what am I to you?” His eyes glint. “Your lover?”