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“You make me work harder than I’ve ever had to in my life. But I won’t give up. Don’t underestimate me, Juliette. I always get what I want.”
“Here we go again—that arrogant swagger of yours.”
“Sorry, couldn’t help it. As an alpha, it comes with the territory. You know that.”
Juliette tsked. She couldn’t fault him for that. Nature of the beast.
He glanced at her. “So, I guess I’m finally getting that dinner with you?”
His gentle smile warmed something inside her, a place that had been cold for too long. She’d always been drawn to him, but fought that urge to avoid getting hurt again. Why did it feel like that wall was crumbling a bit now?
You feel sorry for him, that’s all.
Yeah. That’s it.
“I guess. Me and two others.” She turned toward Leah and wiggled her fingers in the air. She teased her with her fingertips. Leah squealed with delight, making her squirm so much that she nearly turned over onto her stomach.
Wilhelm decided to sit next to Juliette. “You know, today was the first time I saw these cubs since they were born. My brother and I weren’t on speaking terms for a long time. I’d just never thought I’d see Leah and Thomas when I have to plan their parents’ funeral.” Though his expression was neutral, his words dripped with sorrow and Juliette almost gave him a hug.
But, she caught herself at the very last second. Whoa. That would be bad. If I’m getting too friendly, he’ll get the wrong idea. You wouldn’t want that, would you, Juliette? She cleared her throat and carefully arranged her tone to sound normal. “I’m sorry to hear that, Wilhelm. I know how it feels to lose people who meant so much to you. Life has a way of not giving a shit about what we want.”
She could feel Wilhelm staring at her.
Finally, he said, “You’re speaking from experience.” It wasn’t a question.
Juliette wished she hadn’t said that. “My family had its fair share of tragedies.”
A warm hand covered hers, and Wilhelm leaned toward her, their shoulders pressing together. “You know what they say: misery loves company.”
“Ain’t that the truth.”
“We’ve known each other for quite sometime, but you never told me about your family. Bergefjord is a prestigious clan.”
“I don’t bore my customers with my pathetic life story, Wilhelm. In Bonbon, we’re selling candies and sweet, instant happiness.”
“Really? You just think of me as one of your customers?”
“Well, you’re also my landlord, who is sneakily trying to raise the rent.”
“You’re not going to let that one go, are you?”
“Cause I’m petty, that’s why.”
A snort. “You’re far from being petty.”
“A vindictive bitch?” she offered.
“I would never—” Wilhelm squeezed her hand. “Why do I have the feeling you’re just trying to rile me up?”
“We’re talking about your problems, not mine. Remember?”
Wilhelm sighed deeply. “I wish you’d open up to me, even a little. I’m crazy about you, you know? Ever since the day we met.”
“I’m not blind, Wilhelm.”
He stared at her. “Will I ever have the chance? A place in your heart, Juliette? I know you must like me too, even if it’s only a tiny bit.”
“Sorry,” Juliette shot him down cruelly. “This tigress is done with romance.”
