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No, that’s too much information already. My brain short-circuited and then re-routed, sending me in a different direction. All the feelings that started to rise with the memory—warmth, love, comfort—disappeared with the tide of reason.That was a close one.
Rose frowned curiously. “Maman?”
“It’s nothing,” I snapped. “Thank you for the room, Rose. I appreciate your hospitality. I can pay you back when—”
She waved away the offer. “Don’t. You rescued me. And I rescued you.” Her eyes widened. “I mean, we rescued each other.”
I smirked as a sheepish grin stole her lips and those strawberry patches returned to her cheeks. Sweet gods, the most supple woman in the world couldn’t have possibly looked better than her right now.
And I didn’t think any woman ever could.
“Interesting choice of words,” I pointed out. “Nonetheless, Rose. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Matéo”
The sound of my name on her lips yanked my wolf to the surface. Urgency inspired me to step toward her, to risk everything with one simple move.
Kiss her, my wolf begged.Claim her.
She held my gaze like daffodil fields luring me in. She was the festival lights attracting my attention, the brilliant stars above the meadow catching my focus and the dazzling breeze comforting me on a summer night. She was a light, a great and wondrous being who had stepped in when it was necessary.
Not conveniently. Not selfishly.
Necessarily.
My lips vibrated with desire. Every inch of me seemed to be under the control of her energy. And when I noticed that her lips had parted the closer I drew, the urge tripled, exploding into a million fireflies that danced in my gut.
I stopped halfway to her.
No, it wasn’t a good idea. It wouldn’t lead to anything good. Happiness wasn’t in the cards for me and I had accepted that a long time ago. It wasn’t even joy or satisfaction being offered here, merely a one-night fling that would probably just be a stain on my memory. And hers.
What would she actually do with a hermit like me?
I bowed my head. “Thank you again, Rose. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your assistance tonight.”
“Assistance,” she repeated, the word thickening in the air like static electricity before a storm. She almost sounded surprised. And then in a voice like honey, she whispered, “You’re welcome.”
“I should clean up.”
She nodded and then her eyes widened when she glanced at my chest.
I smirked.Maybe a fling isn’t such a bad idea. She looks… deprived.
Pink patches flared over her cheeks and spread to her ears, turning her into an adorable mess of flustered babbling as she headed toward the door. The only cohesive sentence I caught as she left was, “I’ll be back with a meal!” And then the door cut out the light.
Her light—that was what got cut out. Now that she had left, my chest caved, defeated exhaustion snaking through my limbs like a moonshine hangover. I plopped onto the bed and plunged my chin into my hand, studying the mirror across from me.
She hadn’t flinched. She hadn’t even looked away from my scars. The intensity of my eyes didn’t get her to avoid my gaze. On the contrary, she took every opportunity just to hold it, to keep me focused directly on her. Forget the fact that the diner was empty. It was only her and me back there.
And part of me wanted that to happen again.
Chapter 4 - Rose
Stepping outside of the Orchid Suite kept me from making the worst mistake of my life. I peered over my shoulder, studying the intricate design on the door, the one Nina had placed there ages ago.
It’s sophisticated, she’d insisted.It’s distinguishing.
Honestly, it just looked like a bunch of vines fighting to me, but she was in charge of decorating and I was the head of marketing. It didn’t feel right to argue with her.
