AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He directed her back toward the house with his hand on her upper back. Her skin burned like a hot iron where his hand touched. She stepped away quickly while trying not to be rude and led the way toward the door.
They walked in silence. She was embarrassed by her thoughts, even though he would never know. They were almost back to the house when Cyrus spoke again.
“Mila, I would like to offer you the chance to go to the spa with me tomorrow.”
Her face wrinkled in surprise. “Why?”
“Gerri mentioned that you work very hard at your job, and I cannot imagine that being a flight attendant would be very relaxing work. She thought you could use some pampering. It would be my treat.”
“Uh, okay, I would like that.” She turned her face to hide her concern.
She was happy to accept his graciousness as far as staying in his home, but to spend his money? Especially if he decided she wasn’t a good candidate for the position. That would put an obligation over her head, and she didn’t like that notion at all.
And yet, she found herself drawn in. Like Florence Nightingale and her patients, she was feeling closer and closer to her host, even in the few hours she had been here. And she really couldn’t understand the attraction she felt.
Normally she had to have a deep friendship with a person before those romantic feelings would bloom, but everything was different with Cyrus. Even his very name gave her shivers. And don’t get her started on the way he spoke her name.
It was heady in the simplest terms. He was intoxicating. His voice, his scent, and even the air around him beckoned her in. She hurried back to the sanctity of her room to get control of herself.
SIX
CYRUS
Cyrus took Mila to the spa, hoping to help her relax. He sensed all the doubt and indecision, and while he admitted the situation appeared strange, he knew that it felt even stranger.
Not that it was easy for him, either. He both wanted her and wanted her to go away. There needed to be a choice: her or this project. The project would fill a missing hole in his soul, and he had already put so much time and effort into it.
He needed to know what had happened to his parents, no matter the cost. He had invested years of research and millions of dollars into this so-called project. It was more of an obsession now.
Of course, when he had saidno matter the cost, that was before his world split open and his fated mate stepped into his life. She has put a stop to the forward movement of this journey. And he wasn’t upset about it. Or was he?
He didn’t know anymore. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place, and all he could do was learn about this woman and how they could either be together or not. He wanted to get closer to her, but the closer he got, the farther away from his parents he became.
Did he have to choose between the two things in life that meant the most to him? He couldn’t possibly be allowed both, could he? Was that selfish?
Mila was his fated mate. That much was true. He had come to terms with that over the last twelve hours. And every minute, he felt more attached to her. However, he had been searching for the truth about his parents for so much longer. Why were they in the Arctic? Where did their bodies go?
When he and Mila arrived at the spa, he revealed to her that he had ordered her the works. She replied with a quiet thank you as her face flushed red. He watched her attendants lead her to the women’s locker rooms, and Cyrus was again left to his thoughts.
He followed his own attendant aimlessly to the locker room. He didn’t need direction. He had been here countless times. His mind was preoccupied with other thoughts as he waved his attendant away.
Well, I could hire her as my assistant. It would be a conflict of interest, yes, but it would keep her close. I need an assistant, and even if she goes as my … friend? Companion? Mate? What would she accept? Or would she leave?He tried to imagine that. He shook his head.
Well, I could just bring her along on the trip. She could …
No. Absolutely not,his polar bear growled. This trip is too dangerous, and she is too important.
Cyrus sighed.I know she is important. That’s why I would keep her close to me.
His polar bear chuffed at him.Numskull, your parentsdiedin the Arctic. She could die too. I cannot let you risk that.
What would you have me do then?
Drop the stupid search for the mystery of the past. Live now, in this moment. Look forward to a future, a future where Mila is your wife and mate.
What if she doesn’t want to be …Cyrus was still conflicted, and his polar bear was less than helpful right now.
He sat unabashedly naked in the steam room, hoping the heat would release the tension in his thoughts as much as the tension in his body. It did not do either.
