Page 128

“I was a scrawny kid growing up. Even after I presented, I wasn’t very big. Marisol’s always done it and one day, she brought me to the gym with her. Said if I wanted to feel more confident in my body, I needed to see how strong it could be. The second I realized I could be my own hero, I was hooked.

“We were already close, but she’s older than me by almost five years and this gave us a chance to get to know each other as people, not just siblings. I don’t take the gym as seriously as she does, but keeping my body moving is good for my mood and my brain.”

“I’m not a gym person.” Daphne plays with my shirt, her fingers trailing over my stomach to leave fire in their wake. “I like yoga sometimes or those dance videos I can do in my living room, but that’s it. Will that be a problem?”

“Not at all. I want you exactly how you are, Daphne Barnes. You don’t need to change a thing.”

Smoothing her hair out of her face, my lips press to her forehead and we both grin as she wiggles happily. Her scent sweetening as she gets so close it’s like she’s trying to find her way under my skin.

Since we’re being honest, I decide to ask what I want to know. “Are things okay with Connor now?”

“Yes.”

“But?” I don’t want to push, but if this is something I can fix for her, I will.

Daphne sighs, tipping her head, eyes darting away. “Why didn’t you come see me? Nate literally broke into my place, but you were nowhere to be found.”

The dejection in her voice trips something deep inside me, like I can feel it in my body. This isn’t about Connor at all, it’s about me.

“I texted.” Daphne’s face shuts down and I clutch her tighter, feeling she’s disappearing right in front of me. “I wanted to call you every day, but I worried I’d be intruding or overwhelm you.”

Daphne swallows hard, hesitating. “I needed you.”

If someone wanted to punchmein the face, I’d let them do it. Hell, I’d let them break my arm. Daphne’s disappointment sits like a stone in my chest. I fucked up.

My voice is hoarse as I struggle against a wave of regret. “I’m so sorry, Daph. If I knew you wanted me, I would’ve been there.”

“I should’ve called.” She looks down at her fingers twisting in my shirt. “I think I was scared you’d tell me I was overreacting.”

“Never.” It comes out so fiercely, we both startle. “I know I said it before, but you didn’t deserve what happened that night. Beyond that, your feelings matter.Youmatter, Daphne.”

I’ll say it every day until she believes me.

She snuggles in. “So, you’ll be around more? Because I like having you close, Dez Morgan.” The sincerity in her voice makesevery part of me ache and I already know I won’t be able to stay away if I tried. Not when it nearly killed me last time.

“Yeah, Daph. I’ll be here.”

Those blue eyes shine with gratitude, and I feel the rift between us mending, but I’ll never forget letting her downagain.

UNEXPECTED INTERRUPTIONS

DEZ

While I hate makingDaphne question, the regret fades under my omega’s attention. Each soft touch and gentle kiss reinforce that she missed me. She needed me.

Next time, I won’t fuck it up. “Glad you’re here, little muse.”

“Muse?” Daph asks with a shy smile and the sweetest blush.

“You’re all I can draw anymore.” I grab the sketchbook off the end table, pulling out the sheet I worked on last night. “Does it bother you?”

“No.” Her face is bright, scent getting heavier the longer she looks at the strokes that make up her hips and the curve of her arms.

Fisting her hair, I arrange Daph’s head so I can kiss one perfect cheek. “Are you pleased I can’t stop thinking about you, omega?”

I’ve been dying without her. She’s on my mind all the time and when I can’t sleep, I replay the memories of her heat until I have to come just to take the edge off. Now that I’ve got my hands on her again, I’m not sure how I’ll keep my teeth away. My knot.

And Daph looks just as affected. Her eyes are half-mast, those fuckable lips dampened by her tongue. “Yes, alpha.”