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“Do I get to know where we’re going?”

He grins, purring a little when I wrap my hand in his. “Not yet, but I think you’ll be pleased. At least, I hope you will.”

We walk outside, where Connor opens the door and helps me slide inside. This car’s different than Dez’s. The dark blues of still water. Dangerous and deep. A little like Connor. This alpha has hidden depths I think even he’s forgotten about.

“I like this,” I say, running a hand over the dashboard. He leans in, slowly sliding the seatbelt around my body before clicking it into place. We’re sharing air and space and molecules, he’s that fucking close.

My eyes dart to his lips and back up when he groans. “You can’t look at me like that, Daphne. I’m trying to be good.”

“What if I don’t want you to be good?” I whisper, arching to press my chest to his. So aware of every movement he makes.

He looks tempted, leaning in for a kiss that’s hardly even a touch, then pulling out of reach. “Soon.”

I pout as he shuts me inside, stalking around the car to slide into the driver’s seat.

“I feel like this pack should know I’m not a fan of delayed gratification.”

“We’re well aware.” Connor looks over, face bright with laughter. “I promise it’ll be worth it. The next time I have you, I want to know you trust me.”

“Fine.” I tip my nose in the air, but secretly, I’m pleased that he cares enough to wait.

We pull out of the neighborhood and onto the freeway before he drops a gentle hand on my thigh. “How is the case going?”

“Good,” I hedge.

Truth be told, I’m wary of telling Connor anything about my exes. Maybe it’s petty, but my instincts don’t want to give him information he can use against me. Not until I get to know him more.

Connor seems to realize it. His scent shifts too fast for me to register, but I notice the change. “It’s okay if you’re not comfortable talking about it. I understand.”

You didn’t even give us the chance to disappoint you.

Kai was right.I don’t want to do that with this pack, especially when I see how hard they’re working to make it up to me. How hardConnoris working to fix his mistake. Time together, texts as often as possible, respecting my boundaries without disappearing.

I said earlier that I was going to take a step with him. Maybe this is it.

“Things aren’t good,” I admit. “Our next appearance isn’t for a few months, but the judge told me it would be best to settle out of court. There are things missing that make winning this case impossible for me.”

He glances at me. “Things like?”

“Documents, bank statements.” It’s the easiest way to explain without giving actual details.

“Who has them?”

“My exes. My parents. Everyone but me.”

“I’m so sorry, Daph.”

I don’t say it’s fine because it’s not. My family is doing their level best to fuck me over and that’ll never be okay. “My lawyer’s reached out to other attorneys to see if they have some suggestions, but for now, I’m sort of stuck.”

“Will you let me know if you need anything?”

Probably not, but I can see how much it means to Connor that I try. “Sure.”

“Thank you, angel.”

I hate that I ruined the mood, so I force a sunny smile, practically begging for a topic shift. “Enough about me. Work’s been busy lately, huh?”

“No busier than usual.”