Page 15

Bear

I didn’t know how to react. I was delirious. My mate said she would be with me if things were different, and I was about to prove to her that they were. I was taking her back to my place, and I’d be damned if she left thinking I didn’t love every damned inch of her.

Fuck. My cock tented my shorts. Just thinking about the way she filled out her leggings had my groin tightening.

The door opened and my gaze shot to her. Fuck. I shouldn’t have put the phone bag in my truck. I could use the coverage right about now, but I hadn’t wanted to risk damaging it while I went from business to business searching for her. My anxiety was close to peaking before I spotted her inside the hardware store with Harry.

My bear snarled, kicking up on his hind legs. I shuddered from the power behind it. Each time he shoved at my surface, he seemed stronger and I felt weaker, particularly with Bryn so close. Issuing my own rumble, I temporarily overpowered the animal. It wouldn’t be long until I couldn’t, though.

She slowly approached me, stopping a couple feet away. She peered up at me expectantly. Indecision was vivid in her brown eyes; she didn’t know what to make of our exchange.

Studying her, truly taking her in, only made me want her more. I wanted to promise her the world and deliver it to her. She deserved so much more than she asked for. Most women dropped hints or flat out demanded things. Bryn never did. She never took advantage of my kindness. Hell, she was ready to live in misery because she thought she wasn’t what I wanted.

It was a logical conclusion on her part. For five years, I ignored my desire for her and defied my bear’s wishes, which translated into five years of daily unjustifiable rejection to her. In that aspect, I’d fucked up big time. But I swore on all that was holy that I’d make it right, and she would change her mind.

All I wanted to do was take her home, strip her bare and fuck her until I couldn’t anymore. I wanted her marked, claimed and made mine forever. Tonight. Then, tomorrow, I would get her a ring, a car, and whatever else she wanted. It was time I stepped up and took care of my mate. I should have been doing this all along, and I would spend forever making it up to her.

Seeing her fidget with her purse, I acted fast, reaching out and taking the bag from her and using it to cover the front of me. Snagging her right hand, I tugged her closer before placing my hand on the small of her back. Wordlessly, I guided her back to my truck. Just as I’d done that morning, I settled her in the passenger’s seat before going around to my side. Closing my eyes for a few seconds, I took a deep breath, adjusting my shorts. I couldn’t seem to get myself under control and I had a fifteen minute drive ahead of me. As it was, it would take every ounce of my willpower to keep my bear in line while stopping myself from pulling over and launching myself at her.

It was pure hell. Her sweet curves were a nonstop tease, and soon enough she would know that.