Page 104 of Omega Tricked

“Ahh, yes. My reputation has taken a nosedive.”

“He had horrible taste in clothing anyway.”

I moved closer to him, and his breathing picked up. I hoped this awkwardness between us would go away. We were being so careful with each other. Polite. It made me feel like we were strangers, and that wasn’t what I wanted with Dylan.

“Are you sure you’re okay with me staying with you?” I asked.

“Yes. I want you here.” He twisted his hands. “It’s just a lot has happened. It’s hard to see you the same way.”

I winced inwardly. “I understand.”

“I just need a few days. I’ll get there.” His expression was apologetic.

“Take all the time you need.” I gave him a reassuring smile.

“Thanks.” He sighed and led me to the guest room.

I was disappointed he wanted me to still stay in there, but I understood. I moved into the room and sat on the bed, bouncing up and down. He laughed, which made me happy.

“Thank you for not being mad.” He grimaced.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. You’re too tempting. I’ll get more sleep staying in the guest room.”

“That’s true.” His eyes were heated, but he turned away. “I’m supposed to go talk to Charles. Will you be all right alone?”

“Yes. I’ll be fine.”

He nodded. “It won’t take long. I’m not even sure why he needs to see me.”

“Probably wants to fit you with a chastity belt.”

His face reddened. “Geez, Lex. Don’t say shit like that.”

“What? You know he disapproves of how we feel about each other.”

“Still.” He frowned.

“Fine. I won’t mock him. I can see you don’t like it.”

He flicked his gaze to mine. “He’s a good alpha. You saw that yourself firsthand. You saw how protective he was of me.”

Jealously spiked through me. “Yep.” I forced myself to say, “I’ll try and be more respectful.”

He gave a quick nod. “Okay. Well, I’ll be back.” He left the room, and I heard the front door close.

I lay back on the bed, kicking off my shoes. I stared at the ceiling, finding the familiar patterns in the stucco from when I’d stayed here before. It felt like a million years ago since I’d been here, when in truth it had only been a few days. I knew I was bothered by how stilted Dylan was with me now. We’d had such an easy friendship before, and it had blossomed so naturally into more. Now he was guarded. He watched me intently, as if waiting for me to change right in front of him. I suppose it made sense. He’d thought I was this perfect alpha, and I’d transformed into a monster right before his eyes. Sometimes I worried he might never see me the same way again.

I closed my lids, intending only to rest my eyes, but the next thing I knew it was dark. I sat up, temporarily confused about where I was. For one horrible minute, I thought we were still at the ranch house. Relief washed through me when I realized where I was. I glanced at the clock on the nightstand: 10:00 p.m.

I’d slept six hours? I got off the bed and went to splash water on my face and brush my teeth. Then I went out into the main part of the cabin. There was a lamp on in the corner of the room, and Dylan was on the couch, sound asleep. I perched on the arm of the sofa, and a smile curved my lips as I watched him sleep. His delicate features were relaxed, and he looked like an angel. His auburn hair was tousled and his cheeks pink. My stomach tensed at the sight of him. I’d never had such a visceral reaction to another person in my life. Just the sight of him made my nerve endings tingle.

He suddenly opened his eyes, and when he saw me he smiled. I’d been afraid there might be fear in his eyes, but there wasn’t. He simply looked happy to see me. “You’re awake,” he said softly.

“So are you.” I smiled.

He laughed and stretched, causing his shirt to ride up. My mouth went dry at the sight of his smooth white stomach, and it took all of my control not to try and kiss him. I stood and moved away so that he’d be less tempting.

“We missed dinner. Would you like me to cook us a late-night snack?” I asked.