Page 8

8

KELLY

I tugged on the shorts and tank top I’d worn last night after my shower. It’d be weird to chat with Jacob about my rough upbringing while naked. Besides, I wanted us both to feel comfortable while we got to know one another.

After that delicious breakfast we’d shared, I wanted to learn more about his likes so I could give him some happy surprises too. My phone chimed, and I froze, wondering if it could be the dean’s office already. But no, that sounded like a text message.

I picked up my phone to see Emma’s name on the screen and sighed. Ugh. Really?

Dishes clattered in the kitchen. Jacob really was cleaning up. Maybe he was giving me space. I hadn’t imagined him caring all that much about messes from how he’d reacted to me puking. Then again, this place was immaculate.

But having space felt odd after being with him and the staff at the research lab constantly. Granted, Jacob’s presence in the quiet condo eased any anxiety threatening to build in me. If I’d been alone in my apartment, I might have been growling at every slight sound by now.

My phone vibrated a couple more times. Seriously? I looked at my messages.

Emma

Kelly! Where are you?

Send me a text!

Don’t disappear on me again.

Crap. I should’ve texted her already since I was worried she’d go back to campus security… or worse, the police. No, that was an excuse. I’d been too busy trying to hide from everyone and hoping I wasn’t destroying the few relationships I’d cultivated.

Okay. She was my friend. Texting her would be fine.

Kelly

Hey, I’m here! Don’t go calling campus security again. Lol

Slept in late and then got caught up with a few things. Sorry.

After a deep breath, I tapped out a reply to the dean’s secretary and confirmed the appointment time. How would I get there without cluing Jacob in on everything? No idea. What if he found out and stopped me? If he felt betrayed by the meeting, I wouldn’t blame him.

Emma’s text notification popped up while I wrote the email. She was on a tear, but I knew this was because she cared.

Emma

We need to get together and talk.

Where should we meet? Downtown?

Kelly

It’s kinda difficult right now. Transportation and stuff with being at Jacob’s.

What a stupid lie. In fact, Jacob needed to worry about transportation, not me. But if I told Emma the truth, she’d insist on us getting together as soon as possible. Part of me wanted that, but I needed space. Hell, she might suggest picking me up from Jacob’s… or hanging out here! That would be super awkward.

Emma

I have a car. I can pick you up.

Don’t shut me out.

Kelly

I appreciate that, but I have a couple of things I have to do.

I’ll text you later!

What a lame excuse. I hated saying it. Could Emma see through my lies? If so, I hoped she wouldn’t call me on them. Seeing Emma’s name followed by three dancing dots to show she was typing made my pulse kick up a notch. Nope, no more of that. Too stressful. I put my phone on silent and plugged it in on the nightstand.

Last night’s nausea came back with a vengeance, and I placed my hand over my stomach, focusing on taking calming breaths. Everything would be fine. Just don’t panic.

The pep talk didn’t help. I shook my head, wishing Emma had more chill. Couldn’t she see how hard life was for me now? Why did she have to push so hard? Because she cared.

A knock on the bedroom door had me whirling to face it. I yipped. My heart thudded against my chest, feeling like it’d explode. But it was Jacob. Of course it was. I guess I hadn’t heard him finishing up in the kitchen with how hard I’d been focusing on Emma.

“Everything okay?” His nostrils flared as he looked me over. “You smell upset, and your phone was quite active.” He crossed his arms over his broad chest and leaned his shoulder against the door frame. “Let me guess… Emma?”

I released a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. “Yeah, it was her. She wants to get together, but it just feels too soon.” I sat on the bed, still trying to calm my frazzled nerves. Should I tell him about my mistake last night? He might want to wring my neck, but at least we’d be on the same page. “I might’ve messed up.”

His eyebrow rose, and his expression went impassive. Any sign of playful or concerned Jacob disappeared. “What do you mean?”

That didn’t help my anxiety, so I fixed my gaze on the floor at my feet. “During last night’s phone call with her, I mentioned I was…” I rubbed a hand over my face. “I confessed to being abducted. She wouldn’t get off my case, and I didn’t want to hang up on her.” Hair fell into my face, and I blew it aside. “She’d already spoken with campus security. Seems like she’s afraid I’ll disappear again. I hope she won’t run back to the authorities. I’m so sorry for screwing up.”

From the corner of my eye, I saw Jacob’s jean-clad legs come into view. He sat beside me and placed his hand on my back. “I know about the phone call.” Concern tinged his voice, even as he remained very calm. “I tried not to listen in, but my wolf’s senses were heightened.” His hand moved over my back in smooth circles. “I’ll talk with my mom about campus security, but you need to meet with Emma. Get her to calm down. I can be there to keep an eye on you.”

I glanced over at him, surprised by his response. For a moment, I wasn’t sure how his mother would help our situation, but looking at his fancy bedroom, it seemed obvious. His family’s wealth held power. The thought sent another wave of nausea roiling in my gut, and my shoulders hunched forward. “You listened? But I… The water was running.” Jacob was probably being too optimistic when he’d said his family would like me. I was nothing like them. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?” This could’ve explained why he was tense in the bathroom. At least he didn’t hate me.

“You were standing near the door.” He tilted his head. “I didn’t hear every word, but Emma kept yelling.” He tugged me against his side. “I didn’t want to stress you out. You were already dealing with a lot and feeling ill… and then, well… so much happened last night.” His lips brushed the top of my head. “After you text her back, let’s chill in the living room. We could get to know each other better, or watch a movie. Whatever you want to do.”

I wrapped an arm around his waist and buried my face in his shoulder. That made sense. Life got in the way. “She was hurting my ears,” I said, a small smile on my lips. “I’ll have to figure out how to control my heightened senses, especially when I’m stressed. It’s hard to focus when I’m in panic mode, and the world just won’t lower the volume.”

He sighed. “It takes practice and learning to work with your beast. Sometimes even experienced shifters struggle with their instincts and control.” The stubble on his cheek caught on my hair, and he leaned back a little to swipe it away from his face. “We’ll work on that together.”

My initial reaction was surprise. Even those used to this life struggled occasionally? But I’d seen Jacob tremble with rage, his eyes flashing wolf amber before he regained control. The mercenaries knew how to bring out the worst in someone.

“Oh, okay.” I rubbed at the bridge of my nose. “I’ll text her, then we can relax. My brain needs a break.” I glanced up at him. “Can I pick the movie?” While we should get to know one another, this conversation was taking a lot out of me. Perhaps I shouldn’t have mentioned Emma, but at least we had a plan now.

“Of course, babe. Anything you want.” His lips curved in a smirk. “We can alternate. You pick a movie first, then I’ll pick one.” He winked at me. “Keep that in mind. I don’t want to declare a movie war here.”

“Oh? Is that right?” I grabbed my phone to text Emma. “Those sound like some big feelings. You don’t even know what my favorite movie genres are.” Action and adventure were usually my cup of tea. Thrillers and fast cars? Sign me up. But maybe I’d learn to love romcoms if that’s what Jacob thought I’d choose.

He held up his hands in mock surrender. His biceps flexed, his pecs tightening enough to draw my attention. “The best defense is a good offense, right? But maybe I was too harsh. You’re right. What type of movies do you like?”

God, this man knows exactly how sexy he is. “You’ll see, handsome.” I stuck out my tongue at him. Perhaps it was childish, but he deserved it.

His gaze darkened as it dipped to take in my tongue. “I suppose I will.” He dropped his hands to his knees, those sinful arms flexing again. It felt like the room’s temperature increased by ten degrees. He was making it harder for me to keep control and not toss him back and lave my tongue over his muscular body.

“Mmm…” I crossed my legs, squeezing my damp thighs together. The full moon was today, but I knew the lunar cycle couldn’t shoulder all the blame for my lust. Jacob’s body was incredible enough to take all the credit. “Do you have popcorn?” Getting him out of here would give me a better chance of concentrating on Emma.

“We ate breakfast not long ago.” He glanced down at my legs, and his nostrils flared. “You sure you’re interested in watching a movie? Seems like you want something else now.”

“Well, if you were naked, I might not have the strength to contain myself. It could be too tempting for me.” Where was this banter coming from? I was—or used to be—a sweet girl raised not to even consider having sex before marriage. Or at least within a long-term relationship. Now I couldn’t keep my hands off Jacob. It was like a burning, insatiable need. My hunger was insatiable. “What if I took advantage of you?”

Down, girl!

“Really?” He lifted an eyebrow at me. “I’d love to see you try. In fact, maybe I’ll get naked right now.” He unbuttoned his jeans, then slid his zipper down. His cock tented his boxers.

My mouth went dry, and I licked my lips. “You’re not making it easy for me to text Emma.” The phone felt meaningless with his chiseled body right there. “God, you’re incorrigible!” It took all my strength to turn my back on him. The laughter in my voice didn’t help him take me more seriously, but I didn’t care.

“I’ll show you just how naughty I can be.” His fingers slid up the back of my tank top to ghost over my skin. “But I’ll let you focus.”

Uh huh. With his hand on me, it’d be a struggle. Soon enough, our bodies would connect, and I’d writhe in his arms. That idea was so much better than watching a movie. Blowing off steam in the arms of my mate sounded perfect.

I opened the messenger app to see Emma’s latest response.

Emma

If you’re ghosting me for Jacob, be honest. I won’t waste my time.

Okay. Good luck, Kelly.

Her words hit like a bucket of cold water, and the phone slipped from my fingers, landing on my thigh. Tears burned the back of my throat.

Oh shit… What had I done?