Page 49 of Whispers of Wisteria

“But what—” Bryce began.

I left him before he could finish speaking. Bianca was already some distance away when I’d gotten my car, and I took my time riding up behind her.

She knew I was there; I could tell by how she’d looked over her shoulder, but she kept walking anyway. Her stride was beginning to slow, which meant she was either running out of steam or was in too much pain to stomp anymore.

“Hey,” I called out loud enough for her to hear through the open passenger window. “This isn’t the safest place to be wandering around by yourself.”

She froze, skirt swaying around her knees as she glanced at me. Her eyes widened, and her face flushed.

I grinned—she remembered.

What had I said the first time? “Do you need any help?”

But I knew now she’d never ask for it.

She blushed—although that could be from anger.

“Has that ever worked for you before?” she asked. Her too-large sweater covered her fingers, and she tucked her hands under her elbows.

“All the time,” I replied. “Haven’t you heard, I’m onForbes. They say I’m the most eligible bachelor of the year.”

“You’resomething, that’s for sure.” Her lips quirked.

My chest lightened. I’d gotten her to smile again.

“Insanely attractive?” I tilted my head and tucked my hair behind my ear.

She became even pinker. “I wouldn’t say it like that,” she answered, glancing away.

But she wanted to. I could smell it from here. The only difference was that, unlike the first time we’d met, her scent held no fear.

I couldn’t have a more perfect mate.

There was something else, however, thick in her scent.

“Get in,” I told her. “It’s cold, and you’re in pain.”

She squared her shoulders, and her eyes flashed. “I’m fine.”

Normally I’d give her anything she wanted. There was no need to fight.

But there was only one thing I wouldn’t allow.

“I don’t care.” I reached across the seat and pushed open the passenger door. “I said get in.”

Her mouth popped open, and she blinked at me. “Are you bossing me around?”

‘Since when?’

I could almost hear it, but this time, it was written on her face.

“We need to talk,” I said.

Her shoulders tensed, and she looked back. “Why?”

“Get in,” I repeated.

Bianca narrowed her eyes. I thought, for a second, she might argue, but she didn’t.