Chapter 13
CHAPTER 13
COLE
He probably shouldn’t have done that.
But he probably shouldn’t have done a lot of things in his life, and yet, things are starting to go his way.
Life delivered his mate to him. Who is he to argue with fate? If it takes a bit of his Influence to persuade her to go to dinner with him, it’s not a big deal.
The end always justifies the means, he’s learned.
And once she realizes they’re meant to be together, she’ll forgive him for doing it.
Just not now, based on the nasty glare she’s giving him as they pass the welcome sign to Green Woods.
“We could go back,” he shrugs, chancing a glance at his mate. Her beautiful face is pinched in a scowl, and her scent has become potent with her anger.
He loves it.
“I can’t believe you.” Her voice is laced with malice as she crosses her arms. “What the hell is the matter with you?”
“Like I said, we could go back,” he says. “I don’t mind. I just figured, since you’re already out, you might as well have something to eat that you don’t have to cook yourself.”
To his surprise, she laughs bitterly.
“All this just to have dinner with me?” she asks. “Can’t you have anyone you want?”
He pauses, flattered. He’s never considered it, honestly. First, there was law school, then nothing but work, and then …
Then, he stopped even trying to have a relationship.
But he wants to try for Breana.
I was waiting for you, he wants to tell her.
“Why me?” she continues. “I don’t understand. Oh…” her voice trails off. “You’re not going to kill me, right?”
He bites his lip to keep from laughing.
I don’t kill women, sweetheart.
“No,” he scoffs. “Of course not. Like I said, no harm will come to you as long as I’m around.”
She sighs and leans her head against the window. “Great,” she huffs, not sounding at all like she believes him.
She remains silent the rest of the way out of Green Woods, and by the time they hit Elmwood, the stars appear.
Out of the corner of his eye, he catches her staring out the window, her lips parted in surprise.
“Wow,” she breathes. “ Wow. ”
Elmwood is larger than Green Woods, but just as lush and lovely. Luxury homes are sprinkled throughout the city along with independently owned shops and restaurants. Soft warm lights from the buildings illuminate the area, adding to the city’s charm.
“Welcome to Elmwood,” he tells her softly, his lip quirking. The scent of her joy overwhelms him, her sweetness filling the car until there’s nothing but Breana.
“I feel like I’ve stepped into a fairy tale,” she says softly, as he pulls into the restaurant parking lot and parks .
He turns off the car and watches her for a moment, drinking in her expression until she turns to him.
“What?” she asks, her brow furrowed. Apprehension crosses her features, and he curses at himself.
He doesn’t want her afraid of him.
He just wants her love, her companionship, and her soul.
And maybe just a little bit of her fear, occasionally.
She’s still staring at him, expecting an answer, but he simply smiles at her and unclicks his seatbelt before opening the car door. He’s at the passenger side in a second, opening it and reaching for her hand to help her out.
She hesitates, looking up at him warily.
“I don’t bite,” he smirks.
She stares at his hand, then back at his face, frowning.
“Either I walk you in or I carry you in,” he warns. “It’s not polite to be late to a reservation.”
Never mind that they’re fifteen minutes early.
“You wouldn’t,” she challenges, and he simply raises an eyebrow.
He would love any reason to scoop her into his arms. It’s a threat to her, but a treat to him.
His hands ache to touch her.
It works because she takes his hand, and he helps her out of the car. But the minute she’s out, she snatches her hand away and it falls to her side.
“That’s a shame,” he murmurs. “It would have been my honor to carry you right through those front doors.” He nods at the entrance to the restaurant.
“I fear that would be impolite, Cole ,” she says, following his lead as they make their way to the doors. “And you just couldn’t have that.”
“I’m nothing if not polite, sweetheart. I’m a true gentleman. ”
She snorts, but he doesn’t miss the flush on her face, or the way her scent blooms when he calls her sweetheart.
“My mother taught me manners,” he continues, as he holds open the polished dark wood door for her. “Including how to treat beautiful women.”
He says it just to watch her face turn even more pink. Then, he places his hand on the small of her back, gently guiding her inside.
“Sure,” she chokes out, clearly affected by his touch.
He grins.
Tonight is going to be fun.