6. Keiro #2
"I envision our business partnership being one where we can be completely open and honest with each other," he said, his voice rougher than he intended. "Equal footing. Mutual benefit. Financially, of course."
The words felt inadequate the moment they left his mouth.
What he really wanted to say was that he envisioned a partnership where she didn't have to carry everything alone, where he could take some of the weight off her shoulders, where they could build something together that went far beyond business arrangements.
But admitting that would cross lines he wasn't sure she was ready for him to cross.
The air between them grew thick with tension as she studied his face, her pupils dilating slightly as if she could read the thoughts he wasn't voicing. When she leaned forward just a fraction, the neckline of her dress shifted, and Keiro had to grip his wine glass to keep from reaching for her.
"That sounds reasonable enough," Poppy said, her voice carrying a husky quality that made his wolf surge forward with want. "Honesty and trust and respect are crucial."
She paused, and he could practically see her internal struggle playing out across her expressive features—the Alpha who needed to maintain control warring with the woman who was clearly as affected by their proximity as he was.
"Speaking of trust," she continued, her gaze piercing, "can I trust you? Can I trust that you aren't trying to string me along or use me for some hidden agenda?"
The question hit him like a punch, and he responded before conscious thought could temper his words.
"Yes, you can trust me." The conviction in his voice surprised even him. "I would never use you or string you along for any reason. There's absolutely no hidden agenda here."
Tell her the full truth. She deserves that much.
"I genuinely bought that land last night because I sensed you were in trouble, and while I may have overstepped because you're my fated mate, that was no excuse to solve your problems without really knowing what they were or asking if that's what you wanted.
" He met her eyes directly, letting her see the sincerity there. "For that, I'm truly sorry."
Shock flickered across her features—not at his apology, but at his complete honesty. In his experience, Alphas rarely admitted mistakes, especially not to other Alphas they were trying to impress. But something about Poppy made him want to strip away the careful facades he'd spent years perfecting.
She didn't accept his apology, but her expression softened slightly. "Well, maybe this happened for a reason. Let's just try to move forward together."
Together.
The word hit him with unexpected force, carrying promises and possibilities that made his chest tighten with want.
"Of course," he managed. "Let's focus on the present and figure out our next steps."
"Right. So the next steps will be signing papers obviously," she said, slipping back into business mode.
"I can meet you tomorrow to handle that.
Then we can decide what to do with the land—what to build that will benefit us both.
I know having a wolf Alpha owning land on pride territory may be problematic, but don't worry.
I'll handle the politics with the elders. "
She's protecting me already.
The realization sent warmth spreading through his chest. "Perfect. That way we can move forward without extra complications. So what do you want to build?"
"I don't know really," she admitted. "I'm not experienced in land development. I'm more savvy with land preservation, not building on it."
"Well, I have plenty of experience in land development but not preservation," Keiro said, excitement beginning to build as he realized how perfectly their skills could complement each other. "I can already see where our strengths might align."
He paused, debating whether to share something he'd kept hidden for years, though the wine and her encouraging expression made the decision easier for him.
"I have an idea, but it's ambitious." His eyes lit up with genuine passion for the first time in longer than he could remember.
"Before my father died, I wanted to become an architect.
I'm pretty good at designing spaces. Maybe I could sketch up what we could build—something that honors the land while also being functional. "
The moment the words left his mouth, he could see ideas spinning behind her bright blue eyes. Her entire posture changed, leaning forward with genuine interest that made his pulse race.
"That may actually be perfect," Poppy said, her voice carrying an excitement that matched his own. "That way we can create something we want. Not someone else's vision, but our vision."
The words hung between them, loaded with implications that went far beyond business. Her cheeks flushed pink as if she'd revealed more than intended, and she cleared her throat quickly.
"I mean, it will translate better if it's something we truly believe in."
But the damage was done. The phrase 'our vision' echoed in his mind, painting pictures of a future he'd never allowed himself to imagine—building something together, creating rather than just managing, having someone who understood his dreams instead of just his obligations.
The tension between them crackled like electricity, both of them having revealed more than they'd intended. She picked up her fork again, focusing intently on her pasta as if it required her complete concentration, but he could see the way her hands trembled slightly.
"I don't mean to rush you out," she said softly, "but I'm feeling tired. I didn't sleep well last night for obvious reasons, and only managed two hours of sleep."
Keiro stood immediately. "Please, let me escort you to your room."
When he offered his hand to help her up, she hesitated for just a moment before placing her palm against his. The contact sent fire racing up his arm, and from the way her breath caught, she felt it too.
She rose from her chair with fluid elegance, but instead of stepping away, she remained close—close enough that he could see the gold flecks in her blue eyes, close enough that her scent wrapped around his body like a living thing.
The mate bond pulled at him with magnetic force, every instinct demanding he close the remaining distance between them.
Just a taste. Just once.
He began leaning in, drawn by forces beyond his control.
The way she looked in that blue dress, the way their conversation had made him feel more alive and inspired than he had in years, the rightness of being here in her home sharing dinner—it all combined into an irresistible pull.
She must have felt the same magnetic draw because she began leaning in as well, her lips parting slightly. The space between them disappeared inch by inch until he could feel her warm breath against his lips, until one more heartbeat would bring them together—
A loud crash echoed through the house, followed by the unmistakable sound of someone forcing entry. The noise shattered the intimate moment like glass, both of them freezing with their lips barely apart, the spell broken by whatever threat had just invaded her sanctuary.