Chapter 134
I stood awkwardly in the center of the room, fingers twisting together. Tm truly sorry, Alpha. I should have waited for you to respond before entering… I shouldn’t have…” I couldn’t finish the sentence because Derek had sat ep completa! distracting me.
The sheet had slipped to his waist, revealing an upper body that looked carved from marble–broad shedden tapering to lean waist, defined pectorals, and abdominal muscles that rippled with each slight movement. A thin trail of black bar disappeared beneath the sheet. I forced my gaze upward, only to find him watching me with knowing eyes.
“Six fifty–eight,” he said, glancing at his phone, his voice still deep and rough. At least you’re punctual
He stood in one fluid motion, the sheet falling away. I quickly averted my eyes, realizing he wore only dark boxer briefs, clinging to powerful thighs and barely concealing his morning arousal. The sound of his bare feet on the hardwood floor accelerated my pulse.
He walked past me, close enough that his arm brushed mine, leaving a trail of heat. I’ll take a shower, be ready in fifteen minutes,” he said quietly near my ear. “Wait here for me.”
Once the bathroom door closed, I released the breath I’d been holding. I moved slowly around the bedroom, each step drawing in his scent. My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, wanting to roll in his sheets, to completely surround herself with his smell.
I sat on the edge of the bed, my fingers sinking into the mattress that still held his body heat. A longing had formed between my legs that I couldn’t ignore. I pressed my thighs tightly together, trying to alleviate it.
I want to know you,” I whispered, my hand passing over his pillow, “I want to be with you.”
Derek appeared precisely fifteen minutes later, a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets rolled down his chest. trailing along the ridges of his abdominal muscles. His hair was combed back, the moisture making it appear almost black.
“Sorry,” he said, though his tone held no apology at all. I forgot to bring clothes in with me.”
I quickly stood up, turning away, though not before catching a glimpse of his back as he walked toward the closet–broad, strong, with several scars scattered across it that only enhanced his masculinity.
I heard the rustle of fabric as he dressed. When I dared to look at him again, he was already wearing black pants and buttoning a white shirt that covered his still–damp chest. His hair fell slightly over his forehead as he concentrated on the buttons. This less–than–perfect Derek awakened something deeper inside me.
He selected a tie, his fingers moving with practiced precision. Without thinking, I walked over to him.
“Let me help you,” I offered, picking up the suit jacket lying on the bed.
Derek paused, then nodded. I held the jacket open, and he slid his arms into the sleeves. My hands smoothed the fabric
over his shoulders, lingering longer than necessary. I could feel his muscles flex beneath my hands. He turned to face me, standing so close I could see the tiny silver flecks in his gray eyes. Neither of us stepped back.
My fingers touched his shoulders, feeling the solid muscle beneath the expensive fabric. When he turned to face me, we stood so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body.”
He reached up to adjust his collar, his fingers brushing against mine. The contact sent electricity through my entire body.
Chapter 134
His eyes locked with mine, holding me in place. Time seemed to stop, the tension between us growing thicker.
“Your perfume,” he said quietly, leaning slightly closer. ‘It’s different today.”
I swallowed hard as he bent his head, deliberately inhaling deeply near my neck. “Yes,” I managed, my voice barely audible. ‘Do you like it?‘
His eyes darkened, the muscles in his jaw tightening. “It suits you.” His voice dropped an octave, sending shivers down my spine.
He didn’t immediately move away. Instead, he reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingertips grazing my cheek. The simple touch set my skin on fire.
“We should go,” he finally said, though he lingered a moment longer, his gaze falling to my lips before he stepped back.
“Aren’t you having breakfast?” I asked as we descended the stairs, still unsteady from the intimacy we’d shared upstairs.
Derek checked his watch, the movement precise and controlled. “We’ll eat at the office.”
“Alright,” I nodded, following him toward the waiting car. As I walked behind him, I couldn’t help noticing how his suit jacket emphasized his broad shoulders and narrow waist. Each step he took exuded power and authority, reminding me of exactly who he was–not just my boss, but the Alpha of our entire pack.
The drive to Stone Group was mostly silent. I sat beside Derek, acutely aware of every inch of space between us in the backseat. When the car turned, his leg occasionally touched mine, each contact sending a warm current through my body.
As he reviewed documents on his tablet, I stole glances at his profile–the strong line of his jaw, the slight furrow between
his brows as he concentrated, the way his long fingers slid across the screen.
When he shifted in his seat, his thigh pressed more firmly against mine. Neither of us moved away. Unlike the awkward silences of our early interactions, this silence was charged with unspoke. asion that made my skín tingle.
When we arrived at Stone Group, I exited the car first, only to freeze at the sight of a familiar figure waiting at the
entrance.
“Bradley?” I murmured, immediately tensing.
He approached, displeasure evident on his handsome face. ‘Why are you getting out of my brother’s car? At this hour?”
I straightened my spine, meeting his gaze directly. “As you can see, your brother is with me.”
Derek emerged from the car, his powerful/presence immediately drawing the attention of everyone around. He assessed the situation calmly, then walked toward us.
“What are you doing here?” he asked Bradley, his tone neutral but with an edge.
Bradley forced a smile. “Brother, I’m here to talk to my ex–girlfriend. Would you mind giving us some privacy?”
