Chapter 8 (Everett)

I thought about kissing her, to press my lips against hers, our bodies pressed together, but I held back. I wanted her to make the choice on her own. If I kissed her, she would be swayed unfairly in my direction. If she was going to bear my child, she needed to want it as much as I did.

Still, it was hard to resist, especially when she looked up at me with those gorgeous green eyes, lips pursed ever so slightly. It almost seemed like she was doing it on purpose, body tempting mine every time I looked at her.

It took every ounce of my will to let go of her, bend down, and take off my shoes.

“What are you doing?” She asked as I tossed them to the side. They were my most expensive pair, and she knew it, but that didn’t matter. I could always buy another pair if they were ruined. When you’re as rich as I am, shoes are insignificant.

“I thought we could enjoy the sand between our toes,” I answered, rolling up the hem of my pants, feeling like a teenager – well, almost. In those days, I would shed every stitch of clothing and jump into the water, no matter how frigid.

“What…?”

“Come.” I took her hand, pulling her close. “Stop acting so tense. Right now, I’m not your boss. I’m just Everett. A regular guy.”

She shook her head. “I can’t…”

“Don’t make me take off your shoes for you.”

“What…?” Before she could stop me, I was already down on one knee, undoing the ankle strap. My head was so close to her leg that I was tempted to leave a trail of kisses in my wake. Her smell was delicious and practically irresistible. I never thought controlling myself would be this hard. I was so used to getting everything I wanted that holding back was almost a foreign concept.

“Everett… I don’t think…”

“Shh.” I threw her heels to the side. “You worry too much. Just… relax.” As I got up, I wrapped my arms around her waist, locking our hips together.

She gasped, lips parted seductively.

Oh, she was making this hard… oh so very hard.

I took in a deep breath, trying to redirect the blood flow back to my head but it continued to stir between my legs, bringing my member to life. I did not doubt that she could feel my girth against her thigh, getting increasingly excited by the minute.

Knowing I would lose myself in desire if I continued to hold her, I hesitantly let go, settling for her hand as we walked along the shore. Neither one of us spoke a word. Out of the corner of my eye, I noted her pensive expression. She was mulling over my offer. I was curious how she would handle it. Hopefully, she’d agree. Of course, I could just hire a donor, but Tanya felt like the right choice. I didn’t quite know how to explain it – a gut feeling – the same feeling that had guided me toward success all my life. I didn’t think it would lead me astray this time around.

Finally, we doubled back, heading for the cabin. I didn’t bother to offer her a ride home. She belonged here – by my side. I could feel it deep in my heart, like a primal instinct that made me want to protect her from all the harms and evils of the world. I was an alpha, and she was the mate I’d defend with my life. I could go on denying it all I wanted, but feelings this strong never lied.

I just needed her to feel the same way.

“You must be tired,” I commented, leading her toward the guest bedroom. “So, I’ll let you sleep. If you need anything, I’m just across the hall. Don’t hesitate to ask. Bathroom’s around the corner. Kitchen stocked with snacks. Make yourself at home.”

Tanya looked at me for a moment, lingering by the doorframe, looking like she wanted to tell me something. But, in the end, she just nodded her head, nibbling on her bottom lip.

“Goodnight,” I said.

“Goodnight.” She returned, slowly closing the door in my face.

I remained in the hallway, half expecting her to reappear but she never did. I sighed. Why was I holding back? I could just go in there and take exactly what I wanted – just like I handled everything else in my life. But, for some reason, that kind of tactic seemed wrong in this situation. I wanted her to want me.

Eventually, I walked into my bedroom, stripped down to my

underwear, and slipped into my bed. Usually, I was able to fall asleep just as soon as I settled into the mattress but for some reason, I couldn’t get comfortable. I tossed and turned, thinking of Tanya. She haunted my thoughts like a phantom I couldn’t quite catch. I wanted her. Hell, I needed her. But, I was starting to fear that the feelings weren’t reciprocated.

What was I to do then?

No one ever told me ‘no.’

Would Tanya be the first?

What then?

I didn’t know and that unsettled me.

Unable to sleep, I stared at the ceiling, hands locked over my chest, trying to figure out what to do.

Soon, my mind wandered, picturing Tanya’s beautiful body. Before I knew what I was doing, I had already undressed her, imagining what her naked body looked like. I drank in her every curve, getting intoxicated by the sheer sight of her. She was gorgeous; there was no doubt about it.

Unable to help myself, my thoughts ventured into naughtier territory. I dreamt up all the things I could do to her. Left to my own devices, I’d have her screaming my name at the top of her lungs. She’d love it so much she’d beg for more, but for once I wasn’t going to make the first move.

If she truly wanted me, she’d have to prove it.

Sure enough, just as my thoughts reached their climax, I heard the soft groan of the door opening. I laid still, feigning sleep, as a dark figure slipped into the room walking with a slow, muted step.

Tanya.

My cock twitched in anticipation. The alpha inside of me yearned to jump up and pounce on her right then and there, but I managed to smother the desire in order to figure out what Tanya planned to do.

She crept toward the bed, head tilted toward the floor, watching her every step. From the looks of it, she was wearing very little, but the darkness of the room made it impossible to see the exact details of her nighttime outfit.

Finally, she arrived at the foot of the bed. She lingered there a moment before she crawled onto the mattress, settling herself by my side. There was a gap between our bodies that felt like a chasm. As much as I wanted to pretend to be asleep and let things unfold naturally, I couldn’t stand being apart.

In a flash, I rolled over, took her in my arms, and pulled her close.

She gasped.

I lost control.

Our lips collided into a long overdue kiss. Skin against skin, we fell into a rhythm, lips dancing against one another in an erotic tangle that only grew hotter and hotter with each passing second.

As my hands roamed her body, my tongue slipped between her lips, roaming around her mouth. Soon enough, they were tangled together, wrestling playfully, speaking a silent language called desire.

The air around us grew thicker and thicker as our excitement grew.

My fingers danced along her thighs, getting closer and closer to her panties but suddenly she stopped me.

The kiss was severed.

Breathing hard, our faces were only inches apart when she shook her head. “I’m sorry…” She whispered. “I’m just not ready yet…”