Chapter 30
The next morning, I wake up feeling like I might crawl out of my own skin.
I’m restless, irritated, completely on edge from the lack of… well, release. My body still hums from yesterday’s dream, aching for
something I can’t have. Every time I thought I had a moment alone to take care of myself, Tristan would appear.
It’s like he has radar for the worst possible timing.
I’m lying in bed, staring at the ceiling and working up courage to reach for my nightstand drawer when his footsteps echo in the hallway. Heavy, purposeful, heading straight for my room.
Of course he’ll come back, just few minutes after leaving. Last night had been absolute torture.
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Tristan had climbed into bed beside me and pulled me against his chest, saying he wanted to make sure I was okay. When it was past
ten, I expected him to leave like he always does, but he didn’t.
And God help me, I let him hold me. Let myself melt into his warmth and strength and pretend, just for a moment, that this meant
something more than comfort for a broken girl.
His scent surrounded me, that intoxicating mix of pine and something uniquely him that made my wolf purr with contentment she
shouldn’t feel.
His hand stroked my hair while he murmured soft reassurances, and I had to bite my lip to keep from making sounds that would give
away exactly what his touch was doing to me.
I tried so hard not to let my emotions destroy our newfound… sibling connection. Siblings. Right.
But lying there in his arms, feeling every shift of his body against mine, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat… it took every ounce of self–control not to turn in his arms and kiss him senseless.
You know that feeling right? That feeling of being so close to that person, but it seems like it isn’t enough because you want more.
Yep, that was how I felt last night, now you understand.
“Athena?” His voice drifts through the door, followed by a soft knock, bringing me out from my thoughts. “You awake?”
I jerk my hand back from the drawer like it’s on fire and sit up, running fingers through my messy hair. “Yeah, I’m up.”
“Can I come in?”
I glance at my nightstand, then the door, then back again. This is torture. Pure, frustrating torture.
18:35 Fri, Jan 2
Chapter 30
Sure, I call out, because what else can I say?
He peeks his head in, and I’m struck again by how unfairly attractive he is first thing in the morning. Messy hait, wrinkled shirt. stubble along his jaw that makes me want to run my fingers over it.
Stop it. Athena. Just stop.
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“I was thinking,” he says, leaning against the doorframe. “Maybe I should stay home again today. Keep you company.”
My heart does this stupid little flip while my frustration spikes. Part of me wants him to stay, but the other part, the part desperately needing alone time to deal with my… situation… wants to scream.
“You don’t have to do that,” I tell him, keeping my voice casual. I’m fine, really. Besides, I’m coming with you today.”
He frowns. “Are you sure? Nothing matters more than your health.
There it is again, that brotherly concern that makes me want to cry and throw something simultaneously.
“I know, T,” I say, trying to convince him. “But I’m fine.”
He gives me a knowing look. When I call him T, it means I want him to stop pushing.
“Promise you’ll tell me if you’re not okay?” I hit him with my best puppy dog face.
“I promise, T.”
His smile is so genuine, so happy, that I hate myself for wishing it meant something different.
“Great. I’ll make breakfast while you get ready.
..Now I’m back at work, trying to act like nothing happened. Like I didn’t spend the entire night fantasizing about things I shouldn’t
be thinking about.
I need to move on. Find happiness that doesn’t involve pining after men who’ve hurt me in different ways. Daxon with his fists and cruelty. Tristan with his words five years ago, and now with his kindness that will never be what I want it to be.
I’m trying to focus on financial reports when my computer chimes with a message from Tristan.
Can you come to my office?
I stare at the screen and resist the urge to bang my head against my desk. Another check–in, probably. Another concerned look and gentle questions about how I’m doing.
18:35 Fri, Jan 2 d
The Biker Alpha Who Became My Second Chance Mate
Chapter 31
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
