\[Denali’s POV\]
For the next few days, Rosco and I alternate between work and vacationing. I had to admit, it was pretty easy being by his side, and despite everyone else in my life, he truly cared about my opinions and wants.
By the fifth day, I could feel my walls beginning to lower, allowing Rosco in despite our first meeting. I was even willing to tell him a bit about my past and what I endured, while he too opened up to me.
I quickly learned that the rumor about him killing his mate was just that—a rumor. To this day, despite attending all New Moon yearly gatherings, he hasn’t met his mate, but that fact alone left me feeling uneasy. It was one thing to have found your mate and then lost them, but to not have found your mate while being married to another wasn’t a good situation.
Of course, I couldn’t say something like this to Rosco since he was so determined for us to be together until he could complete his revenge. Maybe that was why, despite feeling like maybe I could let all my walls down with this man and even allow myself to get closer to him, I continued to remain hesitant.
“Are you okay?”
Turning, I snap out of my daze and find a concerned look on Rosco’s face as he lowers his sunglasses enough for me to begin to get lost in his dark orbs.
Since we didn’t have any work today, Rosco insisted that we come to the beach, and I guess while watching the waves crash against the shore and then retreat, I let myself drift for a bit.
“I am,” I respond, giving a small smile. “I was just thinking.”
“About?”
“Nothing.”
Although I knew that Rosco meant well, there was no way I could possibly tell him what was bothering me. I was already being selfish enough to stay by his side when I knew that there was a possibility that his mate was waiting. Not only his mate, but mine as well. Since I now knew that whatever connection I felt to Alexander wasn’t actually the mate bond, that meant I too had a mate out there somewhere waiting for me.
“And here I thought we were getting closer.”
Rosco’s words are like knives stabbing into my heart, and I find myself wanting to open up to him and spill my concerns, but wouldn’t that hint at m liking him?
Did I even like him? Sure, I was beginning to feel comfortable with him, and I wasn’t minding the random touching when we were around others or even when we were alone. I was also growing accustomed to his presence when I went to sleep at night and when I woke up the next morning. And that alone left me uneasy.
“What happens when you and I get revenge?” I ask quietly, suddenly feeling bold. “That’s the only reason that we are doing all of this.”
Growing quiet, I wait as he considers my question, and when a gentle look that was only reserved for me appears on his features, I fear what comes next.
“What do you want to happen?”
Eyes widening, I feel a wave of shock roll through me. I wasn’t sure what I expected him to say, but that most certainly wasn’t it. Did it truly matter what I wanted when we were two different people with two very different wants and needs? The final say should be both of ours, not one or the other.
“I don’t know,” I say slowly, but stop when Rosco’s eyes narrow. “I…” I try again, feeling verbal diarrhea beginning to make its way up my throat. “I want…”
“Rosco!”
Flinching, I snap my mouth shut and turn my head just in time to see Nadia making her way toward us in a string bikini that does nothing to hide her curves or the bouncing of her large breasts due to her jogging.
“What a coincidence!” She continues when she reaches. “Since there was no work today, I decided to enjoy a beach day,” she giggles. “Who would have known that you would be here? Do you mind if I join you?”
“Actually,” Rosco says slowly, fixing his gaze on me. “I came here to be alone with my wife. I’m sure she wouldn’t want…”
“I’m sure she wouldn’t mind,” Nadia counters, tearing her gaze away from Rosco and fixing it on me as if she just noticed my presence. “You wouldn’t care, right?”
As she speaks, she gives me a look of innocence that makes it that much harder to say no to her, but I knew if she joined, I would be subjected to watching her flirt with Rosco. I didn’t want that, and the fact that I didn’t want that annoyed me more than the flirting would.
“I…” I begin, turning my gaze to Rosco, who is quietly watching me. “Just started feeling sick.”
To make things seem more realistic, I curl in on myself while Rosco takes the hint, jumps up, and begins to worry about me like the good husband that he is.
“I think she has been in the heat too long,” he says, giving Nadia a look of apology. “It looks like we should head back to the hotel, but do enjoy the rest of your beach day.”
“R-right,” Nadia says, trying to keep the friendly smile on her face. “Then I guess I’ll see you tomorrow at the grand opening.”
“Sure,” Rosco agrees, picking me up and cradling me against him while Nadia’s eyes darken and a low rumble escapes her. “See you then.”
Not bothering to say anything else, he begins to move, carrying me back to the car and then helping me inside. Once I’m secured by my seatbelt, he comes around to the driver’s side and hops in, but instead of starting the car, he looks at me.
“That was some good acting,” he chuckles when I remain quiet. “Am I to assume that it bothers you to have other women around me?”
“What?” I gasp, feeling my stomach do a flip. “Why in the world would I..."
“Because you’re starting to fall for me,” he responds seriously. “That’s also the reason you didn’t answer my question back there, because you’re scared.”
“I’m not scared,” I snap, taking offense. “Why in the world would I be scared?”
“Because admitting your feelings would mean letting another person in, after you’ve endured so much heartache.”
Each of his words is like a needle stabbing me, especially since he is hitting all my damn nerves.
So what if I was afraid? I went through enough already, and I didn’t want to ever have to feel that way again.
“We don’t have the luxury of being with who we want,” I say slowly. “You and I both have a destined mate out there somewhere. And if that woman shows up for you, then you’ll not think twice about me.”
Maybe I really did get too much sun, and that was why I was speaking my mind. Or maybe deep down, I wanted to hear that someone would choose me over anyone else, even his own mate.
“I will admit that I do feel like we’ve grown closer in the past few days, but only as friends, nothing more and nothing less.”
“You’re lying,” Rosco growls, his eyes darkening. “If that was the only way you felt, then you wouldn’t give two shits if I found my fated mate or not.”
“No,” I try, but stop as his hand reaches out and grabs my chin before I can look away to hide the fact that I was lying through my damn teeth. “It isn’t…”
“It is,” he counters. “I don’t like liars, princess. And you’re terrible at it anyway. Do you think I don’t see the slight changes in your demeanor around me? I’m hyperly aware of each and every thing that you do.” He continues, letting one of his fingers run along my bottom lip while he licks his own in anticipation. “And you said this bullshit about me finding a mate, but I don’t give a damn about something like that. When I make up my mind, I stick to my decision no matter the consequences.”
“But…”
“No buts,” Rosco warns, leaning close enough for me to feel his heat. “Instead of clinging to whatever bullshit excuse you can to try to protect yourself, why don’t you actually take a chance on me?”