Page 43 of The Alpha’s Heir

“Thank you for saving me.” I was still laughing as I stepped into the hall, hoping to drop off the books in my room and then hurry downstairs.

As luck would have it, I didn’t need to hunt Roman down because he crashed right into my chest.

Had it been a rom-com, the books would’ve gone flying, but I wasn’t a klutz who let borrowed books get damaged, so I kept the stack safely in my arms.

Though his leathery, masculine scent did surround me and I might’ve let a whine slip as he caught me by the elbows.

He was out of breath and damp from the rain as he stared into my eyes. “I…” His gaze went to the books I held. “I didn’t know you liked to read.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” I tried to sound teasing, but it came out as an accusation. I quickly backtracked. “And there’s probably a lot I don’t know about you.”

“Of course.” Roman stepped away, leaving a cold space between us. “That’s how it should be. Have you seen Justus?”

I flinched at the sound of my intended husband’s name.

Roman seemed to notice. “Has he done something? If so, I’ll—”

“I haven’t seen him since yesterday,” I said, cutting Roman off.

Why? I wanted to hear the rest of his threat. My wolf purred.

“I’m sorry about that. I’ll see if I can convince him to spend more time with you.” There was a coldness to his tone that didn’t match the warmth of his words.

“Don’t bother.” I sighed. “I’d prefer him to stay away as long as possible, but I wouldn’t mind getting out of here myself.”

From the look that flashed across his face, I realized that wasn’t a possibility.

“Do you need more books to read?” he asked.

That was probably the hottest question I’d ever heard from a male, and it was even hotter coming from my mate. But everything about this conversation was so very wrong.

“What I need is a break from this house,” I said.

“I’m sorry. I can’t help you with that.” Roman took a step back. And then another.

“You’re sorry about a lot of things.” My eyes burned as I stared at him, begging him to see. If he’d just give me one hint that he recognized the mate bond between us, I’d take the lead from there.

Roman lowered his face, and I figured I’d lost him. I held the books tighter against my chest, seeking comfort from the words hidden within.

At least fictional men wouldn’t let me down.

“Actually.” Roman glanced around the empty hall before lowering his voice. “Do you… read out loud?”

“I can. Read out loud.” I arched an eyebrow.

“If you really want to get out of here, I can take you somewhere. You’d be doing me a favor, though.” Roman said this like I’d back out. Like my wolf wasn’t currently howling in triumph.

“Yes.” I nodded eagerly. “Let’s go. Anywhere.”

“It’s not going to be any place fancy.” The smile that threatened to break out on his face had my heart soaring as I shook my head.

It didn’t matter where we were going, as long as he was coming with me.

The smile finally teased his lips. “I need you to bring a book.”

*

“Where are we?” I asked in a hushed whisper, listening to the humming in the walls and the beep of machines.