Page 34 of Galaxy Between Us

“I remember– “ just as I try to respond, the elevator makes a loud noise and jolts.

“Holy fuck,” Knox comments, staring around in confusion.

We split apart and the elevator jostles again, dropping us a few feet lower. I gasp, clutching Knox’s arm until there’s a beep drawing our attention to the digital display which now says five. Concerned, we both stare at the door, hearts hammering when it begins to slide open. I swallow, unready to step out of the intimate moment we shared.

The last thing I expect to see is a crowd of people waiting in front of us. Not just mechanics, but also receptionists, assistants, security guards, and worst of all, news cameras.

Oh, no– Not the worst of all. That would actually be Jaimie barging through the crowd, eyes blown wide as he assesses the disheveled state we’re in. Hickeys, flushed cheeks, messy hair, haphazard clothes. It’s obvious what we’d been up to in there.

Embarrassment floods my entire soul.

Without thinking, I smash the button for the ground floor, even as mechanics try to cheer that we’ve finally been rescued and apologize to Knox for the long wait. Ignoring their stunned gazes and flashing cameras, I let the door fall shut again.

Knox and I are silent as we descend. I’m not sure what his plan is, but mine is to run for the nearest exit and never look back. This is horrible for both our careers. Knox’s more than mine. I wince at the thought, bravely stealing a glance at his tense expression. Is he mad at me?

Quickly, he slides his phone from his pocket and rapid-fire taps at the screen before tucking it away. I’m a little irritated that he had that on him the whole time, but I suppose it wouldn’t have been much help. The elevator beeps for the first floor and I take a deep breath knowing we won’t have escaped the nosey crowd.

“Hold on to my arm and don’t let go or stop for anyone,” Knox commands.

I nod, accepting his strong forearm as the door slides open again. Cameras blind us, capturing the shame on my face. Knox pummels through the group, pulling me along behind him as I try to shield my eyes with my free arm. I can picture the tabloid covers already. He leads me through a door, pestering questions hot on our trail. Astronomers and scientists stare, disturbed by the loud disruption. We’re so getting fired.

I’m relieved when Knox finally bursts through an exit, guiding me outside. We hurry down the steps, ignoring the lewd remarks following us. Part of me simmers with anger, disgusted that they think less of an Alpha and Omega for having feelings for each other.

Tears burn my eyes as Knox helps me into the waiting backseat of a black luxury sedan. Without a word, a valet swiftly closes the door on us, and the driver peels off. I break the silence with a sniffle and then I’m being enveloped in strong arms. Knox holds me tight as I break down, petting my hair which I’m sure is disastrous.

“I’m sorry,” my voice cracks.

“Shh. It’s not your fault,” Knox whispers.

The baritone of his voice vibrates my cheek where it rests on his chest.

“You’re going to lose your job!” I sob against him.

“We’ll be okay.”

Knox grabs my jaw, pulling me up for a deep kiss. I don’t understand how he’s okay with everything. I might’ve just jeopardized his whole career. At least he belonged at Comet XI, unlike me. No wonder Omegas aren’t allowed anywhere. Clearly, we just get in the way.

“Stop it,” Knox demands, making my skin shiver.

I gaze into his intense eyes before tilting my neck in submission. He’s right. I shouldn’t be self-loathing. We fucked up and that’s that. We need to accept the consequences.

Knox’s phone rings in his pocket, buzzing against my thigh. I lean back, but he tugs me forward, ignoring the call. I’m not sure if it’s because he wants me close, or because he’s avoiding whatever trouble we’ve gotten ourselves into.

A few minutes later, we arrive at the gate of a fancy brick house across a perfectly cropped lawn. Knowing Knox, I can only assume he saved the mega mansion for his parents and settled in this humble yet extravagant home for himself. He climbs out first, taking my hand to guide me out. Chivalry is alive and well where this Alpha is concerned.

He leads the way inside, and I’m immediately comforted by his surrounding scent. It’s everywhere, hugging me like a cover to a book, fiercely protecting me in an embrace.

“This is nice,” I comment, observing the classy decoration style. It’s very masculine with an undertone of softness that makes it feel welcoming. A stark contrast to being shunned out of the place that was a second home to us.

Chapter XVI

Keeping it together, I guide Arius upstairs so he can rest. I don’t think he even realizes how outwardly he’s panicking. He stays as close to me as possible, bumping into my side every so often as I lead him through the house. I notice he snagged a decorative throw pillow from my couch, but I don’t comment on it. Possessively, I bring him to my bedroom instead of the guest room, to which he doesn’t contest either.

“Make yourself at home. I’m going to let the chef know you’re here and… I suppose, I should at least contact my assistant. I’ll be up in a minute, okay? Just get some rest,” I cup his chin in my hand. The pads of my fingers tingle where they touch his skin.

Ari nods lightly, distress and conflict clear on his face. Pressing a gentle kiss to the corner of his mouth, I turn and head out. Time to rip the bandage off.

After leaving the kitchen, I pace the windows in the main room, watching the gardeners do their work in the distance. With a deep breath, I call my assistant, Gomez.