Page 124 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

We can’t risk it; we just have to make sure we don’t fuck up. Unless you’re doubting that? he asks, cocking a brow.

Gods, this man!

I am not doubting it, but I am acknowledging the risk! I snap, glaring across at him.

Calm that temper, Darling; it doesn’t look good on you, he mocks.

I don’t care; I’m not trying to look good. I’m worried about Uncle Liam.

Jayce sighs as he sits forward, picking up a glass of water and gulping it down. If I tell Dad, he will not let Katara go anywhere, and I cannot afford that risk. We need to capture this person.

Then we need more than just us two and Ahren. We need Heaven and Allie as soon as possible, I speak.

Jayce puts his fork down and sits back, running his fingers through his hair. Ahren will be here within the hour with both of them. I think the five of us can handle this.

How do you know that? I ask, calming down a little.

We talked earlier.

I pout. Well, that wasn’t very nice, not including me, Ahren.

Right. You could have told me that to start with.

You didn’t really give me the chance to now, did you? he counters arrogantly.

Oh, stop making excuses; you asked me if Ahren contacted me. That was your chance. Or can you no longer multitask? I retort mockingly.

His eyes narrow, but I simply continue eating, staring back at him, refusing to look away first. If this is a battle of wills, then he needs to learn I’m also stubborn.

He looks away after a couple of moments, and I smile slightly.

Told you I can be stubborn. It’s in my blood.

After a moment, I can sense him looking at me again, but I don’t look up, simply continuing to eat my food.

After I’m done, I glance up and notice his eyes are fixed on my lips, and it’s almost as if he doesn’t even realise he’s staring. My heart thunders, and I’m extremely aware of his gaze shifting to my breasts. I’m wearing a fitted white top that fits snugly, paired with pale blue jeans.

I stand up slowly, and that’s when he realises he’s staring, blinking before he looks away, reaching into his pocket for his phone as if needing a distraction, the tension in the room loud in the silence.

I tuck my chair in before walking around the table towards him. He pauses from his scrolling but keeps his gaze on the phone, his heart steady.

I stop behind him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. He tenses but doesn’t move to shrug me off. I bury my head in his neck, my nose rubbing the exact spot my mark sits. His scent fills my nose, and I inhale deeply, suppressing the moan that almost escapes me.

“What are you doing?” he asks quietly.

“Reminding my mate that he’s the only one I love. You don’t need to ever worry about me talking about another man, because the only one I want is you. Now and forever. Even if you want to keep pushing me away, I’ll keep pulling you close. In this game of push and pull, I’m going to win,” I promise softly, placing a soft kiss just below his ear.

He swallows hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing, making my core clench.

I move back, wishing he’d say something – anything. Even though I know he isn’t going to, I can still hope. I run my fingers through his hair before I turn away, making to walk towards the door when he grabs hold of my hand, stopping me. I turn to look at him, my heart hammering as his eyes snap up to mine.

“Suit up, we’re leaving in twenty.”

I nod, twisting my hand in his hold so I can lace my fingers with his for a fleeting moment, giving his hand a gentle squeeze before he lets go.

“Ok,” I answer softly.

I walk to the door, and it feels like one of the hardest things to do. When I reach for the door handle, I pause and look over my shoulder at him. He’s watching me, his face unreadable.