Caroline’s POV
Ryan and I joined Draven and Kyle for a quick eting in the conference room. Draven had received a call from investors in New York, and they needed to travel there to finalize an important partnership.
"The clients are very satisfied with our proposal, but they’ve asked us to co in person," Draven explained, his violet eyes briefly eting mine before I looked away. "They want to extend the contract, but they insist on doing it face-to-face."
"Alright. When are we going?" Ryan asked, already pulling out his tablet to check his schedule.
"Tomorrow," Draven replied. "Kyle’s coming with us, but I’d like Caroline to join us too. It’s important for her to et these investors and be aware of the negotiations."
My stomach did a little flip at the thought of being trapped on a plane with him for hours. I’d been doing everything possible to avoid being alone with Draven for the past week.
"I agree," Ryan nodded. "What do you think, Carrie?"
"Look, I think I should stay,"I said quickly."These clients request a lot of docuntation, and you might need sothing from headquarters while you’re there, like last ti."
"That’s true,"Ryan agreed."We managed to close the Grand Canyon company contract faster thanks to Caroline’s efficiency in gathering information."
"Yeah, you’re right," Draven sighed, disappointnt flashing across his handso face. "Well, then Caroline stays. And takes care of everything while we’re away."
"It will be my pleasure, gentlen," I agreed. "And how long will you be gone?"
"At least a week," Draven confird, his eyes lingering on a mont too long.
We spent the rest of the day arranging everything necessary for their trip. I gathered docunts, prepared briefing packets, and they walked through all the schedules I would need to manage in their absence. By the ti I finished, night had fallen over the city.
I was gathering my things, preparing to leave, when Draven appeared at my office door.
"Caroline, may I speak with you for a mont?"
I nodded reluctantly and followed him into his office, keeping a distance between us. As soon as the door closed, his calm mask slipped away.
"Why are you avoiding ?" he asked directly, his violet eyes intense. "You run the other way when you see in the hallway. You leave etings the second they end. You won’t even look at ."
"I’m not avoiding you," I lied, crossing my arms defensively. "I’ve just been busy."
"Caroline."He moved closer,"Please don’t lie to ."
I backed up until I felt the edge of his desk behind . Without warning, he pulled into his arms, the scent of cedarwood and musk enveloping .
His lips found mine in a hungry kiss that made my knees weak. Against my better judgnt, I responded, my hands moving to his chest where I could feel his heart racing.
When he finally pulled back, he held tightly against him, his forehead resting against mine.
"I miss you," he whispered fiercely. "I’ve been working non-stop to fix this ss, to clear a path for us. Please don’t shut out."
The pain in his voice was almost my undoing, but I forced myself to face reality. I placed my hands on his chest and gently pushed him back, creating space between us.
"What about your fated mate from three years ago? What about your wedding to Ella?" I asked quietly. The words burned my throat.
He ran his hand through his hair in frustration."I’m not marrying Ella. I never intended to. I’m trying to prove the baby isn’t mine, that this whole situation is a setup."
"And what about the woman from the masquerade? Your fated mate?" I pressed.
"That’s..." He hesitated, pain flashing across his face. "I just want to know she’s okay. I worry that she might be in a situation like yours, alone and without support."
"I understand, Draven. I do. But that doesn’t change anything between us." I couldn’t keep my voice from trembling. "With all these won in your life,what am I supposed to be to you?"
"Yes, you’re the powerful Alpha with status and influence," I continued, finding my strength. "And I’m just a single mother without a pack, raising a child alone. But that doesn’t an I’ll let you toy with my feelings."
"I would never..."
"Please," I stopped him, raising my hand."I don’t want to be caught in so complicated love affair. What I want is simple—a normal relationship with my mate and a stable ho for my son. All you’re offering right now are empty promises."
"They’re not empty, Caroline. I’m doing everything..." he said desperately.
"I’m here working because Ryan, Kyle,and Clara asked to stay,"I said firmly. "Please, Draven, just stop pursuing . Keep so boundaries."
Fear flashed across his face."Are you planning to leave ?"His voice ca out rough. "Leave the company? My territory?"
I forced myself to look straight into his eyes. "If you keep pushing past my boundaries, then yes, Draven. I will. All I want is a peaceful life for my son and ."
The pain that spread across his face nearly broke my resolve. For a mont, I saw the powerful Alpha stripped away, leaving just a man who looked lost and afraid.
"I don’t want to lose you," he whispered.
"Then respect my wishes," I replied firmly. "Give the space I need."
Without another word, I slipped past him and out of his office, my heart pounding and tears threatening to spill over.
I quickly grabbed my things and headed to the elevator, not looking back though I could feel his eyes on all the way.
User Comments
0 comments from readers