Page 53 of Choosing the Rejected Mate

“And you’re okay with that?”

My chest tightens.I lean down and press a kiss to her knuckles.“Holly, tonight was not a consolation prize.”Her eyes shine.“This was you choosing me,” I say.“That means more to me than any bond ever could.”

A tear slips down her cheek, and she looks furious about it.I wipe it away with my thumb.

“You’re annoying,” she whispers.

“I know.”

“And too good at saying things.”

“I’ll try to be worse tomorrow.”

“Please do.”

I smile and stand.“I’ll sleep on the couch.”

Her hand shoots out and catches mine, and the bond hums.Her throat works.“Stay.”

I freeze, not because I don’t want to.Because I want it too much.

“Holly...”

“Just sleep,” she says quickly.“I’m not ready for ...all the things.But I don’t want you to leave.”

Something inside me settles.I toe off my boots, strip down to my boxers, and slide into bed beside her.She watches every movement like she’s waiting for me to become someone else.

I lie on my back, one arm open but not reaching.After a long moment, Holly curls against my side and rests her head on my chest.I wrap my arm around her.Her body relaxes by degrees, and mine does too.

The bond glows warm between us, quieter now.Not demanding.Not clawing.Content.

I press my lips to her hair.“Sleep, sweetheart.”

She mumbles something that sounds suspiciously like, “Bossy handyman.”

I smile into the dark.Maybe I am.