Page 57 of His Rejected Fated Mate

“Like?” I found myself needing to know. I had to know how far he went.

“I walked the street looking for you. I got into fights with anyone who said anything. I had a crappy attitude toward everyone. I got depressed. I was angry and wanted everyone to feel the same way.”

I felt new tears forming. “I always thought…” I shook my head, not wanting to finish the sentence.

“That what? That I just moved on?”

I nodded. “Yeah. I thought you’d moved on. That you got what you wanted.”

He frowned. “You thought I was using you for sex?”

“It was one of the thoughts.”

He frowned. “Elize, I would never.”

“I know that. A part of me knew that wasn’t it, but it was a thought. You gave me no reason why you were calling it off.”

He moved closer, reaching a hand up. He cupped my face. “I hate this.”

I could feel his hands shaking, and I pulled my hands up, placing them over his. He pressed his forehead against mine, and I could hear his breathing.

“I’m sorry. You have no idea how sorry I am, Elize. I only wanted you. I will only ever want you.”

I knew he meant every word he said. I’d seen Troy lie, and he had tells. There was none of them here.

I licked my lips and looked into his eyes. “How do you know that? That you only want me?”

“Because you’re my mate, Elize. I knew it back then, and I know it now.” His eyes softened. “And I’m not making the same mistake twice.”

His hand moved, wiping at my eyes. His touch was soft as he cupped my face. “I will do whatever it takes to make this work, Elize. I would give up everything to just make this work. Name it, and it’s yours.”

I didn’t want anything. I had only ever wanted the truth, and this was a large pill to swallow.

“I need some time,” I whispered. I needed to digest everything he was telling me. I knew things would need to change, but I had to think it all through.

His nose slid over mine, and he nodded. “Okay.”

I looked down at his lips, wanting nothing more than to feel them against mine. But I knew that if we kissed, it would lead further. Emotions were high, and I wouldn’t think. I wouldgive anything to have his skin pressed against mine. I wanted to feel his hands all over me and let them swipe everything away. But I knew we both needed to wait.

I leaned back. “I should go to bed.”

I could see that hurt look in his face, and I took his hand. “If we don’t… I know what we will do.”

His eyes went down to my lips, and I could see that hunger. “Troy…”

His eyes snapped back up. I reached up, placing a hand on his chest. “Time, please. I need to digest everything. And if we kiss… You know this is going to lead further.”

He swallowed. “I know.”

“Please don’t look at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like an injured puppy.”

He softly smiled. “Sorry. I just… I don’t want to lose you, Elize.”

“You’re not.” I stepped closer. “Troy, I want to forgive you, but I have to go through everything you just said. Martin was someone I thought I could trust, and you’re telling me I was wrong. I need to think. And I can’t have sex with you. I have to think about all of this logically, and that’s… sex is emotional.”