Proudly
Pick your poison:
Secret ~ The Pierces
As the World Caves In ~ Matt Maltese
Adea
My fingers dance along the soft hair that curls at the nape of Shane’s neck. Normally, I’d take this opportunity to kiss up his neck or enjoy the lack of distance between us, but I’m so frustrated, I can’t. Instead, I want to twist and pull the strands. By the Goddess’ grace, I somehow manage to hold back. I know he’d think I was joking with him and I’m not in a playful mood.
There was something off about his promise. I can feel it in my bones. I knew he meant every word, but the look in his eyes was off. There was more. If only I could talk to Max. The other half of my mate wouldn’t hide things from me. He would answer my questions to the best of his ability.
After the time I’ve spent with Shane, doubting him filled me with guilt. Even though I know he isn’t being completely honest with me. He’s holding back. While my mate says he wants to mark me, swears he will in every way possible, I’ve come to know him. And I know something is off. Because if he truly wanted me, he’d mark me right here, right now. Nothing stops Shane from taking what he wants.
Nothing.
But he hasn’t. And my heart cracks because deep down, I know that if he hasn’t already marked me, he never will. As hard as that pill is to swallow, I pushed that thought aside. I just can’t bare it. And maybe it’s my love for him that makes me do the unthinkable. I push my pride, my frustration, and my pain down. And I choose to believe in his words, to trust him, and to wait. I can only hope I’m wrong.
“So… what happens now?” My nails scrape down the back of his neck and my hands drag along his shoulders. Shane gives me a bemused smile. As if he can see right through me and maybe he can. His touch dances up my spine and my body curves in response. Breast to chest, he shakes his head, causing his hair to slide side to side before falling back effortlessly. He’s unbelievably sexy and he knows it.
“We spend the day together. I know you’re hungry. What would you like to eat?” His shoulders relax, and I can’t help but wonder what part of me marking him had him so tense.
“With my mark on your neck?” I whispered.
“I’ll wear it proudly.”
His words have an instant effect. A shutter runs through me and my vision blurs. I swallow down the emotion and before I can crumble, I change the subject.
“Aren’t alphas supposed to be crazy busy? Don’t you have a full day ahead of you?” I teased. Crossing my arms in front of my chest. I gazed at him suspiciously. My frustration was already ebbing away.
“Never too busy for you,” he murmured. Leaning forward, he pressed kisses along my collarbone.
“Mm,” I hummed. Giving myself over to this sweet side of him.
“What does my Princess want for breakfast? Or… brunch now that it’s past noon?” He said as he made his way up my neck. Almost as if to kiss away the sting of his rejection. Without a second thought, I offered it up to him. I was pathetic for this man.
“Well, I wo—”
My phone rings, cutting me off and breaking his spell. I need to answer it. It’s probably Gabe worried sick. I move to get off Shane’s lap, but his hands clamp down around my hips. I try again, but he holds me still. Glancing at him, I arched a brow.
“You’re seriously not going to let me get it?” I huffed.
“Nope,” He answered playfully, enunciating the p with a pop. I roll my eyes and I hear him mutter a careful before following the sound. He leans over, lifting me with him, and swiped my phone off the bedside table before sitting back down. I move to grab it from him, but his hand envelops it completely, making it impossible for me to pry away.
“Shane,” I warned as I tried, anyway.
“Adea,” he mocked. I was fighting a losing battle. He was so much stronger.
“What are we? Eight?” I laughed.
“What can I do for you, my lady?” he teased.
“My lady?” I giggled.
“You heard me.” He lightly poked me in the side and I squealed.
“Stop that! You can give me my phone. Gabby’s probably worried,” I said gently.
“Not until you say, please, daddy.”
My jaw fell open. And yet, he stared at me as he waited patiently. Yeah, that’s right. Patiently. I shook my head and sighed.
“Please, Daddy. Could I get my phone?” I asked sweetly, batting my lashes for effect.
A dazzling smile spread across his face, and I melted. The bastard could make a nun reconsider her vow of chastity. He leaned down and stole a kiss before lifting his arm until his hand was in front of my face. I watched as his fingers loosened, revealing my phone. I grabbed it before he could change his mind. He laughed, and I ignored him as I tapped the screen.
My eyes widened at the multiple notifications. Chance and Gabe had blown up my phone. Checking the side, I realized it was on silent. I glared at him before unlocking it. I had more messages from Chance than Gabe. Biting my lip, I had a crap ton of missed calls from him. Opening my texts, I bit my lip. The last time I’d seen him, he agreed to take care of Donny. I clenched my jaw and closed my eyes.
Goddess, I’ve been so selfish. I hadn’t thought of him once today.
The texts went from him pleading with me to answer his calls, to saying my name, to just wanting to know that I was alive. I felt terrible. Switching to Gabe’s, it started with him saying good morning and telling me he had tea. A smile pulled at my lips, and Shane growled. I continued ignoring him. Gabe’s texts went on to say he wouldn’t spill it via texts and I needed to call him as soon as possible. Sliding all the way down so I could see his most recent text dated five minutes ago. I squealed.
Gabe: You better come down.
Gabe: Don’t think I won’t break down his door!