Chapter Twenty Three- Hurt

The air in Gabriel’s office feels stifling. The office is packed with tension and unspoken words.

Gabriel himself walks back and forth, his face heavy with a frown and brows furrowed together.

My heart pounds in my chest as I wait for him to speak. The mate bond is very new but it’s still very raw. Every fibre within me is attuned to his emotions and attitude.

“There’s something I really need to tell you, Avery.”

The man stops in front of me. His eyes serious but sorrow filling them.

“What is it?” My voice is hesitant and I brace myself for whatever he’s about to drop on me.

Gabriel takes a deep breath, pausing before he drops the truth on me.

“I’m betrothed. To someone else,” he adds as if that’s not clear enough.

I nearly double over from the pain that radiates throughout me. It hurts like a physical blow, knocking all the air from my lungs.

“I’m sorry, what?” I manage to get out.

“It’s not what you think, Avery. I know it sounds wrong but it’s just a business th