2. Will you marry me ?

Scarlett gazed at the striking man before her, his soul-piercing emerald eyes drawing her in. With midnight hair, a chiseled jawline, and sensuous thin lips, his appearance was nearly flawless. The only thing that marred his perfection was a scar above his left brow that trailed down to his cheekbone. But even that added to his devilish beauty, giving him a somewhat intimidating, yet sexy, allure.

Scarlett’s eyes shamelessly traveled down his god-like physique. He wore a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, leaving the top two buttons undone, revealing enough of his sculpted chest to be enticing. A blade hung from a silver chain in the center, drawing her attention for a moment before her eyes wandered back to his. He looked nothing like someone’s uncle, more like a walking temptation, capable of leading women to commit forbidden acts willingly.

“May I offer this beautiful lady a drink?” he inquired, his gaze unwavering.

Scarlett’s breath hitched at the depth of his irresistible tone. She felt herself melting under the power and authority in his voice. Perhaps it was a reflection of her drunken state, but the attraction was impossible to ignore.

He arched his brow at her, and a nudge from Alaina snapped her out of her stupor. She took a deep breath and smiled.

Despite being swayed by his compelling presence, however, she refused to relinquish her authority. After all, she carried the alpha bloodline. So she said, “Why would I agree? I don’t even know you.”

His scar twitched slightly as a smirk curled his lips enough to challenge her inner composure. Seemingly to accept the challenge, he sat on the stool beside her, leaning in closer. “How about we change that tonight?” His voice was deep and seductive.

The scent of dark chocolate and mint was overwhelmingly enticing, and Scarlett took another deep breath to rein in her inner desires. Oh, stop it, she scolded herself internally. He was a stranger for Moon’s sake. Her mate had just rejected her. Her wolf was a mess, and there she was, thinking about her ex-mate’s uncle. She needed to get a grip.

“Perhaps it’s impolite to have a mental monologue while someone is waiting for your response, lady?” he remarked, braking through her thoughts.

She found herself lost in his gaze once again, though it felt odd to flirt with a man who was her ex-mate’s uncle. Biting her lower lip, she turned to check on Alaina, but found herself alone with the stranger. When did Alaina get up and leave? She hadn’t even noticed.

Turning back to the man, she casually flipped her orange curls behind her ear. “Or perhaps a drink doesn’t need an introduction?”

The man’s smirk deepened. “Fair enough.” He briefly turned his gaze to order two glasses of whiskey before focusing on her again. His eyes roamed over her, and Scarlett felt a tingling sensation between her thighs that surprised her. Uh-oh. This man was dangerously close to eroding her self-control.

But then, maybe being with this stranger wasn’t such a bad idea?

She thought back to Geo’s rejection, barely able to believe she was with his uncle. That she never knew George had an uncle made her feel they had practically been strangers, too. But this man’s presence could be a way to exact revenge for Geo’s disloyalty, for how he had hurt their mate bond by rejecting her for Olivia.

However, Scarlett didn’t want to give in immediately and decided to play it cool.

The drinks arrived, and she took a sip, trying to ignore the desire coursing through her body. She never felt such lust before, but then, she never drank so much, either.

“So, why me out of”—she glanced at the other women in the pub—“all these bombshells?”

He leaned toward her. “None of them attract me the way you do,” he said, his voice deep and sultry. He was so bold and straightforward, and his confidence created an involuntary physical response within her that caused her to clench her thighs.

She wasn’t sure if he saw the movement, but the next thing she knew, his fingers traced her thighs, his touch fueling her already burning desire. It was so overwhelming; she wanted to jump into bed with him. Instead, she worked to maintain her composure, smiled, and took another sip of her whiskey. “I’ve met many daydreamers, Mister.”

With that, she downed the remaining liquor and stood, her legs trembling. She leaned in close to the man, who raised his brow in amusement. Her slender fingers lightly brushed his crotch, and his once-green eyes darkened.

“Not so easy, pretty boy,” she whispered in his ear before slowly moving away.

Before she could, he grabbed her by the back of the neck, pulling her close. “You’re playing with a raging fire, woman,” he growled, as if burdened by a thousand years of pain. His tone exuded desperation, yet his dominance was palpable—and insanely attractive.

A risky idea entered her mind. How about forming a lifetime partnership with him? Wouldn’t that be more baiting punishment for Geo? The mere thought of Geo scrunching in terrible pain gave her the confidence to grab the stranger’s collar and look deep into his eyes. “Maybe because I want to burn,” she murmured and then pressed their lips together.

He swiftly assumed control, and a surge of electricity coursed through her in response to his aggression. Not to be outdone, she matched it, fumbling with his buttons, heedless of their surroundings. He broke their kiss, pulling away enough to meet her eyes. “Eager much, Regina focosa?” he said with a smirk.

Fiery queen? Really? And he knew Italian. Interesting.

She made another attempt to kiss him, but he held her back. “Not so easy, piccolo lupo,” he huskily murmured.

“I’m not your little wolf,” she said. But in her drunken state, her desperation deepened, and she tried again. Or maybe, trying to name her situation as her drunken state.

A masculine, breathless chuckle escaped his lips. “Such a naughty little wolf we have, don’t we?” he said, playfully ignoring her protest. “Follow me.” He took her hand, leading her into one of the pub’s private VIP rooms.

Once inside, he picked her up effortlessly. Lost in the moment, her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, with no thought about the consequences that might follow. Their lips locked, and she reveled in the addictive sensation of his kisses, his firm chest against hers, and his hands gripping her back. Kisses with George had never been like this. They’d been mere pecks that lasted a few seconds, nothing so desire-inducing.

Their mouths explored. Their hands explored, and soon, she wore nothing but her underwear. He tossed her onto a sofa, and locked eyes with her as he slowly removed his shirt. A silent gasp escaped her lips when he dropped the material. Tattoos adorned his arms and shoulders, making him look even sexier and more mysterious.

She bit her lip as her gaze traveled to his collarbone. No bond mark. He was still unmated. The idea of having him became even more enticing.

He hovered over her, pulling her until she was completely under him, then he kissed her again. Sensually, he caressed her thigh, leaving a trail of fire running up her leg. He traced his hand up her side, to her back, then began to remove her bra.

Scarlett’s heart raced. She was on the verge of giving everything she had saved for her mate to this stranger. Was she truly ready to let go?

She gasped as his lips trailed to her neck. When he sucked her marking spot, she shivered, and the thought she’d had while they sat at the bar returned. She pushed him away and rolled aside.

He paused, his gaze filled with questions.

Scarlett took a deep breath, then met his eyes. “Will you marry me?” she asked, her words firm and without hesitation.