Chapter Twenty-Six

Ryan's POV

I don’t know how to say this, even to myself, but… thank you, Greg. Of all the ways this night could’ve gone, you showing up was oddly perfect. Sure, the guy’s a nuisance, but at least he gave me the excuse to keep Aurora close.

When I dragged Greg out of the restaurant, I didn’t care about the stares or whispers. All that mattered was making sure he understood one thing, he wasn’t to lay a finger on her ever again.

Once we were outside, I let the mask drop just enough. My wolf side flared, my eyes narrowing, a low growl escaping my lips. Greg’s face turned pale, and he stumbled back like the fool he is. Before bolting like a scared rabbit, he promised not to touch Aurora again. I made sure my warning stuck.

With him gone, I headed back inside. Aurora was still trembling, her face pale as she tried to gather herself. I kept my voice steady. “Let’s go. We need to grab your things.”

I hated stepping foot into her rundown apartment again. The place reeked of memories that didn’t deserve her, a constant reminder of how much better she deserved. Her things were already packed, and she grabbed one of the nightwear sets I’d bought her without a word.

When she turned to me, bags in hand, I gave her a curt nod. “Let’s go.”

The drive to my penthouse was quiet, but my thoughts weren’t. She was so close yet still out of reach, her scent intoxicating and her presence pulling me in like gravity. I gripped the steering wheel tighter, trying to keep my composure.

Once we arrived, I led her inside, showing her to the guest room. “You can stay here,” I said, gesturing to the room. “If you need anything, let me know.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

I returned to my own room, desperate for a moment to myself. The warm shower was a welcome distraction, but my thoughts kept drifting back to her. She was just down the hall, so close I could practically hear her breathing if I focused hard enough.

The primal part of me….Draven, was restless. Go to her. Claim her.

“No,” I muttered under the spray of water, shaking my head. I wasn’t that guy. I wasn’t going to force anything on her.

Still, the thought of her being so close, so vulnerable, made my chest tighten. I leaned against the shower wall, letting the water wash over me, trying to drown out the storm raging inside.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, a knock sounded at my door. Before I could respond, Aurora stepped in. Her wide eyes locked onto me who was completely naked and she froze.

“Sorry!” she squeaked, spinning around and bolting out of the room.

Draven chuckled in the back of my mind. Well, well. Look who’s seen you. She’s ready. Go after her.

“Shut it,” I muttered, though I wasn’t ashamed in the slightest. If anything, I liked it. She should get used to seeing me, used to my body. Soon enough, she’d have every right to touch it.

I dressed quickly and went out to find her. She was standing in the hallway, her head bowed, cheeks a vivid red.

“I’m so sorry,” she started, her words tumbling over each other. “A client needed immediate feedback, and I didn’t think to wait—”

I cut her off with a laugh. “You’re going to win the medal for best apologizing human if you keep this up.”

Her blush deepened, and she glanced away, clearly mortified. I couldn’t resist teasing her. “It’s not the first time you’ve seen a grown man naked, Aurora. Stop acting like a kid.”

Her eyes widened. “It is!”

I smirked. “If you say so.” My tone was light, playful. “Now, what did you need from me?”

She straightened, holding up her tablet like a shield. “The client for the trip said we’ll need to extend our stay to four days instead of two because of a collaboration with other companies.”

“Four days?” I repeated, my mind already turning over the possibilities. Four days alone with Aurora. Four days to break through that wall she’s built around herself.

I nodded, a slow grin spreading across my face. “Noted. Anything else?”

She shook her head, still flustered. “No, that’s all.”

Her words lingered in my mind, especially the part where she mentioned it being her first time. I didn’t want to dwell on it, didn’t want to let my thoughts spiral down that dangerous path.

The idea that she might be untouched, that no one else had dared to claim her… it stirred something primal in me. But I pushed it down. I couldn’t ask her about it—not now, not ever.

The jealousy that might surface would consume me, and I couldn’t afford to lose control.

Instead, I plastered on a neutral expression and said,

“Feel free to do whatever you want. You’re welcome here.”

She nodded, her lips curving into a faint smile, but her cheeks still held that rosy hue.

I didn’t know what else to say or do. I’d always been a man of few words, preferring action to pointless chatter. Yet with Aurora, I found myself talking more than I ever had before.

She had that effect on me, making me step out of my comfort zone without even realizing it.

Before the silence grew too thick, I decided to ask,

“Do you want to watch a movie?”

Her eyes widened slightly, and she shook her head. “Oh, no, I’m fine. Thank you.”

I wasn’t having that. “Come on, Aurora. It’s not like we have anything else to do. Besides, I insist.”

She hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip. “Okay, but only if you’re sure.”

“I’m sure,” I said firmly, already heading toward the couch.

We settled down, and I gestured for her to pick something. “Choose whatever you like.”

She hesitated again before murmuring, “I’ve always loved romance movies.”

“Romance?” I raised an eyebrow, trying to mask my amusement.

She nodded, a wistful look crossing her face. “I used to sneak into the living room and watch them when my stepfather wasn’t around. They’re my favorite.”

“Not really my thing,” I admitted, leaning back against the couch. “But pick a favorite. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Her face brightened as she scrolled through the options, searching for the one she wanted. I wasn’t paying attention to the screen, though. My focus was entirely on her. The way her brows furrowed in concentration, the subtle curve of her lips when she found something she liked… she was captivating.

My little one.

The thought sent a jolt through me, but before I could dwell on it, the movie started.

And then I saw the scene.

Two people on screen, tangled together, their lips locked in a passionate kiss that quickly escalated.

Great. Just great.

I kept my face neutral, but inside, I groaned. This is going to be a long, long night.

Aurora shifted beside me, clearly embarrassed. I could feel her discomfort radiating off her, but I didn’t dare glance her way. My wolf, Draven, was far too entertained by the situation.

“Don’t worry they only made out in this scene,” She said as her focus went back to the screen.

Well, isn’t this interesting? he teased.

I ignored him, gripping the armrest tightly. It was just a movie. Just a scene. Nothing more.

But with Aurora by my side, her scent wrapping around me like a blanket, it felt like torture.