Page 28 of Guarding the Billionaire

“Not technically but sometimes you can’t help it…,” she paused before asking, “Do you know about fated mates?”

I shook my head.

“In the supernatural world, there’s this concept of fated mates. It’s like there’s this one person who’s your perfect match. They might be human or a different kind of supe, but somehow – no one knows how – when you meet that person there’s an immediate attraction, a sense that they’re who you’ve been looking for your whole life.”

To my surprise, Teresa’s voice turned almost dreamy as she spoke.

“That’s what happened to my friend Martha. As soon as she met our client, she knew that Emily was her soulmate. They’ve been inseparable ever since.”

“That sounds a little like a fairy tale,” I noted, hoping I wouldn’t offend her.

“A lot of supes don’t believe in fated mates until they find theirs. But not everyone finds their person. Like my parents, they weren’t fated mates,” she continued. “I’ve heard they had a good marriage though. You can love someone who isn’t your fated mate, it just isn’t the same.”

“What about you?” I asked. “Do you believe in fated mates?”

Her blue eyes fixed on mine. “I do,” she said softly. “I used to dream about finding my mate, wondering what she’d be like, but the reality was even better.”

“You have a mate?” I asked in surprise. “But you kissed me!”

I felt indignant. How could Teresa kiss me the way she’d done – twice now – if she had someone back home waiting for her.

Her expression shifted from almost nervous to resolved.

“That’s because you are my fated mate, Flora.” Her voice was soft, but full of conviction.

“What? I don’t understand.”

Or maybe I kind of did.

“When I first saw you, my vampire started going crazy inside me, telling me that you were the one. Then the first time we touched, I knew it was true. It’s hard to explain, but I feel this connection to you that’s different than just someone I’m attracted to.”

When I didn’t respond she said, “I know that’s a lot to dump on you. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. Not yet.”

It explained a lot, but my analytical mind couldn’t make sense of what she was saying. My heart however knew what she was saying was true.

“Is this why I feel so connected to you?” I asked.

Teresa nodded. “Humans don’t feel the mate pull as strongly as supernaturals do, but what I’ve heard is that humans typically feel something akin to a strong crush or love at first sight.”

“So what happens now?” I asked.

“For now we stay just friends,” she said firmly. “We should avoid kissing and touching and anything that will distract me from my primary mission of keeping you safe. Once this is all over, we can talk about what happens next.”

“Can’t you keep me safe and still add in some kissing and touching?”

“I shouldn’t get distracted from my mission,” she said stubbornly.

I got out of my chair and walked around the table, shoving it away with my hip so I could stand in front of Teresa’s chair. I put my hands on her shoulders and leaned down until our lips were only an inch or two apart.

“Would it distract you if I did this?” I asked right before I pressed my lips against hers.

“Yeah.” Her answer came when I pulled back.

“I think you’re skilled enough to keep me safe and have a little fun.”

I threw my leg over her so I could sit in her lap. I’d never been this forward in my life, but now that I knew that there was a reason I was feeling this way, and more importantly, now that I knew Teresa felt it too, I didn’t want to wait any longer.

Her hands came to my waist, but otherwise she stayed still, waiting for me to make the next move. This time when I kissed her I slid my tongue into her mouth, exploring. Teresa’s tongue tangled with mine as the kiss turned rougher.

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