Page 93 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

The question caught me off guard, not because of what he was asking, but because of how he asked it—direct, respectful, with no pretense or games. It was so quintessentially Theo.

"Yes," I whispered, my heart racing as he leaned closer.

Theo studied me for a moment, as if cataloging my response, before he carefully removed his glasses and set them on the counter. Without them, his face looked somehow more vulnerable, his green eyes more intense as they held mine.Unlike Gabriel's commanding presence or Dakota's fierce intensity, Theo's approach was methodical, precise. He cupped my face with careful hands, his thumbs brushing my cheekbones as if mapping the contours. When his lips finally met mine, the kiss was gentle yet thorough—exploring, analyzing, as if he were conducting research on what made me respond.

I sighed against his mouth, my free hand moving to his shoulder as he deepened the kiss with calculated intent. There was something intoxicating about being the focus of his complete attention, about feeling him analyze each response, each small sound I made, and adjusting accordingly. When he found an angle that made me whimper, he repeated the motion, learning me like a complex equation he was determined to solve.

When we finally broke apart, both slightly breathless, Theo's eyes were darker than before, his usual clinical detachment replaced by something hungry and primal. It was a side of him I hadn't seen before—the Alpha beneath the analyst.

"Your physiological response is... fascinating," he murmured, his voice rougher than usual as his thumb traced my lower lip. "Elevated heart rate, dilated pupils, flushed skin."

I laughed softly, oddly charmed by his analytical assessment of our kiss. "Is that your way of saying you liked it?"

The corner of Theo's mouth lifted in a rare smile. "Very much so. I'd like to conduct further research, when circumstances permit."

The quiet intensity in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. "I think I'd be amenable to that," I replied, trying to match his clinical tone but failing to hide my smile.

Theo retrieved his glasses, placing them back on with precise movements. The gesture was oddly intimate now that I'd seen him without them. He kept his eyes on me, his analytical gaze softened with something warmer.

"You continue to surprise me," he said quietly. "Most people find my approach... off-putting."

"I'm not most people," I reminded him, squeezing his hand where it still held mine.

"No," he agreed, his voice carrying a note of wonder. "You're not." He pause for a minute before he spoke softly to me.

"Though I should clarify that my actions weren't merely diversionary tactics. My interest in you is genuine. All of us…our interest in you is real.” He told me, and I smiled at his words, it was nice to hear the words.

“Thank you.” I smiled, my cheeks heating up as I know I was probably blushing horribly now at his words. He gave a nod of his head, his own cheeks a light red.

"The others will be returning soon," he said clearing his throat, glancing at his watch. "The interview should be concluding approximately now."

I nodded, reluctantly releasing his hand. "Do you think they'll have learned something useful?"

"It's probable," Theo replied, his analytical mind clearly shifting back to the case. "Gabriel is an excellent interrogator. He has a psychological intuition that complements my more data-driven approach."

I nodded, “Okay.” Thought I still felt anxious, but I know I would have more answers later..which helped me calm down as I went back to me tea and enjoyed the quiet with Theo next to me.

Chapter Forty

Ihadgonebacktomy room and taken some time to decompress in my nest, trying to get my anxiety to go down before the other three Alpha’s returned. They were bound to notice how wound up I was by one sniff. I burrowed deeper into the blankets, inhaling the comforting scent of my own space, letting it calm my racing thoughts.

A soft knock at my door pulled me from my nest-induced trance. "Vivian?" It was Lucas's voice. "May I come in? We're back."

I sat up quickly, smoothing my hair and adjusting my clothes. "Yes, come in." The door opened and Lucas stepped in, his usual playful demeanor subdued. His eyes found me immediately, taking in my position in the nest with a flicker of something gentle crossing his features.

"Hiding in your blanket fort?" he asked, a small smile returning to his face as he leaned against the doorframe.

I shrugged, suddenly feeling self-conscious about my nest. "It helps me think. Or not think, depending on what I need."

Lucas nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Mind if I come closer? The others are downstairs. We thought you might want a little time to process before we all gather for dinner and discuss what we learned."

I paused for a moment looking at him, before I let myself take a deep breath as I gestured for him to enter, scooting over slightly to make room on the edge of the nest. "That was thoughtful. Thank you."

“Are you sure. I can stand—” I didn’t let him finish as I pulled him into my nest. I know we were all doing things out of order, but my inner Omega didn’t have any problem with him in my nest. Lucas seemed surprised but pleased as he settled beside me, careful not to disturb the arrangement of blankets and pillows too much. His warm scent—cinnamon and amber—filled my space, somehow complementing rather than intruding.

"Nice nest," he said, his voice softer than usual as he looked around at my creation. "Cozy."

I tucked my knees up to my chest, watching him. "Thanks. I haven't let anyone in my nest in... well, years actually."

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