Page 30 of The Bear's Perfect Mate
“Because love like that doesn’t happen for everybody,” Sophie said.
“No, it doesn’t,” Nero admitted, “but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen for you.”
Sophie took a shuddering breath. “I don’t know…”
“Why not?” he asked, keeping his voice low.
This is a big deal,Nero’s bear rumbled inside him.
Nero resisted the urge to reach out and touch her and offer her the comfort he desperately, instinctively, wanted to give his mate. But he was afraid one wrong move might break the fragile bond they were building.
But she is our mate,his bear said.We’re supposed to be the ones who comfort her and make everything all right.
She is our mate,Nero agreed.But she’s also human, with her own feelings and choices to make. We can’t rush this.
His bear grumbled in protest, but he knew it was the truth. They needed to be cautious. Sophie had been hurt, deeply, and pushing too hard would only drive her away.
“I’ve seen what can happen when love goes wrong,” Sophie finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. “My parents divorced when I was twelve. My sister’s been married three times. And then there was Tito...” She trailed off, her gaze drifting to the treetops.
“Not all relationships are meant to last forever,” Nero said carefully. “But that doesn’t mean none of them do.”
Sophie turned to him with a weary smile. “I wish I had your optimism.”
Just tell her already,his bear urged.Tell her she’s our mate.
Not here,Nero said.Not yet.
He finally reached out and laid a hand on her shoulder, light as a feather. That spark of recognition passed instantly between them and when her eyes widened, he knew she felt it, too.
“Don’t let Tito win,” he said, his voice low and steady, though every instinct in him screamed to kiss her. Kiss away all her fears and doubts and show her there was such a thing as true love, everlasting love.
Sophie looked up, her gaze locked on his. “I wish it was that easy. But it wasn’t just Tito. Jules wasn’t just my PA. I thought she was my friend.”
Tell her it was fate’s way of making sure we meet,his bear said.
Oh no,Nero replied.I’m not saying fate tore her life apart just so she could meet me.
When you put it like that…The bear sulked to the back of his mind with a huff.
Nero took a breath, his hand still on her shoulder. “You said that you create recipes for Tito.”
“I do.” She nodded.
“But you’re a star on your own right now,” Nero said.
“On social media,” Sophie replied, her tone modest.
“There you go, selling yourself short again,” he said, not unkindly.
Her lips pressed together. He feared he’d said too much.
“I’m not very good at this,” he added quickly. “But maybe…maybe this is the moment you needed.”
“Being humiliated by my boyfriend and my PA is what I needed?” she asked, heat flaring in her voice.
“To step out of their shadow. To claim your own light,” Nero said. “If you’d stayed with him, he would’ve kept you small. I’ve seen how people react to you. You have something special. And I think you’re meant for more than Tito ever allowed.”
She looked down, swallowing hard. “You might be right.”
