Page 14 of Naughty Elf: Alfie
Alfie nods. “I plan to make you feel like the most cherished omega in the world, so be prepared.”
“Just so you know, I have no idea how to be cherished or let anyone help me. I’ve been on my own for a long time.” I fight the tears wanting to fill my eyes.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Alfie whispers. “I want to take away all that pain.”
“I’m not sure you can.” I fiddle with my seat belt, needing something for my hands to do.
“At least let me help ease you from it. I have a lot of love to give, Pisces. Let me love you.”
“It’s because we’re fated mates. Would you give me two glances if we weren’t?”
“You are my catnip. Everything about you is exactly what I’ve always dreamed of in an omega.”
My cheeks heat at the knowledge. “You don’t exactly know all my baggage, Alfie. We don’t know enough about each other to know anything.” Except that’s a lie. In the short time I’ve known Alfie, I know he’s kind and gentle. He lights up the room he’s in. He’s the most charming person I’ve ever met. And he smiles atme.Me. As if I’m the only one he wants to look at. He respects my need to not sleep with him as soon as possible. Sex needs to be on my timetable.
“I’ll be here when you’re ready to share. I’m not going anywhere unless you tell me to leave. Tell me you’re not interested in seeing where this goes and I’ll leave.”
Tears fall now. “Iaminterested, and I’m scared. Scared that once you really know me, you won’t be interested. I don’t know that I’m strong enough for that kind of heartache.”
“You are, but I don’t plan on breaking your heart. Not ever.” Alfie holds out his hand.
Slowly, I take it and sit with the sizzling electricity that shoots up my arm. It doesn’t take long to get to the restaurant he saw. I’m not sure I’ve ever noticed it.
Alfie parks and he’s on my side, opening the door before I get my seatbelt undone. The action makes my heart flutter and I take his hand when he offers it. I don’t think I’ve ever touched anyone so much in my life.
“Let’s get to know each other, Pisces.”
The restaurant is a little mom and pop place that sells comfort food. It’s not busy, but the inside is cheery and still decorated for Christmas. Christmas music plays softly on a speaker somewhere in a corner.
“Now, Pisces, tell me something no one else knows.” Alfie locks his fingers together and leans forward, setting his chin on his knuckles.
I fidget in my seat. “Only if you do the same.”
“Naturally.” He gives me a toothy grin. “I’ll go first if it’ll help.”
I nod and grab the cloth napkin from the table to give me something to fidget with. Alfie is so handsome it’s hard to look at him. Never in a million years would I have thought I’d have a mate, fated or otherwise, so good looking. I resigned myself tobeing single my entire life because I won’t let an alpha control me. Alfie doesn’t seem the controlling type. My heart says I can trust him.
Alfie taps his bottom lip. “Okay, so I didn’t think this through. It’s a hard question!”
“It really is. I can only think of one thing.”
Alfie leans forward. “Yeah?”
“But you said you’d go first, so you have to wait.”
Alfie snorts and nods. “Got me. Okay… something no one else knows.” His nails tap on the table. “I like the harmonica and have a small collection from all over the world.”
I blink back at him. “I never would have guessed.”
“I know the instrument annoys a lot of people, but I find it soothing. Plus, damn near anyone can learn how to play it. I’m not that smart, but?—”
“Don’t say that. You’re smarter than you give yourself credit for.” I know it.
“Okay, I’m not very musically inclined, and I’ve tried so many times with different instruments. The only thing that clicks is the harmonica.”
That’s so charming.He’scharming. I might already have fallen for him. Alfie looks at me expectantly, but I can’t look him in the eye right now.
“My name isn’t really Pisces, but Pisces is the name I chose for myself.”
