Page 110 of Ice Wolf
Wait a minute. If she heard everything, then she knew that I did care about her. That didn’t matter at all? A dull ache formed in my stomach. Steven was right. My feelings for her weren’t based solely on the fact she was supposed to belong to me.
Now I was the one who had no idea what to say. “That’s all I’ve been to you? Just a client?”
“Of course. Why would you think otherwise?” She was calmly sipping her drink.
What the hell? “Because I know what we shared.”
“You’re an admitted playboy.”
“But not like you think.” Wow. I was really hurt. Completely hurt by what she’d said and the way she was acting. I hadn’t anticipated this in the least. Okay, maybe I hadn’t been prepared for screaming and crying, but being aloof? There was no way to process her reaction. My mind drifted to when she’d slathered mayo on my dick. For God’s sake, she’d sucked on it like my cock was her favorite flavor of lollypop.
“I know who you are and I’m happy to continue helping you. I’ll figure out a way to counter the photos. I’m not sure how yet, butI will. It would still be helpful if you’d show me your real state. If Rocco is some… shifter, then his behavior makes sense. I can play a little dirty pool with his reputation.”
“You mean destroy him.”
“If that’s what it takes.” She couldn’t look me in the eyes any longer.
I’d been a ruthless player my entire life. Cutthroat even. This just didn’t feel right. “Nah. Just let it go, Lily. If we win, I want it based on merit. Plus, you’re too good for that. Hell, you’re too good for me. Just be you. I like the fact you’re such a kind person. Don’t ever allow anyone to change you.”
“I’m surprised, but okay. Maybe I can’t understand wolf politics.”
I was taken aback all over again. “Wolf politics? This is my real state, Lily. I’m a man. A human. I just have… a different background than you do. Hockey is my life, or so I thought, but I won’t lower myself to Rocco’s level. That’s not me.” Hmmm… I wouldn’t have believed that even a week ago. What had changed? Lily. She’d changed me. “I want you to ask yourself a question. Dig deep on this one.”
She swallowed another sip before lifting her head toward me again, only this time she wouldn’t look me in the eyes. “Okay.”
“Ask yourself why you’ve felt so close to me. Why our connection has been so strong. And why the electricity could light up the entire city of Chicago. Don’t try and tell me I’m wrong.”
“Let’s just say for the sake of argument that you’re right. What is that supposed to mean?”
I rose to my feet and for the first time in my life, I felt used. By a woman. By the most beautiful woman I’d ever set my eyes on and what she’d said hurt me. Truly hurt me. What the hell was going on? Why were my palms sweaty?
Why did I feel sick inside?
“Then I’d say my father was right,” I said in a voice I no longer recognized.
“Meaning?”
I grabbed the bottle of booze, determined to drink myself into oblivion. “That you’re my intended mate. Human or not, we’re destined to be together.” When she said nothing in retort to my exclamation, I swaggered toward the door leading inside.
“Just so you know, Lily. I do care about you. I meant what I said. That probably doesn’t matter, especially after what you overheard, but I just wanted you to know.”
That was the moment another lightning bolt hit me upside the head.
Saint Masters, the rebellious playboy of the NHL was off the market. Not only was Lily Weathers my mate.
I’d also fallen in love with her.
Well, fuck me.
CHAPTER 28
Lily
Proclamations.
I’d had enough to last me for a lifetime.
My heart hadn’t stopped beating erratically since the night before.
