Page 131 of Ruined Beta

“It’s okay,” I tell her, the lump in my throat stopping me from saying anything more.

“We’ll let you know when the police have Marcus in custody,” E.A. says, pulling her attention.

She nods. “That’ll be great, thanks.”

She steps back inside. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Speak to you then.”

I turn away and lead E.A. out of the building.

I don’t know why it’s so upsetting that Secret still thinks of me as her sister.

It’s what I’ve been to her for twenty years. One confession doesn’t erase two decades overnight.

The cool night air makes me feel a little better when it hits my face.

E.A.’s arms closing around me from behind do nothing to help with the emotional storm that’s starting to rage inside me. I turn in his arms and wrap mine around his neck, stroking my fingers through the ends of his thick, dark hair.

“How do you feel about kids?” I ask him.

He gives me a wry smile. “In general, or having them with you?”

“I’m not on the pill,” I admit. “And my apartment is really close …”

His eyes get darker, and I watch his throat as he swallows. He likes the sound of that.

He holds me closer. “I want you as my mate. I want you to have my children.”

“Good,” I whisper, as I push onto my toes and kiss him.

The city seems to slow to a stop around us as we embrace.

I break the kiss when I’m breathless and ready for something more.

“My place, or yours?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“Yours,” he breathes out. “Definitely yours.”

Chapter Sixty-Nine

E.A.

The moment Leanne kisses me, all my thoughts disappear. I give in to sensation as my desire to claim this smart, sexy woman as my mate takes me over. Her warm body pressed up against mine, I forget everything but the moment. My cock surges to life inside my pants, and I want nothing more than to watch her stomach swell with my knot.

Pulling away, she asks me where I want to take her, and I can’t stand the thought of walking through crowds to get back to the apartment above the agency. I don’t think either of us wants to be forced to wait. We know what we want, and if I thought I’d get away with pulling her back into the building and taking her in the corner of the dark entrance hall, I’d do it without hesitating.

Going back to the agency is a solid no.

I’m not in the mood to share, or explain, or deal with anyone other than my mate.

So, I tell her we’ll go to her place. It’s not far, and there’s zero chance we’ll be interrupted.

She can have my full attention like she deserves.

Taking her hand, I walk with her to her apartment.

Every step makes me wish I’d dragged her into that entrance hall.

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