Page 37 of The Alpha's Protective Mate

“Never mind,” I mumble. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Robert places a kebab on my plate, his voice careful. “I think you would look absolutely gorgeous wearing overalls. But the straw hat could be hit or miss. Send me a picture when you do. We’ll have to decide on the spot.”

His words make my lips curve, some of the darkness abating. “I could pull off a straw hat.”

“We’ll have to see.” He gives me a doubtful look, but I see the laughter in his eyes.

He’s trying to distract me, and it’s sweet.

“It’s a real shame that you’re a wolf shifter,” I sigh, draining my glass.

The server, who is passing by, picks it up and asks with a grin, “Another?”

Robert and I exclaim “No” and “Yes” at the same time.

“Don’t listen to him.” I bat my eyes at the server, who keeps grinning. “I’ll take another one. He’s paying for it. Cheapskate.”

“You really shouldn’t,” Robert begins, and I roll my eyes at him, feeling woozy and enjoying it.

“Jazz said—” I point my finger at him. “She said I have to loosen up. See?” I spread my arms. “I’m loose!”

Robert reaches out and lowers my hands down to my side, a helpless look on his face. “This is my fault. I really didn’t think you’d go past one drink.”

“It’s really good tea.” I beam, leaning toward him. “You should try it.”

“It won’t work on me.” Robert’s face is inches from mine, and there is a strange emotion glittering in his eyes as he gazes at me. “Human alcohol doesn’t impair my senses. And it shouldn’t have an effect on you, either.”

“Alcohol?” I smile. “Who’s having alcohol? We’re having tea!”

“You’re completely drunk, little vampire.” Robert’s voice is low. The way he’s looking at me has my stomach tightening.

“You have the prettiest eyes,” I suddenly declare. “And the most handsome smile. When you smile,” I burrow my finger into his chest, “I want to kiss you.”

His eyes widen in response. “What?”

His reaction makes me want to try. There is no voice inside me cautioning me to stop, to think about what I’m doing. I just want what I want.

And I really want to kiss this wolf Alpha whose smile devastates me every time I see it.

Putting my hands on his thighs, I lift myself up till my face is a little higher than his.

“Charlotte.”

The husky sound of my name from Robert’s mouth makes my abdomen contract in need. He doesn’t push me away; his eyes burn into mine. His hands come to settle on my upper arms, and when his fingers dig into my skin, I smirk.

Without hesitation, I press my mouth down against his.

Chapter 8

Robert Montgomery

I have always been one to take risks. Whether it came to setting up a new business or going after the monsters that took my mother from me and had planned to take my birthright from me. I’ve had to fight to gain everything in my life: this status as Alpha, my position as the CEO of one of the most technologically advanced companies in the world, and the respect I now command.

At each step, even when taking a risk, I’ve always weighed the pros and cons.

But when it comes to Charlotte, it feels like my brain stops functioning.

That addicting scent of hers, that sweetness under the ice, it draws me in and makes me make impulsive decisions.

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