Page 53 of The Alpha's Protective Mate

“You want to talk about it?” It’s a reluctant offer that has me looking over at her.

I can’t suppress the chuckle. “No. You don’t have to saddle yourself with my problems. I promise I’ll reschedule this meeting. Go home to your family. They must be waiting for you.”

My heart tightens in loneliness as I say that, knowing there is no one waiting for me at my house. No one worrying about where I am, or that it’s late and I haven’t had anything to eat since breakfast.

“Do you want to come have dinner with us?” Cynthia asks suddenly.

I give her a small, empty smile. “No. I’d just like to be alone right now.”

She lingers for a few seconds before sighing. “Alright, then.”

I watch her leave, and when the door closes behind her, I sink deeper into the couch, determined to finish the bottle. Anything to forget the way Charlotte smiled at that man who wasn’t me.

******

The sun on my face wakes me up. I’m sprawled on the same couch I was drinking on last night, the empty bottle against my stomach, my arms wrapped around it.

I stare at my brightly lit office and groan loudly before rolling onto my back and contemplating what to do. I stink like crazy, so a shower should be my first move. However, the bathroom in my office has a plumbing issue that I haven’t gotten around to dealing with. I’ll have to go home for that shower.

Sitting up, I feel the beginnings of a vicious headache.

“Had that coming,” I mutter out loud. “The plan was a pity party, not a raging fucking headache. Good job. Real Alpha material there, Robert.”

Cursing myself, I grab my wallet and keys and make my way outside.

I’ve just reached my car in the parking lot and my hand is wrapping around the door handle when I look across the street at the cafe. I can see Charlotte in the window, and my hand freezes. She’s wiping down the glass display. Her hair is tied in a braid today, and her lips are moving. The way she keeps glancing over her shoulder, she must be talking to somebody.

And tonight, will she go off with that man again?

What am I doing?

Why am I letting this happen?

She looks so pretty and perfect, her eyes glinting as the sun hits them. I want all her smiles. I want all her laughter.

I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I need her in my life. I don’t know why I’ve fallen for this woman, but I can’t do without her. I can’t live without her. Suddenly, there was never a time before Charlotte. It’s like my world began when she walked into it.

My hand slips from the door handle, and I’m walking.

Across the parking lot, across the road.

Her eyes widen when she sees me, and then I’m standing in front of her. She’s alone now.

“R—Robert,” she stammers.

I stare at her for a few seconds, knowing this is the only way, the only path I can take. Let everything else—my duty, my status—let it all burn to the ground. In this moment, there is nothing else aside from her. She’s all there is.

“Charlotte,” I breathe.

“Are you okay?” She looks concerned, her eyes running over me. Grabbing my hands, she guides me to one of the empty seats. “What happened? Are you hurt? Are—”

I let her move me around as she wants, soaking in the worry in her eyes. Her soft heart overrides the anger she should be feeling.

“I’m fine. I’m okay.”

“You don’t look okay!” She presses her lips together, almost as if she’s struggling with tears. “I’m going to get you some water and a coffee. Maybe something to eat?”

“Charlotte…” I grab her hand, stopping her in her tracks. When she turns to look at me, I ask, “Will you let me take you out on a date?”

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