Page 124 of Wanted Beta

And I’m completely unprepared.

“If we’re done with the tour,” I start, getting down from the stool, “I have some research I want to do before tomorrow.”

He closes the cupboard and turns back to me. “Sure. I’ll walk you home.”

“You don’t have to do that,” I protest.

I can tell by the way he looks at me that it doesn’t matter what I say.

He’s made up his mind, and he’s not going to change it.

“I’m not letting you walk around alone after what happened last night.”

The urge to defend my ex comes and goes, and it leaves a bitter taste behind.

Whether the abuse is physical or mental, it doesn’t change the truth.

Rourke hurt me.

I didn’t see it coming, and I won’t risk a reprisal.

If I need to be escorted around for a bit to make sure he doesn’t get near me, I can cope with that. Especially if it means I get to spend a bit more time with this guy.

“Okay, fine,” I tell him. “But if my sister sees you, you’re a friend from class.”

He laughs. “Me? A student?”

“What’s wrong with that?” I ask.

“Do I look like a student?” he asks, raising a dark eyebrow and motioning up and down.

I smile. “I guess not, but you’d make a pretty suave T.A.”

“What the hell is a T.A.?”

“A Teaching Assistant,” I explain. “You’re too young to be a teacher.”

“I can deal with that. I’ll be your T.A.”

“If my sister asks.”

“Sure,” he agrees, stepping forward and holding the kitchen door open for me.

I let him lead me out of the building, stopping for a moment to say goodbye to his pack brothers in the reception area before he takes me home.

Jack gives the warmest response.

Arrow seems a little distracted, and Enzo … well, he looks as disapproving as ever.

“I don’t think your chef likes me,” I confess as we walk away from the restaurant.

“Enzo?” Gio asks, sounding confused. “Why would you think that?”

“It’s the way he looks at me. Like he thinks I’m up to something.”

He laughs. “You should watch him tomorrow. You’ll see that’s just his usual expression.”

“If you say so.”

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