Page 22 of Kidnapped Forced Mate

“What about dinner?”

She shakes her head tentatively, quickly spinning on her heel. “I’m not hungry anymore.”

I'm left confused as I watch her scurry out of the kitchen. Instead of falling for my charms and every effort to ensure her safety, it seems like Olivia is repulsed by them.

I really wish I could read her mind.

Frustrated, I grab the towel off my shoulder and fling it with deliberate force on the counter. My ego is bruised, and there’s only one way to soothe it.

Chapter 10 - Olivia

Panting behind the black and white bedroom door, I brace my palms behind me as I sink to the floor.

“Phew!” I breathe as if I'd been holding my breath all day.

It sure feels like it when I've spent the entire day around the dragon man, pretending it wasn't bothering me at all.

Bothering me in the worst way, every breath of his stifling my own as we breathed the same air. Wrestling with myself, I was so consumed in his mere scent, that I'll probably have to throw my panties away.

They were fresh this morning, a new pair laid out on the bed along with other clothes he'd brought for me into his bedroom. He'd gladly agreed to give up his room for me, along with his need to keep me locked in like a prisoner.

I know the shift in him comes from the terse confrontation between him and his lookalike yesterday. Still, I'm battling my thoughts, wondering if he's attracted to me in an intimate way.

It's foolish, I know. The whole situation is absurd, especially when I should exercise more decorum. If he was Luca Mancini and I was forced to be in his presence, I wouldn't allow my body to react the way it has all day.

Except, he's not Luca. He's Stryder Vulkan, the dragon shifter who thinks he'd saved my life and is adamant to keep me safe.

All my life, I'd been determined to pursue my own safety. Self-defense classes were handy to fight off unwarranted attention from men who churned my gut. It was an added advantage in the orphanage I grew up in, catapulting me into my career.

It's strange having someone else determined to protect me. Even if I had to wrap my head around his whole “inner dragon instinct.” It's not something I'm familiar with, but it feels nice to have someone else protect me for a change. I'm not sure if his instincts are valid, but I've dropped my guard enough to bask in his protection.

I just can't drop my guard entirely. Every other time I did, I almost lost myself to a man who didn't deserve me. That's why I haven't gotten past second base with a man. It's also why I probably never will.

Taking a deep breath, I get back to my feet and stare at the door, a part of me wishing he'd come knocking on it. A long moment passes, making me feel silly for standing there expectantly. If he didn't follow me, it only means he respects my privacy.

It's a win, but one that has me feeling so defeated, I trudge to the bed and fling myself on my belly.

Maybe I'm testing the waters, seeing how far his care for me stretches to allow me to drop my guard completely. It's always been test after test to prove myself in life.

Now, it's his turn, to see if he's worthy enough to be in mine. The senseless attraction I feel toward the otherworldly man doesn't mean I'll fall at his feet just because he's shown me his castle.

***

“Good morning,” I'm greeted with a brilliant smile when the bedroom door opens – as bright as the morning sun, but not the smile I hoped to see this morning.

I'd spent most of the night restlessly lamenting over the day I'd spent with Stryder. I'd acted the part of being indifferent so well, he hadn't come back for me last night.

I know I shouldn't be disappointed, but it's somewhat of a knock to my ego that he isn't here right now.

The man standing at the doorway is a carbon copy of the man who ignites a spark deep inside me. Except, his twin does nothing but allow disappointment to rear its uncouth head. Not because he's a replica of perfection, but because his presence doesn't affect me like Stryder's.

“Good morning… Stryker, right?” I offer him a curt smile as I slip my feet into sandals.

“Yeah, I'm the younger twin,” he states proudly. “And I'm your babysitter for today.”

“Oh…” A flicker of deeper disappointment tugs my heartstrings.

Had my running off last night really put Stryder off? My deflection of his charms? Did I bruise the dragon shifter's ego as much as he's dented mine by not showing up again?

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