Page 162 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

I walked up to the alpha room and headed toward the end of the hallway. When I passed by Cade’s room, I heard the door open, and before I could do or say anything, I was picked up and pulled into his room. Cade closed the door behind him and caged me against the door.

“You’ve been avoiding me, Princess,” he whispered. His lips were so close, all I had to do was move an inch and I would be kissing him. His scent of chocolate and orange was making me lightheaded, and other parts of my body were standing up and clamoring for attention.

“I’ve been busy,” I muttered a little too breathily.

“I went to your room last night. The door was locked, and you didn’t answer.”

“I was asleep.” Liar liar, pants on fire. I heard the knocking and my phone ringing, but I held my breath until both stopped.

“Why are you avoiding me, Bells?” he asked again.

“I’m not. I told you. We need to be careful,” I lied.

Cade took a step back. He turned and walked further into his room, running a hand through his hair.

“Why can’t people know about us? I’ve been patient, Bells. I’ve let you dictate everything about this relationship, but I’m beginning to wonder if I’m the only one invested here. Why can’t people know we’re together? Is it really so bad to be with me?”

“What? No,” I said immediately, taking a step away from the door. Whatever turmoil I had going inside me, I couldn’t let him believe it had anything to do with him. “You’re a great man, Cade. Any woman would be lucky to be seen with you.”

“But, not you.” The hurt in his eyes was a dagger in my heart.

“I don’t have that kind of luck,” I answered bitterly.

“What does that even mean?”

I was going to answer when I heard footsteps coming close. The owner of the feet passed by us, and when I couldn’t hear anything else, I looked at Cade again. But, then my phone started vibrating, so I sighed and pulled it out. It was Adrien.

“Can we leave this for another time? I have to go find Adrien for lunch.”

Cade’s jaw ticked, but he nodded. I left quickly, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. I made it to my room and called Adrien back.

“Hey, where are you?” he answered.

“I’m in my bedroom washing up. Meet you downstairs?”

“Sure thing.”

I splashed some water on my face and took a deep breath. I could do this. I had no other choice.

I pulled my hair up and into a bun, and hoped to the Goddess he couldn’t tell I was so close to crying. I walked down to the kitchen and approached where Adrien was chatting with Lindsay and Charles. When he turned, he stopped and smiled.

“You look so much like your mother right now.” His words brought a smile to my face.

“Now, I just need to be more like her.”

“You don’t even know how alike you are to her, Bells. You have her strength.”

I took a deep breath, forcing myself not to cry. I didn’t need to have a breakdown and let everyone know just how overwhelmed I felt right now.

“Let’s go see my monkey,” I said when I was back in control.

I had all the paperwork filled out to officially adopt him. Next month, when the council arrived, I would be giving it to them personally. At my words, Lindsay put a bag full of food on thecounter for me, but as I went to grab it, Cade walked in and took it.

“I’ve got it,” he said, walking away before I could say anything back.

We met John outside and walked together toward the daycare. Chris was waiting at the door, taking one of the bags from Cade, and walking over to the table where things were already set up.

We made small chat as we ate, then Cade, Chris and John walked off to play with the kids after they were done eating.

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