Page 14 of Set Up By the Cartel

One corner of his mouth quirked upward in a wry smirk."Don't play dumb,"he chided, reaching out to brush his knuckles lightly down my cheek."I may not know all the details yet, but I recognize when someone is hiding something from me."

Damn him! How was I supposed to maintain any semblance of control when he looked at me like that — like he saw straight through to my very soul? Mr. Novak should have realized that I wasn't a good fit for our arrangement.

Swallowing hard past the sudden lump lodged in my throat, I jerked back slightly out of reach."I'm not hiding anything,"I insisted, cursing inwardly at how weak my denial rang."Just tired is all."

He hummed, studying me intently as though trying to discern the truth hidden beneath layers of pretense. For a heart-stopping moment, I feared he might call my bluff outright.

Instead, he sighed and sat back, running a hand through his hair in a rare display of frustration."Fine,"he relented even though he didn't want to do it."Keep your secrets for now. But mark my words, little wolf... we're not done discussing this."

With that ominous promise hanging in the air, he rose abruptly and tossed a generous tip onto the countertop before striding towards the exit. He was so mad at me that he didn't even want to talk to me anymore.

I watched him go, equal parts relieved and anxious over the reprieve granted.

Somehow, I needed to find a way to balance my growing feelings for Mateo against the dangerous game being played around us. Before either of us got hurt in the process.

But first... I had an appointment to keep with my new boss.

Chapter 6

Mateo

The evening breeze carried the scent of blooming night jasmine across the patio as I waited for Kael to join me outside. Candles flickered atop the table set for two, casting a warm glow over the intimate space. Soft jazz music drifted from speakers hidden amongst the lush foliage surrounding the terrace.

It had been three days since our intense encounter at Club Nocturne, tension simmering between us ever since despite attempts to maintain a veneer of normalcy during stolen moments together. Something had shifted in his demeanor then — a wariness entering his gaze whenever he looked at me. As if he suddenly viewed me through a different lens, one tainted by doubt and mistrust.

I wasn't going to give up until he told me the entire truth.

Part of me wanted to demand answers as soon as he arrived, to shake him until he revealed whatever secrets lurked behind those guarded blue eyes. But a larger part recognized the futility of such tactics. Pushing too hard would only drive him further away, perhaps irrevocably damaging the fragile trust beginning to blossom between us.

After all, despite being fated mates, we didn't know each other well yet. I'd been rectifying that day by day.

Patience was key now, giving him time to come to terms with the undeniable pull drawing us closer, no matter the obstacles in our path. Fate had destined us for each other; it wasn’t a matter of if, but when, he would accept that immutable fact.

Lost in contemplation, I barely registered the soft click of the French doors opening behind me until Kael's presence registered physically, every cell attuned to his proximity even without visual confirmation. Turning, I drank in the sight of him framed by the doorway, heart stuttering at the sheer beauty of his face bathed in golden candlelight.

"Wow,"he breathed reverently, stepping fully onto the flagstones."This place really is incredible."His wide-eyed wonder sent a swell of pride through my chest. I'd chosen well indeed. He'd been here before, but it had been renovated since his last visit. I wanted to surprise him, and it worked.

Crossing to hold out his chair, I flashed a crooked smile."Only the best for my omega,"I murmured, waiting for him to settle into the offered seat before taking my own opposite.

As he perused the menu — even though this was my home, I'd hired a group of chefs to cook for us tonight — I allowed myself a moment to simply admire him without thinking about anything else. The way his brow furrowed slightly as he concentrated, full lips pursing while he considered options. A lock of raven hair fell forward to brush his forehead, begging to be tucked back into place...

Shaking off the sudden urge to sweep him into my arms and carry him directly upstairs, I cleared my throat."See anything catching your eye?"I inquired, gesturing towards the leather-bound folder cradled in his hands.

Kael glanced up, cheeks pinking faintly under my scrutiny."Everything looks amazing actually,"he admitted,setting down the menu."I'll let you order for me though. You know better than I do."

His easy acquiescence warmed me more than any flattery could. Trust, even small gestures of it like this, meant everything given the circumstances.

After placing our selections with the hovering waiter, I leaned back and fixed Kael with a penetrating look. Time to broach the subject weighing heavily upon us both.

"So, tell me about work,"I began, swirling the wine glass in my fingers."Anything interesting happening there lately?"

He shrugged, picking at the corner of his napkin."Not really,"he replied after a beat."Same old, same old mostly. Though Javier has been acting particularly insufferable recently..."

I snorted. That boy just never learned. Someday soon I'd need to take him aside for a firm talking-to regarding proper respect for his betters. For now, however...

"I'm sure you've been handling him just fine,"I remarked, reaching across the table to cover his hand with mine."You're stronger than you give yourself credit for, mi amor."

Something unreadable flickered in his eyes before being masked beneath a self-deprecating grin."Flatterer,"he chided, turning his palm up to twine our fingers together."But I appreciate the vote of confidence."

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