Page 57 of Rejected Broken Mate

He ran a hand over his face. "Where does this leave us?"

I shrugged. "I'm not sure."

He looked at me, dropping his hands. I could see his eyes soften as his shoulders dropped. "Laura, I want something. I want something so much more than this. And I want something with you."

I felt my heart skip a beat, and I swallowed. He took a step towards me. He reached out, placing his hands on my shoulders. "I've been thinking a lot, and I have to tell you. I love you. I've been trying so hard to be calm and take things slowly, but God, keeping you at arm's length is not easy."

I'd heard Miles tell me he loved me before. I've heard him pronounce his love in many ways, but somehow, it felt like it was so much more this time. It honestly took my breath away.

"And I'm aware this is messy. I know this isn't going to be fixed overnight, and I'm angry. But god, I don't want to lose you, and I don't want to lose Michael. I don't want to miss out on anything else."

"Miles, this is." I didn't know what to say. Of course, I cared about him, but did I love him? I thought I'd loved him before, but maybe I hadn't. "Are you sure you're not just thinking this because of everything else?"

He shook his head. "No, I'm not. I know because I knew all those years ago. I just… messed everything up because I was trying so hard to please my parents. Laura, you're my mate, and I'm not screwing this up again."

My eyes widened as he reached out, taking my hands. "I'm taking whatever you are offering. But please just think about it. Think about what we could be."

I swallowed. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't. Of course, I thought about it. I dreamed about it. I fantasized about it. It invaded my mind and my soul all the time.

But is this something we should even be considering? Everything is so messy right now. Wouldn't that just add to it?

"Miles, I… I don't know. Michael has already had so much change. I don't know if this is a good idea."

"If we want this, and we make this work, how is this a bad change?"

I didn't have an answer because I knew it was fear holding me back—it has always held me back.

Miles frowned. "Do you not think I'm good enough to be his dad?"

I quickly shook my head. "No, Miles, I know you would be an amazing dad. You're caring and funny. You've been there for everything I've asked even before you know."

"Then what is holding you back?"

I rubbed my head. "Michael. I can't force him to do anything. I don't want to push him too hard and ruin this."

"And what if we get everything we want?" He reached out, cupping my face. "Just think about it. Please?"

I sank against his hands, enjoying the feel of his hands on me. I missed it. Even though we weren't really anything, I missed this. I missed the closeness and being able to relax around him.

"I'll think about it," I said.

He took a step closer to me, and I could feel a wave of heat radiate off him and hit me. I leaned into it, resting my hand on his chest.

His forehead pressed against mine, and I felt hot. Mile's fingers intertwined with mine, and I looked up. His brown eyes stared into mine, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

One second, we were utterly quiet, with nothing but our breathing, and suddenly, his lips were against mine.

Mile's hands ran through my hair as I tightened my fingers in his uniform. He growled against my lips, hoisting me further against his body.

I felt a moan leave my lips as he bites on my lip.

"Fuck," he groaned, his hand cupping the back of my head. "You smell so god damn good."

I couldn't help but smirk as I leaned in for another kiss. His tongue invaded my mouth, taking my breath away. Miles's hand reached down, cupping my ass, and I leaned back.

"We're in a school," I said between kisses.

He laughed against my lips. "I can't help it. Remember you kissed me first."

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