Page 57 of Chev's Mate

Vanessa’s fingers find mine, and she doesn’t seem disgusted when she accidentally touches the cum on my palm. She doesn’t necessarily seem pleased about it, but she’s only grossed out in a way I assume most people would be.

There’s no fear when she interacts with my fluids.

“It’s too soon for that, Chev,” Vanessa says.

“Okay.” I don’t care. I’m only conceding to please her.

I will continue to love my mate, even if she thinks it’s too soon. Vanessa may be able to shape most of my emotions and decisions, but she has no control over this. I love her, and nobody will make me change my mind.

“I think I’ve worked up an appetite,” I say, finally releasing her.

I need to wash my hands and redress.

Vanessa chuckles at my subtle request for her to continue cooking, and I shift my weight from foot to foot before playfully tapping my fingers against her butt. Vanessa swats me away. It’s the first time I’ve touched her butt, and I feel awfully proud of myself as I head toward the sink.

I’m a very sneaky male.

Chapter Twenty-Two

VANESSA

CHEV PULLS UP to the back door of the facility, and I debate asking him to take me home as I stare up at the building.

I’m sure everybody inside knows about Chev and me, and they’ve probably seen the interview, too. Thanks to Chev destroying my phone, I don’t know what people online are saying about me, but I can make guesses.

They aren’t going to be happy.

I’m terrified.

“Are you okay?” Chev asks, no doubt sensing my worry. “Do you want me to take you home? I can call Aziel and Echo and tell them you aren’t feeling well.”

I shake my head, silently rejecting the idea. As much as I’d love to do precisely that, it’s not the right decision. I refuse to hide away in shame over my mate bond. It’s an action I’ll live to regret, and I know it would upset Chev. He’s outwardly proud to be my mate, and while I don’t need to go screaming my excitement from the rooftops, I don’t need to cower, either.

“I’m fine,” I lie.

I turn and wrap my arms around Chev, pulling him in for a hug. I wonder how many women are watching us from thewindows, and I fight the urge to look as I pull away. Chev tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingertips just barely grazing against my skin.

I don’t want to leave him.

“Would you like to come over for dinner?” I ask. I’ve been enjoying his company, and I’m growing to trust him. He won’t do anything to me. “Just me and you.”

Chev visibly straightens up, seemingly excited about the reminder that he doesn’t need to bring a chaperone. He hasn’t made a fuss about my requirement, but I’m sure he doesn’t love it. My lips twitch as a smile flickers across his face.

“I’d love to,” Chev says. He brushes his knuckles down my cheek. “It’s about time you asked me on a date. I’ll wear my finest leathers.”

He’s trying to lighten the mood, and it works. Despite my pounding heart and racing thoughts, I laugh. It’s genuine, too, which I didn’t think would be possible today. Seconds pass before I pull away from Chev and climb out of the golf cart. I’m already teetering on the edge of being late, and I can’t avoid going inside any longer.

I smooth my hands down my plain work dress before heading inside. Only two guards are standing near the back entrance, and they offer me their usual friendly smiles as I approach.

“Morning,” the one on the left says.

He pulls open the door for me, and I hurry through. I look over my shoulder one final time, locking eyes with Chev before the doors close. He hasn’t moved, and he wears a worried expression as he watches me walk into work. It’s not a good sign.

I head immediately to my office.

He may have broken my phone, but I have a computer. I need to know what people are saying about me, and I find myself holding my breath as I lock my office door and sit at my desk.I mentally prepare for the worst as I start my computer and navigate to the most popular news channels.

What I see shocks me.

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