Page 36 of Bonding with the Beta

“Still deeper than me.” I place a hand on my hip.

His eyes roll as he fights a smile, and then he slings his arm over my shoulder. I get a whiff of his mouth-watering aftershave that would make most women feral. “Don’t worry, blondie. I’ve got you.”

I keep my eyes on Kayden as he climbs into one of the boats and then holds his hand out towards me. “Come on,” he encourages.

My stomach flips, and not in a good way. I release a silent shriek as I reach for his hand and jump into the boat, causing it to rock slightly. He grabs my wrists, steading me before we manage to perch on the wooden seats.

“You good?” he asks, studying my petrified expression.

I flash him a wobbly smile. “Mhmm. Just peachy.”

“Lighten up,” he says. “Can you say you’ve been on a friend's date like this before?”

“Should have stayed at home,” I mumble under my breath, half-joking, half not. “Most of my friends don’t try to kill me.”

Kayden’s head tilts as we row further into the lake. “Ouch. That's really how you feel about my efforts? I’m wounded.”

“I doubt your ego could get wounded,” I state dryly.

He chuckles. “You’re mean, and it’s dangerous for me.”

“Dangerous, how?”

“Because it’s only going to make me like you more.”

Before I have the chance to think through his words, he rocks the boat, and I bellow in surprise. “No. No. No. Please. Stop.” I grip onto the sides for dear life. “Kayden, please. I’m sorry. Stop rocking the boat.”

Kayden’s laugh becomes louder and louder until he stops, and the water around us splashes up the side of the boat. I press a hand to the centre of my chest and suck in a breath. “It’s safe,” he promises me, but I don’t believe it.

“You wouldn’t jump in after me if I fell.” I glare at him.

“Course I would,” he says simply. “The last thing I need is Ava kicking my ass.”

My lips twitch. “Yeah, well. That’s fair.”

Kayden watches me for a long moment as we calmly begin to row.

I take a breath of the fresh air and allow myself to have this moment of chaotic peace.

12

KAYDEN

Igrip the paddles and steer us further into the lake, away from others in boats. Kayleigh sits opposite me with apprehension. She looks over her shoulder at every sudden jolt and sound. I smile at her.

“Will you calm it over there? You’re making me feel uneasy.”

She huffs a low breath before covering her blue eyes with her black sunglasses and attempting to relax. “I’m fine. I’m fine.”

“I’ve got you,” I say again.

Kayleigh looks out across the water, and I take the time to admire her. Of course, she doesn’t look like crap. It’s so far from the truth—just like how I heard her thoughts when she projected that she was lying. I know how she really feels.

“You said before you don’t date,” I blurt. “Why is that?”

Her shoulders stiffen. “It’s complicated.”

“Have you had past boyfriends?”

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