Page 35 of Bound to the Guard

I look at him in surprise. “We do?”

Taking my hand, he draws me toward the door. “We do.”

My pulse kicks as we leave the dark room. I hope those plans are what I think they are.

11

Once the door to Sebastian’s domain shuts behind us, I turn to Damien. “So, um, what are the plans now? Is there a lot more of the estate to see?”

Damien chuckles, a warm rumble in his chest. “We haven’t even seen a quarter of it yet, but I think it’s time we head back to our suite.”

Relief washes over me at his words, even as a pang of regret goes through me. I enjoyed playing that beautiful piano, letting the music transport me away for a brief time. But the prospect of returning to the quiet safety of our rooms is more appealing.

I pull the blanket higher on my shoulders so it doesn’t tangle with my legs as we walk down the ornate hall. “What will we do when we get back?”

Damien’s steps slow, and he turns to face me. “Well, the therapist gave us the green light to continue forward with our relationship. So, I suppose we can do whatever you want, Seven.”

My breath catches. Whatever I want? The possibilities both thrill and terrify me. A million thoughts swirl in my mind. Willhe want to touch me again? Kiss me? Do…more? Am I ready for him to see all of me?

Heat rises to my cheeks. “Oh.”

We resume walking down the long corridor in silence, our footsteps echoing off the polished marble floors. The air sizzles between us, heavy with unspoken desires and fears.

Damien would never force me into anything. He’s been so patient, so gentle, despite how much I’ve noticed I affect him. He never tries to hide his desire for me, but he’s been following the therapist’s suggestions to the letter, which leaves me feeling so cherished. Like he meant it when he said he wants me to stay here with him forever.

I steal a glance at his handsome profile, and a tentative warmth unfurls in my chest.

The words tumble from my lips before I can lose my nerve. “Does that mean…kissing?”

At the question, a deep rumble rises from his chest, and his dark brown eyes smolder with restrained hunger. My skin prickles at his obvious desire, and butterflies take flight in my stomach.

Before he can reply, though, we round the curve of the hallway, and Damien freezes.

In one swift motion, he shoves me behind his broad back, shielding me from view. “What are you doing here?”

Fear spikes through my veins at the sharp question, and I cling to the back of his shirt. Heart hammering, I peek around his muscular frame.

Whatever I expected, it’s not the most stunning Omega I’ve ever seen standing in the center of the hall ahead of us. Fiery red hair frames a face of porcelain perfection, crystal blue eyes flashing with annoyance. He stands with his arms crossed over his chest, accentuating his slender yet toned physique.

“Don’t play dumb.” Irritation laces the Omega’s melodic voice. “Three weeks is long enough. You can’t avoid this forever.”

Damien’s muscles tense beneath my fingertips as he snaps, “I already said no.”

Unfazed by his anger, the gorgeous Omega stalks forward, hips swaying with feline grace until he stands toe-to-toe with Damien. With a perfectly manicured nail, he jabs at Damien’s chest. “Then you’ll have to say it to his face this time, because I am not going to be the one to make Leo cryagain. Got it?”

I shrink back behind Damien, my mind reeling. Who is this Omega? Why does he want Damien to visit this Leo?

The stranger’s attention shifts to me, and his scowl morphs into a gentle smile so fast it gives me whiplash. He sidesteps Damien with surprising agility and leans in close as he coos. “Well, hello, sweet pea. I’m Milo, Damien’s future brother-in-law and mate to Liam, his oldest brother.”

Damien moves to put himself between us, a growl rumbling in his chest. “Back off.”

Milo’s expression sours as he focuses on Damien again, a smile like a knife’s edge curving his lips. “Careful, Damien. Liam told me all your dirty little secrets. Wouldn’t want your precious bride here finding out, now would we?”

He examines his nails. “So here’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to march your ass down to the library, have a civilized cup of tea with Leo, and let him fawn over your little love muffin for a few minutes. Then you can scamper back off to your love nest and play house. Understand?”

The muscle in Damien’s jaw jumps as he clenches and unclenches his teeth. “You are such a little asshole, you know that?”

Milo inspects his cuticles. “Don’t think I won’t bust your nuts again.”

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