Page 106 of The Bodyguard and the Alpha
So, this morning, we would go back to the city and Bastien would resume his position as President.
I had known that it would happen and I had made my peace with it. I had let go of the fantasy that he and I would stayin a little cottage in the country, raising a family. I had him. And that was enough. We would figure out things as we went along. I was still a Witch and I would always use my magic to protect him if I could. But he wouldn’t back down on his desire to protect me. He couldn’t. The need to protect me was hardwired into his Alpha nature. So, I foresaw some changes. And that was alright too. Finally, we had talked. As the Lady, the mate of the President, I would have official duties that would make it difficult for me to do my job as a bodyguard.
And maybe, one day soon, we would have a baby. Sadly, my period had started a couple of days after we’d gone into hiding. Bastien had held me while I cried, his large hands warm on my abdomen, using the warmth of his body to soothe the cramps. As much as it hurt my heart, perhaps it was a good thing that I wasn’t going to be pregnant while also learning how to navigate the political pitfalls that no doubt awaited me as the President’s mate.
But it was hard to dispel the sadness.
We had run to the cottage, the one that I thought of in my head as mine. The owners, Callum and Anna, had been only too keen to help. The farm was isolated and surrounded by woods. No-one connected with the Palace knew where I holidayed—other than Bastien—who admitted to having had me watched while I was here.
Tucked into the bed in the cottage’s single bedroom, it had been too easy to pretend that we could have a future here.
Bastien’s weight shifted at my back and in my head his consciousness lit up the bond between us.
You are still sad.
There was no use denying it. He could feel it. And I had promised that I wouldn’t lock my feelings away from him anymore.Only a bit.
I do not like it when you are sad. I will make it go away.
My lips curled up in a small smile. He was ridiculous.Sadness is a part of life. I’ll be alright. We have plenty of time.
Soon after that, he distracted me and I forgot to be sad for a little while.
We arrived back at the Palace by early afternoon. The same SUV we had used for Bastien’s escape picked us up from my cottage. Charlie, Michelle and Bea were all smiles as they collected us. I had been reassured that my guards had fully recovered from the injuries they had suffered outside the prison, but this was the first time I had seen them since the night they were hurt. Their bodies stiffened, faces reddening with embarrassment when I hugged them.
Patrick met us as we exited the Palace’s underground garage. “Mr President. Lady. You have a press conference in thirty minutes.”
Nerves tightened in my stomach and Bastien’s fingers gripped mine reassuringly. It was good that we were getting this over and done with. Bastien could step back into his position and I would be there to support him as his mate. The voters wanted to see us. To see the couple who had bonded so unconventionally. And they wanted Bastien back as President. Yesterday, Patrick had rung with the latest statistics from the polls. If Bastien called a vote now, the Moderates party would win by a landslide.
Trust me, Bastien’s mental voice was like silk down my spine.
Of course I trust you, I replied.
“Lady, please come with me,” Patrick said, already turning away. “We have to get you ready. Mr President, your suit is in your dressing room.”
I nodded. This would be my first press conference as Bastien’s mate and I had to look the part. My make up and clothes had to be just right. The jeans and sweater combo I’d donned this morning weren’t going to cut it.
But when I tried to follow the press secretary, Bastien’s hand gripped mine and he pulled me back to his side. “No,” he said.
Patrick spun on one heel so quickly that he almost lost his balance. “Mr President?”
“My mate chose these clothes, and she looks perfect, so that is what she will wear.”
“It’s alright,” I said. “I don’t mind and I don’t want my appearance to reflect badly on you.”
“That could never happen,” he growled, stroking my back.
I wanted to arch into the caress but instead I pressed my hands into his chest, trying to push myself out of his embrace.
“Lady…” Patrick was still waiting, almost quivering with impatience.
“Do I need to repeat myself?” It was a deep growl and Patrick blanched. I stifled my smile. My mate was feeling bossy.
You look happy, Bastien murmured down the bond.This is how I want the world to see you.I could feel his satisfaction at the thought. Of course, when he put it like that, I had no wish to fight him on it.
“You’d best put on your suit though,” I prompted after Patrick fled. Bastien had dressed casually like me. His blue henley lovingly moulded to his torso, the tight sleeves showcasing his silver skin and impressive biceps. His jeans cupped his tight ass. He looked good whatever he wore but as a public figure and returning President, he had an image to maintain.
“Fuck the suit,” he said. “I’m on my honeymoon.”
