Page 36 of Just a Friend for the Lion
I straighten my spine, pop another mini pastry in my mouth, and raise my brows.
“I’m here to explore my options, Carter. So maybe don’t wait up.”
He opens his mouth, but I turn before I can hear whatever reckless, sexy promise is about to come out.
I walk into the crowd, my heels clicking, my curls bouncing, and my chest tight.
Because, yeah, I want him.
But I want forever.
Not a few hours. Not one night. I want the fairytale.
And if he can’t give me that?
Then, I need to keep walking.
Even if every instinct screams to turn back.
Chapter 13
Carter
Iwatch her walk away, and yeah—I might be a complete idiot, but I’m not suicidal.
There’s no force on this planet or the next that could make me turn around and let her go without a fight.
Not now.
Not after the way she just looked at me like I was something she wanted but couldn’t trust.
Like I’m the risk she’s not sure is worth taking.
My Lion snarls.
She’s worth it. She’s ours.
And I’ll do what it takes to get her to believe in me.In us.
So I do what any rational, red-blooded, slightly unhinged Lion Shifter would do.
I follow her.
Stalk her, if we’re being honest.
She’s not even five feet ahead of me, weaving through the crowd like she owns the place. I don’t say a word. Just move in her orbit, close enough to keep an eye on her, to growl at anyone who looks too long, but far enough to pretend I’m not being completely ridiculous.
Until she stops.
And smiles.
At a redhead with freckles and a massive overbite.
A redhead in a suit that screams government job and sensible life choices.
He’s got a Mule Shifter vibe, all ears and attitude, and he flashes her a wide grin like he’s already planning their first brunch date.
My growl vibrates through my chest.
