Page 79 of Overcoming the Beta

“She is sleeping with Darren and Coleman. They bragged that they see her at least once a week.” I rub my hand along the outside of her thigh.

“What?” She gasps. “Are you serious?” Her mouth falls open and her hands shake.

“Ask Kelsey.” I rub her cheek.

“I don’t have to… I believe you.” She squeaks out, then nuzzles into my chest.

Kate

“Why did you wait so long to tell me about Darren?” I look up at his face.

“I wanted to tell you at breakfast the next morning, but I thought if I did, it would just make me look like a jealous ex that would say anything to win you back. Since you hated me at that point, I thought it would push you further into his arms. After you agreed to give me a last chance, it didn’t seem important.” Ian caresses my cheek and looks lovingly into my eyes.

He’s right. I wouldn’t have believed him or Kelsey back in New York. Ian was the bad guy, Kelsey too. I wouldn’t have believed either of them. Things are different now. What would Ian have to gain by telling me this? Nothing.

It should hurt me hearing how Darren only wanted me for sex, but I’m numb. Maybe because of everything I’ve been through with Ian. Or maybe I feel like he got what he deserved when I cheated on him with Ian. Or maybe it’s because we never belonged to each other. Who knows? I still feel remorse for my part in all of it.

What hurts the worse is what I’m hearing about Melissa. How could she betray me like that? I told her all about Ian and how he cheated on me. She knew how hurt and traumatized it left me. Melissa counseled me and gave me advice about Darren. I know her entire family. She acted like she hated him so much. How could she betray our friendship like that?

“Melissa is the one who told me to tell Darren I was a virgin and was saving myself for marriage. She said I shouldn’t sleep with Darren until I was sure he was the one. I guess she just wanted to save him for herself alone.” I’m in shock and heartbroken. Melissa and I were so close.

“There’s more.” Ian inhales sharply. “Melissa caught me coming out of the men’s room and tried to get my hotel key, promising me a good time.” He cringes.

“What?” I pull away from him and look at him in disbelief. “I told her who you were. She knew all about you!” My hands shake as I feel anger building up inside. Technically speaking, Ian and I were broken up. He was fair game. It’s just the audacity that she was sleeping with my current boyfriend while trying to hook up with my ex. I didn’t realize she was so sexually active, which is not a bad thing. It’s just that she always led me to believe that she was done with relationships after she caught her boyfriend with another woman.

“Nothing happened. I told her to stay the fuck away from me and that she is a horrible friend.” Ian pulls me back into his body.

“Is that why you were stuck at my side all night?” I put my head on his bare chest and breathe in his intoxicating fresh scent.

“Not really. After I decided to work on myself and earn you back, no woman affected me. I have full control over my urges… except when it comes to you.” He lifts my head and presses his lips into mine. “I wanted to be close to you so the mate bond would work its magic on you. That, and it bugged the shit out of frat boy.” He laughs and I playfully slap his chest.

“Darren led me to believe he was so hurt and that I was some horrible person. Hopefully, he’ll see what it feels like to be cheated on and change his ways.”

“I doubt he will.” Ian runs his fingers through my hair.

“Why do you say that?” I straddle his lap.

“Listening to the frat boys’ conversation led me to believe their fathers keep women on the side. It’s a learned behavior.” He slips his hands under my tank top, igniting my skin with tingles everywhere he touches.

“I’m so glad you came back into my life.” I run my fingers through his hair and move my hips.

“Careful, woman. I told you I have no control where you are concerned.” Ian growls.

“You saved me from more heartache.” I kiss his neck.

“Mmmmm, damn.” He grabs my ass and grinds my core harder into him.

“I want to lose control with you every day.” I suck on his earlobe.

“Mine.” Ian growls. With both hands he grabs my hair, cocking my head to the side, and attacks my neck with his mouth.

His lips on my skin send an electric pulse through my body to my core, setting my skin on fire with desire. He slips my tank top over my head before pulling me in for a passionate kiss. Our bodies melt together as our tongues dance. Lust fills the air as the haze of the mate bond takes over our minds. Dampness builds between my legs as my core throbs for him.

“Ian.” I moan, “fuck me, please.” I hiss and beg.

“No.” He flips me on my back and hovers over me. With love in his eyes and a soft face, he brushes my hair with his fingers, then caresses my face. He smiles as he strokes my lips and jawline with his thumb. “Not tonight, love. Tonight, I want to make love to you. Soft, slow, and full of passion.”

He kisses me, massaging my breasts. Taking his time, giving each one his full attention before taking a nipple into his mouth. He flicks his tongue as he sucks and licks each one before switching to the other. Tingles radiate off our skin, elevating us to another plane of existence.

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