Page 61 of Hired for Research
“If we don’t, you’ll be unbearable. Maybe I should put some ankle weights on you to help wear you out a bit.”
Laughing, his partner grabbed his vest from the back of his chair and headed for the door. Following behind him, Jett stopped dead when he walked out into the foyer of the building.
The scent of fresh-baked vanilla cupcakes teased his nose, a sudden craving making his teeth ache.
Spinning in a circle, he looked everywhere, searching for blonde hair and black glasses, but the only people he could see besides the elderly, grey receptionist were Controllers heading out on their assignments.
Swallowing his disappointment, he tried not to let it affect his mood. It was the first time he’d felt alive since the day Evelyn left Eden, but it was a blow to have his hopes raised and dashed so fast.
He knew he couldn’t leave things the way they were. He needed to apologize to Evelyn and pray to every god he’d ever heard of that she’d forgive him. If the mandates were going to be lifted after all, maybe she would be willing to do what he’d mentioned and give them a shot. He’d hate to leave Eden, but he would face anything to be with her again.
“I’m kinda disappointed. The last time I arrived in Eden I had this hot Controller meet me on the roof and escort me everywhere I went. This time I was left to carry all my stuff down myself.”
His heart stumbled as he choked on the sweetest scent he’d ever breathed. Turning, he spotted the short blonde leaning against the building beside the door, three cases of luggage sitting by her feet.
“A hot Controller, you say? Can you describe him? Maybe I know who he is.”
She pushed off the wall, stepping closer to him.
“He’s tall and strong. A typical alpha, with dark skin and cute black curls that fall in his face, and the most gorgeous golden eyes that change color with his mood.”
Chocolate orbs flashed behind black rims, a smile playing at the corner of her pink lips, though there was a hint of worry in the crease between her brows.
“Hmm, that doesn’t sound familiar.”
“Oh. Well, I guess any alpha will do then.”
His chest rumbled with a growl as he reached out and wrapped his arms around the omega, pulling her against his chest. Dipping his head, he breathed in the smell of her, a tightness he’d carried inside finally loosening.
“No other alpha will ever touch you.”
The words were barely understandable as he growled them into her ear. Evelyn shivered against him, her fingers curling into the flesh of his arms as she leaned back to meet his gaze again.
“Then I have to hope my alpha will forgive me. Never is a long time now that I know what it feels like.”
Tears shimmered, threatening to spill down her flushed cheeks. Cupping one in his palm, he pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes, willing himself to find the strength he needed to say the words.
“There’s nothing to forgive. I’m the one who needs to apologize for the way I acted.”
Fingers threaded through his hair, pushing it back. Every moment with her in his arms healed the wound in his chest, closing it inch by inch until only a seam remained. He hadn’t been sure he’d ever see her again, wasn’t even sure he wanted to until he’d seen the news, but he was willing to admit when he’d been a fool. He didn’t want to go on the way he had the past couple months.
“I’m sorry, Evelyn. I had no right to accuse you of lying. I was upset at the thought of losing you and lashed out.”
He pulled back to look into her eyes, hoping she could see his sincerity. He’d never made a bigger mistake in his life than turning away from her instead of fighting for what he felt between them, and he’d do anything to convince her to be with him.
“We both did things we regret, but I doubt any bonded couple could say anything different.”
His heart raced and he searched her face to see if she meant what he thought she did.
“Did you bond with this hot Controller you’re looking for?”
She huffed a little laugh, pulling out of his hold.
“Not yet, but I’m thinking about it. He needs to be prepared for my next heat since it’s coming soon.”
Blood surged to his cock, the shaft hardening so fast he winced as it pinched inside his pants.
“Hey, are we working or what?”
