Page 14 of Forbidden Virgin Mate

"More rolls. Apparently, Diego's cleared us out.” I chuckle. “See you tomorrow. Text me."

Saffy gives me an unexpected hug before leaving. Once the door shuts and I hear her drive away, I sit back down at the kitchen island, feeling in a bit of a daze. Diego didn't move the money, and it goes without saying that I didn't.

So who the hell did it?

My thoughts are interrupted by the chime of a message coming through. I pick up my phone and can't help the smile spreading across my face when I see who it's from.

Hey, I had a great time the other night. - T xx

Suddenly, all the drama of the morning melts away, and all I can think about is seeing her again.

Me too. Are you free tonight? Saffy's out. I could impress you with my cooking skills?

It's an agonizing ten minutes before she confirms the date. Feeling better than I have all morning, I decide to push all concerns about the missing money to one side, at least until Diego has more information from Mateo. I turn my attention to making tonight a night to remember.

Chapter 7 - Tanya

I turn up the stereo loud and then louder, trying to drown out the thoughts plaguing my mind. The ones telling me to text Zack back and cancel, a thousand potential excuses rattling through my brain.

I could have a sudden headache.

I could remember some last-minute, vital teaching project.

I could just ghost him.

Instead, I'm driving up the mountain road after spending over an hour getting ready. Looking in the rearview mirror, I can see the curls I styled are falling nicely into soft blond waves.

I can't help shaking my head at my reflection. What am I doing? I don't need to go tonight; my plans are already in action.

I'm kidding myself that having Zack want me somehow adds to the revenge.

Pulling on the tight red sweater dress earlier, I'd caught sight of myself in the mirror. I didn't need to wear the tiny black thong and matching balconette bra that pushes the girls up so far that my cleavage peeks above the dress’s neckline. I didn't need to put on my favorite red lipstick, curl my hair, or add my chunky heeled boots that, although super-practical, make my legs look even longer.

I tap my fingers on the steering wheel, frustrated with myself. I'm doing all these things because I want him to want me. He made me feel things I've never felt before when he kissed me the other night, and I want to feel that way again.

This whole thing is going to crash and burn, perhaps only in a matter of days, depending on how quickly the packs uncover what I've laid at Zack's door. I'll be long gone the moment the shit hits the fan. My family's revenge will be swift and complete.

But right now is a moment of calm. Right now, I can pretend, right? I'm almost twenty-five and a virgin. Sure, I've been on dates. I was even considering going out with that FBI tech guy who's always flirting with me online. But no one has made me feel even a tenth of what Zack did the other night. My whole body is on fire with anticipation at just the thought of seeing him again, my wolf clawing for a release I can't articulate.

I know there's only one way to scratch this itch. I need to see him again.

I pull off the mountain road, turning onto the trail to his house. Zack sent me his address, but he needn't have bothered. I already had all his information in my file on him.

What I wasn't expecting was the stunning cabin and backdrop coming into view as I drove down the long track to his house. Imposing security gates swing open as I approach, so he must already know I'm here. I park my truck next to his much larger model and can barely take my eyes off the beautiful cabin sitting in a clearing surrounded by the forest. The timber is beautiful and contrasts seamlessly with glass and steel elements. It's breathtaking.

Stepping out of the truck, I walk toward the front door. My heart is racing. Zack told me Saffy's not here tonight. That means I'll be alone with him. Not growing up with a pack, I still get nervous around other wolves, especially ones twice my size. Zack is the beta and exudes raw power.

My wolf also feels skittish, but she doesn't want to leave, either. It's a strange feeling of conflict.

I raise my hand to knock, but then I hear a noise to my side. Turning, I see Zack appear around the side of the property, carrying some logs. I freeze as his gaze finds mine. We simply stare at each other for a moment before his eyes sweep down my body, taking in my outfit before flicking back to my face. I'm shocked to see the raw interest burning in his eyes as a smile spreads across his face, making him look even more handsome.

"Well, don't you look nice," Zack says, grinning as he throws the logs into a large storage box.

I take in his appearance. He's wearing a plaid shirt over a tight gray t-shirt, the fabric hugging his strong muscles in a way I can't ignore. His light brown hair is cut short on the sides and slightly longer on top, and there's just enough stubble on his face to give him an air of danger. His large build speaks of a strength and power I can only imagine, and it makes me shudder.

We stand there for what feels like an eternity, sparks flying between us before he finally steps forward and pulls me into his arms, crushing me in a passionate kiss. Just like the other night, my body responds instantly, and I let myself be enveloped by his strong arms.

Pulling apart, we're both breathless, and he chuckles. "Sorry, I think I'm supposed to offer you a drink first. Come on round back."

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