Page 26 of Obsessed Wolf Daddy

"Yeah, but it's not that," she replies quietly, glancing around to see if we're being watched, though I couldn't give a fuck. "I just didn't sleep well."

I narrow my eyes, studying her closely. "Is something bothering you? You can tell me," I say, my voice laced with more concern than I intended.

Saffy hesitates for a moment before finally meeting my gaze. Her eyes flicker with a heady mix of innocent vulnerability and desire, making it hard for me to focus on anything but her. "It's nothing, really," she murmurs, chewing that damn lip again.

I step closer, closing the gap between us until there's no air between our bodies. My hand travels down her arm. "Nothing at all you want to tell me?" I whisper huskily, my breath grazing her neck. "I'm all ears."

I can feel her delicate body trembling against mine, and it only spurs me on, the sensations rushing through my body, setting my nerves on fire. The way I'm feeling right now, I could take her right here against the glass.

My wolf pulls me back to reality before I can act on my desire, sensing someone else in the hall with us. I step back, turning to see Carmela walking toward us, her arms crossed, her gaze fixed. I can feel the jealousy rolling off her in waves, and her magic hangs heavily in the air. As soon as our eyes make contact, she softens her expression, like a mask falling into place.

"Cole!" she exclaims breezily. "We've been waiting for you in the conference room. I told the others you were probably getting a coffee. I know you can't sit through a meeting without one."

Carmela's face appears open and friendly enough, but I can see the amber and black swirls in her eyes betraying her rage. Not wanting to draw Saffy into a conflict that doesn't concern her, I step toward my ex. "I was just on my way," I say, hoping to divert her attention.

"Was this girl helping you get your coffee?" Carmela asks, her tone light, but I can still detect the sting behind her words.

"No. As I said, I was on my way," I say. As I move around her, Carmela steps closer to Saffy instead of following me.

"And who are you, I wonder?" Carmela asks in a singsong voice, her magic practically crackling around her. Carmela's jealousy has always intrigued me slightly. Witches are highly sexual, and though she just spent all morning boring me about her recent sexual exploits in Paris, she's jealous.

I roll my eyes, knowing I have to put an end to this. For Saffy's sake and mine. "Saffy is an intern here," I say before Saffy can answer. "We were discussing the project she's working on. Not coffee. Now, come, Carmela."

My harsh tone seems to snap Carmela out of her reverie, and she stops walking, turning to me. "Very well," she says. Turning to Saffy, she adds, "He is very easily distracted, you know. Terrible shiny-object syndrome."

I'm furious by the time we get to the conference room, though I suspect only Jonah and Carmela can tell. I wear my professional indifference like a mask throughout Carmela's presentation. Jonah had already drafted his concerns, so I let him take the floor. Although Carmela is a skilled negotiator, so is Jonah, and watching them go toe to toe for a while over the Chinese data issue keeps me briefly amused.

Carmela's deal is practically dead in the water, and I suspect she already knows it. That technology would never pass through Congress with the security risks attached to it. I'd like to think she's just wasting my time as an excuse to see Annie, but as we walk through the reception area later, she still hasn't even mentioned our daughter. I'm loathe to be the one to bring it up, but Annie deserves the best from me.

"So, are you leaving now that our meeting has concluded?” I ask as neutrally as possible.

As Carmela is about to answer, I notice her pause, her eyes narrowing slightly. Turning, I spot Saffy with Sarah and David by the reception desk. Carmela smiles broadly as she straightens her shoulders and replies loudly, "I'll be spending tonight with you and our daughter, of course. I bet Annie can't wait to see me."

Her seemingly enthusiastic statement carries across the reception area, but I don't even turn to see if Saffy heard.Ultimately, this is family business, and I have no interest in drawing Carmela's attention to her.

"I will send a car for you," I reply curtly, and stride away from her without looking back.

The worst part is that Annie will be thrilled to see her mom, and Carmela doesn't deserve it.

Chapter 14 - Saffy

"I'm not sure. Maybe. We'll see," I tell Terrance, cringing as he rolls his eyes at my response.

"Saf, these sorts of things don't happen very often around here. Ever, actually." He pleads, "No way in hell is Charlotte going to come, so you have to. Probably best she doesn't. What a buzz kill."

"Stop it," I admonish. "You two are just very different. She's not a buzz kill."

He holds his hands up placatingly. "Whatever you say, Saf. But come on, you've got to come."

I groan slightly, hating that he's piling on the pressure when I don't know what I want to do. Just then, Jonah approaches and starts making a drink at the machine next to us.

"You both look very serious," he remarks, his eyes bright with amusement. "You must be talking about my party tonight. It's all anyone's talking about, obviously. I trust you'll both be there?"

Terrance gives me a meaningful look before replying, "I was just trying to talk Saffy into coming."

Thanks, Terrance, I think as Jonah turns his full attention to me.

"Why would anyone need talking into a party, Saffy?" he asks, looking genuinely confused. “Frankly, everyone here desperately needs some good old-fashioned fun. And luckily, I like to provide just that. Can I count on you to be there, Saffy?"

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