Wanting him.
Wanting to get to know him better.
When he returns with a glass of water, I grin at him. “So you like my shape, huh?”
His smile is sheepish. “Is that a crime?
“Depends. Do you want to be punished?”
His cheekbones flush again. “By you? Definitely.”
Oh boy. This alpha is killing me. He has puppy energy, while his body looks like the most beautiful, lethal machine ever built.
Built for me.
“Have you ever thought about forming your own pack?” I ask.
Zach laughs, folding his arms over that delectable chest. “I’m too young for that. Besides… I don’t think I’m top alpha material.” Color touches his golden cheekbones. “I wouldn’t mind… some guidance and management in a pack.”
Aw, that’s so cute.
“By the way,” I say, grinning at him, “I have a job! No need to look anymore.”
“You do?” He frowns. “What kind of job? I was about to ask Dad today about?—”
“Atticus gave me a job. At his house.”
“His house? Seriously?”
Not sure why I feel this need to tell Zach. I feel relaxed around him. Maybe that’s the reason. He fills the room like sunlight, warming me to my bones.
As for his bones, I’d love to jump them, but now he seems to be retreating without even moving from the spot.
“It’s what I’ve been looking for,” I say. “Cleaning and managing the house. That’s all.”
His frown is turning into a scowl. “I hope you didn’t accept.”
“Of course I did. It’s a good option. It’s good news, Zach.”
“Is it? So he can have you at his beck and call? Boss you around? Boss you into his bed?—”
“Zach!” My face is warm, and so is my chest. I feel insulted. “Do you take me for a slut?”
He swears. Turns his back to me. “Never.”
“I won’t let him touch him unless I want him to. Is that clear? I’m not a little girl. I can take care of myself.”
I may have some insecurity when faced with flesh-and-blood gods like Zach, but there are limits.
“He’s an alpha, Coco,” he whispers. “He’s twice your size. I haven’t even started teaching you self-defense yet.”
“Yet here I am with you, another huge alpha, in the evening, in my apartment. How is this any different?”
“You know me! You trust me.” He turns back around to give me a look that is... wounded? “You do trust me, right?”
“Oh God...” I roll my eyes. “Yes, Zach. I trust you. But I also trust him.”
“You barely know him.”
