Chapter 12

Horace’s POV.

“You’re welcome.”

I said teasingly, making sure my breath fanned against her lips as I reached for the belt, strapping it over her.

She seemed to have gone icy cold. Eyes upfront. Completely avoiding mine.

Unmoving. Unblinking.

I pulled back and rounded the car to get in.

“I thought the driver would take them, and you and I would take another car.” Monicab said.

My head tilted towards her. “Not happening. I’ll drop my wife off where she needs to go. Take the car you came in. I’ll meet you at the council house.”

Without waiting for a response, I got into my jeep,

turned on the engine and zoomed down the road.

“Ahem.” She cleared her throat softly. “So assistant, huh?”

She said, trying to sound casual and uninterested.

I turned my head to meet her.

“Mhmm.” I got an idea to take it up a notch. Just to see how she would react to it.

“Though I might have to update that soon enough. You know, if I can’t get the one I want.”

I warned jokingly.

Her face finally turned to mine. A flicker of something. Jealousy was it. Passed through it.

She quickly masked it with something else.

Silly girl. I thought.

Twenty minutes into the drive, I remembered a call I had to make. My hand reached for my phone in the center console, at the same time as hers did.

Upon realization, she tried to pull back, but I grabbed it roughly. Placing them back in place, mine completely over them.

“Horace.” She mumbled. Voice low, wrapped in a velvety silk.

My skin felt hot, a rush of heat spreading through me.

“You know, if you’re trying to avoid anything between us, hate to break it to you, but you’re doing a terrible job at it.”

Her eyes widened. Stunned. “What does that mean?”

I didn't try to hold back or even pretend.

“The voice.” I started.

That dress and the way it’s hugged around your skin.”

Her mouth opened, but no words came out.

My voice went lower. “That generous show of bosoms threatening to break from their cage.”

“Horaceee!” She cried. “Ethan’s in the car,”

I smirked.

“Of course. And completely asleep, baby.” I teased.

“I mean, we don’t have to do the whole pretend thing when alone. It’s just the two of us in here.”

She said,

“And who said I was pretending?” I retorted instantly.

Her eyes flew open. Mouth searched for words but found nothing. She pulled her hand from beneath mine. Trying to still the shivers her fingers made.

I smiled. Satisfied with myself.

Not long after, we got to the hospital. I parked my car in the CEO’s spot. Right after, I noticed her hand making for the door.

“Don’t,” I warned. My voice is gentle.

She stopped, eyes questioning.

I eased my door open, stepping out gently.

After fixing the hem of my suit, I turned, walking straight for her door.

“Now you can come out,” I said as I pulled her door open.

She stepped out slowly, heels finding the ground first.

She paused, staring at me. “Thank you, Horace.” She mouthed.

I smiled. “I would prefer, babe, though, but I guess Horace is fine.” I scoffed. Feigning annoyance.

Her face morphed into a smile. Small at first, then quickly widened.

It was the first time she smiled genuinely at me since the start of the day.

Not at Ethan or anyone else. But for and because of me.

A feeling tugged at my chest, one I hadn’t felt in years.

I felt lighter, genuinely happier, and ready for whatever the day had in store for me.

“Alright then.” She started, pulling me out of my thoughts, Ethan in hand. “We’ll see you later.”

She added, placing a soft kiss on my cheeks.

I stood, too shocked to even react.

“Thought you wanted to play this game well. Well, we’re in public. I need your staff to know my status as the Alpha’s girlfriend.”

She teased.

My shock morphed into a smile.

“Alright, good one. Could’ve have better though, but still.”

I followed, implying it should have been on my lips instead.

She said nothing, just turned on her heels, walking towards the hospital.

I stood in place, watching her. Her graceful steps as her hips swayed from side to side.

Something shifted in me.

A surge of desire burned through me. Hard and deep.

I fisted my hand, swallowing hard.

When I was sure they had gone in successfully without any trouble, I got into my car. Driving off. Prepared to go face the council and whatever nonsense they may need me for.

It better worth

Because I didn’t pass up this opportunity for family time for some unworthy reasons.

I closed my eyes for a second. Savouring her picture in my head.

Those full, swollen gifts she had perched on her.

The things I could do with them. To them.

My jaw locked, my grip tightening around the wheel.

I wanted her badly and couldn’t wait to make her mine.

I had to break off her bond with that bastard, Michael. I had to do whatever it took to break her free from his hold.

Destroy the guilt she was still feeling from being mated to him.

And it had to be done sooner or later.