NO TOUCHING BUT HE DID

Thelma’s POV

“League rule,” he mused. Like it was boring. “Mate-of-Athlete Guardian Filing requires cohabitation for validity.”

“If you don’t live with me, the filing is flagged as fraudulent. 48-hour review. You’re out.”

The air left me. Why does he keep using 48 hours as a threat.

Cohabitation! In his suite and behind a locked door? Can I keep up to that?

"So I have to—” I stammered unable to finish that statement.

"Stay with me,” he concluded, his eyes, they looked teasing this time "At the guest room though, my lawyers will install it tomorrow.”

I was relieved to hear that and even had to drink the bottle water he offered to keep calm, even though I could barely breathe.

“That’s insane.”

“That’s legal,” he corrected biting his lips.

“Three" I furthered, wanting him to have a taste of his medicine as he didn't let me speak all the time when he listed his.

Rather than looking exhausted, he seems keen.

"You don’t get to decide when I talk to Jax. If he contacts me—”

Rhys's jaw ticked as his soft look turned stern and his arm muscles rippled in such a way that made me forget I had lungs.

"He won’t.”

“If he does,” I pressed. My hands were fists at my sides. His eyes went into full wolf, brighter and scary like he burnt my skin with just a stare.

"Then you tell me first,” he said, sharply.

“Because if you talk to him alone, the press will say you’re playing both sides. And I will not be made a fool twice.”

I pursed my lips, forgot what I initially wanted to say as our eyes peered at each other.

The word 'fool' hit like a punch. 

Because Jax made him one. And I helped. Guilt soaked me as I looked down to avoid his gaze.

My wolf growled "No!" But then I nodded because what choice do I have?

I want to burn him.

"Thelma" he called my name in a subtle tone as though afraid to hurt it.

He wasn't letting go of my hand like the contract hadn't started.

“You hate him right now. I can smell it.”

Tears stung my eyes. I blinked hard. 

He’s right. I did hate Jax now

For the lipstick. For leech. For making me feel like two years meant nothing.  But a part of me still throb for him.

My throat ached as a affirmed to it.

He pulled me closer, my breasts pressed against his bare chest and my pulse quicken.

“So use me,” he proclaimed, softly as I felt I was under the study of his eyes "Use my name. Use my suite. Use my jersey.”

I couldn't even remind him of the 'no touching' clause because he melted me with this touch because it was the first time someone offered me a way to win.

“And when we’re done? You walk away with 90 days, a legal stay, and the man who broke you watching me lift the Cup you helped him take from me."

I need to sign at least?" I reminded and he released my hand as though he forgot him.

Walking back to the chair, I took the pen and disliked the way my hand shook hard.

Closing my ears to every protest my wolf made, I sketched my signature.

Thelma Rowe.

The moment the pen lifted, Rhys exhaled.

Standing up properly with the paper, my back was plaster on his chest, I didn't even know he was behind me.

"No touching" his breath hit the back of my neck as I gasped.

"I know" he whispered in my ear "but there are different meaning to 'no touching'"

My heart was flustered as he took the paper from me, then stepped back.

"See you tomorrow, Thelma"

While he was at that, my phone suddenly buzzed. Nervously, I took it out without looking at him and popped on the message icon.

"I found him. The killer"