Chapter 69

Richard’s POV:

The mate bond continued to burn even an hour later, as I sat on a couch in my study. Darren would be here soon, as I had promised to send him a message when the date was over and done with. Yet, instead of thinking about the damned mission, all I was thinking of was what a disaster I had made on this date with Arielle.

I was brooding, yes I admit that. It was hard not to, especially with how much of a fool I had acted.

The image of Arielle looking teary-eyed and begging me not to lie to her about anything, was still carving a hole into my heart.

Damn it, Richard.

Why had you done that?

Why had you made her feel like that?

Why had you done that to her?

I was berating myself on the inside.

A knock came on the door and I frowned to myself, not even bothering to look at the door when it opened.

“Richard, how was the-“

I cut my best friend off with a glare in my eyes as he entered my study. As soon as he caught the look, I noticed just how tense he suddenly became.

“Darren,