Page 53 of Air of Seduction
His eyes narrow, and he leans closer. “And make sure she never does it again. Because if she does—”
“Are you threatening my mate?” My hands curl into fists as I step right up into his face. I can feel my power wanting to release, but I keep it in check, barely.
He stands his ground. “Payton’s your mate? Does she know that?”
I deflate a little. “No, not yet. I came here to tell her.”
His arms fall to his sides, and some of the tension leaves his body. “Make sure you do, and please put in a good word for me with Olivia. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to stay away from her. It’s not natural this distance between us.”
I nod. “I will.” Although, I have no idea whether my word will make any difference. The only one who might be able to persuade Olivia to spend some time with Noah is Payton, but she won’t push her friend to do something she isn’t ready for.
Noah takes a step to the side to give me access to the door, and I don’t hesitate. I yank the door open and storm into the suite.
Payton and Olivia are sitting on the couch, and on my arrival both turn to look at me. But my mate’s expression has me grinding to a halt halfway between the door and the couch.
“What’s wrong?” My stomach twists into a knot when I see the way she shrinks away from me.
It only lasts for a second before she pastes a fake smile on her face. “Nothing.” The denial is spoken too quickly, and her voice is high-pitched and so unlike her usual warm tone.
I don’t believe her, and she must have seen it on my face, because she suddenly jumps to her feet. “I’m just a bit tired, that’s all. I’m going to go lie down for a while.”
I take a step toward her as she heads for her bedroom. “Can we please talk first?”
“Later. We can talk later.” She doesn’t even look at me before she disappears into her bedroom and closes the door.
My heart clenches painfully as I fight the urge to follow her. She clearly doesn’t want my company right now, and approaching her when she made it clear she wants to be alone could violate the trust between us.
“What happened while I was gone?” I turn toward Olivia, who’s still sitting on the couch. Was I too rough? Did I leave too soon, making it seem like all I want from Payton is sex? We’ve never talked about the attraction between us and what it means in the long term, but then we just met.
Olivia studies my face like she’s looking for something. “You should talk.”
“No shit.” I throw my hands in the air before stomping over to a chair and dropping down into it with a sigh. “But she’s shut me out for some reason. Please, tell me why.”
Her face is unreadable. “It’s for her to say. But I have a question. Do you care about her?”
My shoulders tense. Does Payton think I don’t? “Of course, I do. She’s…amazing.” I can’t tell Olivia that Payton is my true mate. As far as I know, she doesn’t know what that means. Unless Payton has told her. But no matter if she has, Payton deserves to know first, the only exception being my brothers who already know.
Olivia nods, but she doesn’t look convinced. “You should tell her that.”
I rake my fingers through my hair in frustration. “I would if she’d let me. Can you please ask her to talk to me? I don’t want to make this worse by barging into her room and demanding we talk, but I think she’ll feel better once we do.” At least I hope she will and doesn’t freak out when I tell her she’s my true mate.
She sighs and stares at me for several seconds before she nods. “Okay. I’ll ask, but if she says no, you’ll have to wait until she’s ready.”
I nod. “I will. Thank you.”
My body is tense like a bow string when Olivia walks into Payton’s room and closes the door behind her. I can hardly breathe. If only she’ll agree to talk to me, I’m sure we can sort this out. I couldn’t have read her affection so wrong. And even if I overestimated it, the mating bond should eventually affect her as well.
Cold sweat breaks out across my forehead. What if I’m wrong about Payton being my mate? But the doubt only lingersfor a second. I know it in my bones that she’s mine. She’s everything, and there will never be anyone else.
The door to Payton’s room opens, and I jump to my feet. But my heart sinks when Olivia comes out alone and closes the door behind her.
Chapter 32
Ronan
Olivia shakes her head. “Payton’s in the bathroom, and I don’t want to bother her right now. She will talk to you later.”
“How do you know? What if she decides she doesn’t want to? I need to talk to her. I…” Pain radiates through my chest as fear threatens to choke me. I need her. I need my mate.