Page 39 of Alpha Ruined

And maybe just alittlebit of her fear, occasionally.

She’s still staring at him, expecting an answer, but he simply smiles at her and unclicks his seatbelt before opening the car door. He’s at the passenger side in a second, opening it and reaching for her hand to help her out.

She hesitates, looking up at him warily.

“I don’t bite,” he smirks.

She stares at his hand, then back at his face, frowning.

“Either I walk you in or I carry you in,” he warns. “It’s not polite to be late to a reservation.”

Never mind that they’re fifteen minutes early.

“You wouldn’t,” she challenges, and he simply raises an eyebrow.

He would love any reason to scoop her into his arms. It’s a threat to her, but a treat to him.

His hands ache to touch her.

It works because she takes his hand, and he helps her out of the car. But the minute she’s out, she snatches her hand away and it falls to her side.

“That’s a shame,” he murmurs. “It would have been my honor to carry you right through those front doors.” He nods at the entrance to the restaurant.

“I fear that would be impolite,Cole,” she says, following his lead as they make their way to the doors. “And you just couldn’t have that.”

“I’m nothing if not polite, sweetheart. I’m a true gentleman.”

She snorts, but he doesn’t miss the flush on her face, or the way her scent blooms when he calls hersweetheart.

“My mother taught me manners,” he continues, as he holds open the polished dark wood door for her. “Including how to treat beautiful women.”

He says it just to watch her face turn even more pink. Then, he places his hand on the small of her back, gently guiding her inside.

“Sure,” she chokes out, clearly affected by his touch.

He grins.

Tonight is going to be fun.

CHAPTER 14

BREE

He’s infuriating,charming, and ridiculous.

She still hasn’t forgiven him for using his Influence to have dinner with her, but it’s hard to stay mad as she marvels at Elmwood.

If it weren’t for Cole, she wouldn’t have come here based on Darlene’s warning about the murders.

She wouldn’t be walking into a restaurant styled like a luxury cabin, with beautiful polished wood on the outside and floor to ceiling windows on the inside. Soft chandelier lights barely illuminate the small tables and add to the intimacy of the place. White tablecloths adorn each sitting area, along with tea light candles in glass holders.

It’s the loveliest restaurant she’s ever been in, and it's obvious Cole intended for this to be a date.

She wants to hate him for his deception, but she can’t.

She’s too dazzled by her surroundings and the ambience of the restaurant.

It’s romantic, intimate, and far out of her price range.