42. Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Two

Beth

D id that actually just happen? Did the hot guy I met this morning really offer me a job as a consultant for his pack's restaurant?

That's insane. It's even crazier than what I thought might happen. Thinking two hot guys from the same pack might be interested in dating a klutzy little ditz like me still seems way more likely than being offered a job I'm not qualified for.

"Are you feeling okay?" Gio asks.

It makes me realize I'm being quiet.

I don't usually get so lost in my thoughts.

"I'm still a little tired, I guess."

"Does that guy follow you around a lot?"

That guy. Rourke Mariner. My ex who I'd rather pretend doesn't exist anymore.

"I don't know," I admit. "I haven't seen him in about a year, since the day we broke up. He wasn't living in the city when I moved out here for school. That's all I know."

I shrug, because I don't know what else to say about it.

If I'm honest, it's super weird he showed up like that.

There was no damn reason for him to come here.

Gio's quiet for a bit, and I don't know what else to say.

I don't really want to have to tell him I let an Alpha rip my heart out.

That's in the past. I'm not the same girl who fell for that true mate bullshit.

Gio clears his throat, and my stomach lurches as I wait for his response.

"Stalking is usually a precursor to something more serious."

I stop walking and blink at him. "Um, what?"

He looks about as uncomfortable with this conversation as I am now.

I try not to shiver as his serious eyes lock with mine.

"I'm not trying to scare you, but I don't want you getting hurt."

He's serious, and it freaks me out more than a little.

The truth is, I don't know why Rourke is in the city and I can't pretend I know him well enough to say he would never physically hurt me. He fooled me for six months when we met. He got everything he wanted from me, and then he discarded me like I meant nothing to him.

He's not a good guy. I should be scared that he showed up like that.

"I don't trust him," I confess. "I know he's bad news."

"Promise me you won't go anywhere alone this week." He's deadly serious.

"I don't know if that's realistic."

"You've got my number. You can call me anytime you need to go out."

"You're sure you'll have your phone?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

He smiles. "Believe me, no matter who has it, they'll make sure you have an escort."

Why does that sound so sexy?

Is it just his sultry voice? Or is it the way he's looking at me right now?

There's so much ravenous desire in those dark eyes.

He's into me, for sure, and I can't help wondering what it would be like to be with him.

He's not like anyone else I've ever met.

It makes me wonder how different it would be.

"I'll call," I promise, knowing I'll do it, because he asked me.

"I look forward to that," he says, before he brings my hand up and kisses my knuckles, brushing his lips against my skin lightly enough to make me shiver. "Now let's get you home where you can catch up on your sleep."

It sounds like a good idea, but there's no way I'll be getting any sleep tonight.

Not while I'm thinking about that kiss, and my new job, and the whole thing with my ex.

My thoughts are swirling as we start walking again.

A lot happened today, and I get the feeling it's just the beginning of something much bigger.