Alpha's Obsession: His caged Luna

Chapter 14: One date

Raine's POV

I didn't expect to like Desmond's visit as much as I did. When Sienna told me about how he's been trying to get to me, I told her that she could let him in.

Now I was here, unable to focus on anything. He didn't help by asking that question that seemed to shift my world from his axis for a second.

I stood up that night as he walked forward, hoping he would come to me. Obviously, I would have gone on a date with him and our relationship would have progressed from there. But I knew that once the effects of the mate bond was off, and I could think clearly, I might have regretted that decision.

This was only our third encounter, and my heartbeat would not stop pounding in my chest. The part of me that longed for something sweet and real kept urging me to move closer, let him hold my hand, let me place my face in his chest as he wrapped his hands around me.

If that happens, he would steal my heart and I would end up falling for him. It wouldn't just be a relationship where I was there for his protection and money, while I offered whatever he wanted from me.

It would be a real relationship, where he would be my safe space, where we'd hold each other's hands in difficult times. It would be the kind of relationship I would want if I didn't have the secrets I could never open up about.

My body wanted him. My heart was warming up to him. But my brain knew better, and it was telling me to run.

"What are you so afraid of, Raine?"

Damn it. Was I that obvious, or was he so good at reading me? None of the options seem comforting.

"Who says I'm afraid of something?"

"I can read your body language. And your heartbeat is fo f*****g loud. It got louder when I asked you the question."

"Yeah, I forgot you were the psychology expert."

"And you? The deflection expert."

A laugh slipped out of me before I could stop it. "When do you plan to leave, Alpha?"

"Wow. I've been here for less than an hour, and you already want me gone?"

Did anyone ever tell him that he was dramatic?

"Well, I didn't want you here in the first place."

He nodded to himself, a hint of amusement colouring his face. "I'm going to make you eat your words one day."

My heart leapt again, and his infuriating smirk told me that he heard. "You sound so sure."

"I'm usually right about things I'm certain about. That's why I'm an Alpha."

I rolled my eyes. "Your pride will be your downfall, Alpha."

"Or maybe not." I jolted when he placed his palm over mine, resting on my thigh. Sparks danced between us, making me hyper aware of his presence. I could tell that he'd been wanting to do it, but he'd been holding back. He waited for me to pull back, which I should. But I just sat there like a statue, hoping that the moment would not end. "Maybe you will end up liking me even with the pride that you talk about."

I hated how he wasn't wrong. I didn't hate the pride. I didn't even think it was pride—just confidence, and if I allowed myself a moment of honesty, I might just admit that it was actually... a turn on.

"One more question, Raine, before I go." My heart plummeted at the thought of him going. "How did I do today?"

"Huh?"

"I planned to bring gifts, but I had no idea what you like. And I didn't want you to think that I was trying to buy you again. I came here with my charm and excellent communication skills. So, rate me, did I do good?"

I stared at him in disbelief. He was truly looking at me with expectation, waiting for me to give me a review of his visit today. I held back a burst of laughter, and just allowed a small snort slip. "On what basis am I judging?"

"How happy I made you."

The smile disappeared from my face, and his words reveberated in my head. No one had really cared to make me happy.

"You can still tell me how much I made you want to drown me somewhere, I don't mind."

That made me laugh. I have laughed much more today than I've done in years. "That I can tell. You're breaking the scale."

His eyes twinkled. "Perfect. I'll expect nothing less."

"That's not supposed to be a good thing."

He rolled a shoulder casually. "As long as I'm good at it, it's a win for me."

I shook my head in amusement.

"You haven't answered my question though," he said when I went silent. "Or if the question makes you uncomfortable, you can answer it during our date."

My brows shot up in surprise. "Date?"

"Yes." He didn't miss a beat. "I want to spend more time with you and get to know you better."

I shook my head, feeling that rope of fear and anxiety curl up my gut. "You don't need to know me any more than you already do."

"If course I do." His hand squeezed mine, making the spark between us sizzle. "That's why I'm asking you out."

"No."

"One date, Raine." I opened my mouth to protest, but he beat me to it. "If you don't like it, I will bring you straight back, and that will be the end. I won't bother you anymore."

The rope curled around me for a different reason now. The thought of him never bothering me again should have relieved me, but unfortunately, I only felt a chill, a coldness that his absence would bring.

Desmond brushed some strands of hair from my face, his thumb lingering on my cheek much longer than necessary. I shut my eyes, enjoying the sensation.

"What do you say?"

Maybe it was his deep velvety voice that hypnotized me, or his hands that wouldn't stop caressing my face or his mere presence that seemed to suck in the air around me, but I finally nodded. "Just one date."

His grin made my heart shake. "One date, Angel."

"Fine."

His triumphant smile annoyed me as much as it delighted me. As he shook my hand to seal the deal, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I just stepped into a web that I would never be able to untangle.