Malia’s POV
I burst out laughing as Lila slammed the door.
Ryder arched his eyebrows at me. “Really?”
“I’m so sorry. It’s just so funny to me. It reminds me of when I was a kid and I didn’t get my way. I’d smash things and slam doors,” I replied slightly out of breath.
Ryder shook his head. “So you’re saying my mistress is being immature.”
“Exactly,” I answered.
A maid came to clean up the mess Lila had made just as another brought Ryder a fresh plate of dessert.
I watched as he took the first bite of his dessert and closed his eyes in pleasure.
“See who didn’t want any desserts,” I teased.
He ignored me and I found myself unable to take my eyes off his face. His mouth.
When he opened his eyes and found mine, I shivered and quickly returned my gaze to my half-eaten dessert.
We both ate in silence for a moment, then I remembered what Lila had said when she first came in earlier.
I cleared my throat. “What did Lila mean when she said I wasn’t supposed to be having dinner with you but be halfway back to where I came from?”
“Exactly what she meant,” he replied.
I rolled my eyes. “That was very explanatory. Thank you very much.”
He chuckled. “There are some things that just don’t make sense. Besides, you said it yourself, she was just being immature.”
I furrowed my brows in suspicion but said nothing more. I was damn sure that she had said something to him.
I finished my dessert and got up to leave.
“Aren’t you going to stay for a little while?” He asked softly.
Hell no, was what I wanted to say, but instead, I faked a yawn. “I feel so sleepy.”
He opened his mouth to say something but changed his mind and I felt a rush of relief because I had an idea what he wanted to say. Definitely something about me spending the night in his room.
I was fine with what we had now. Spending the night in each other’s rooms could complicate things fast if I was being honest with myself. I didn’t have the emotional capacity to deal with complications at the moment.
He nodded and rose from his chair. “At least I should walk you to your room being the gentleman that I am.”
I snorted. “Gentleman indeed”
He raised an eyebrow and took my hand in his. I resisted the urge to retrieve my hand and allowed him lead me out of his room to the front of my door.
“Thank you, Alpha Ryder. It was a wonderful meal and a lovely evening apart from the unfortunate intrusion. You’d be a much better host if you learn to put your bitch on a leash,” I said with a sweet smile.
He gave a small gasp. “What am I to do with you, Malia?”
“What would you like to do with me, Ryder?” I blurted out before I could think my words through.
I saw the heat in his eyes and mine widened as I realized what I had just said.
“I have a few ideas,” he answered and I decided I didn’t want to hear them.
“Goodnight,” I murmured and escaped into my room, shutting the door firmly behind me.
I heard him chuckle as he retreated from my door.
I mentally berated myself for not thinking before speaking.
I slipped out of my dress and wiped the makeup off my face. I decided to take a shower before going to bed. Yes, again.
By the time I finished, I felt tired and sleepy. I collapsed on the bed and within minutes I was fast asleep.
I awoke to the smell of eggs, bacon and toast. I watched as the maid laid my breakfast on the table. She drew the curtains and I immediately sat up on the bed as the room got brighter.
“What time is it?” I asked.
“It’s past ten,” she replied.
I rubbed my eyes, why did I sleep for so long.
“Thank you,” I told the maid as she made her way out of the room.
My stomach growled and I slid off the bed. I first poured myself a glass of water before descending on my breakfast.
I decided I didn’t want to lie in bed all day and ate faster. I had to train to become stronger. At least I should be able to defend myself to an extent even if I didn’t have a wolf.
I had a quick bath and rushed out of the building.
By the time I arrived at the training grounds, they were already done with the first round of training and were relaxing and chatting with one another.
“Lia, over here,” Derek called out, waving at me.
I saw that Ronan was sitting right next to him. I resisted the urge to go sit somewhere else entirely and made my way towards them.
“You’re not late at all,” Derek said as I plopped down beside him.
“I overslept,” I explained and he nodded.
“I’m sorry,” he suddenly said with a smile and I arched my eyebrows in confusion.
“Why are….”
The rest of the words died on my lips as he got up and walked off, leaving me all alone with Ronan.
I was going to kill Derek.
Ronan moved closer to me. “Did you receive the flowers?” He asked.
“Of course I did. I had no choice but to accept them not after you threatened Derek,” I said.
He chuckled. “Even if you hadn’t accepted the flowers, I wouldn’t have gone through with the threat. I was just joking.”
“Whatever,” I said.
“Can I hold your hand?” He asked softly.
For the first time since arriving at the field, I looked at him. He looked really sorry. His apology wasn’t as fake as the roses after all.
I nodded and he took one of my hands.
“I apologize for being selfish. I shouldn’t try to push my feelings on you. I don’t want to lose you, Malia. I don’t want to lose what we have now. Please, forgive me,” he pleaded.
I nodded and gave him a smile. “How can I not forgive you?” I said, staring into his eyes. “I’m a sucker for grey eyes.”