Chapter 14
I watched Gavin’s Adam’s apple move slightly.
I hadn’t realized how closely I was standing to him until he stood a bit straighter and tilted his head toward me. I swallowed the lump in my throat and fought the strange urge to reach out and touch him.
What was wrong with me lately?
It had to be because I was still reeling from Ethan’s betrayal. The wound was fresh, and my wolf had been quiet ever since. But whenever Gavin was around, she seemed to perk up a little more. It was clear to me that she liked him, and yet, I could still feel the pain of our broken mate bond. The mark Ethan gave me was still on my neck, and every time he was remotely intimate with Irene, I felt the sting.
It was no wonder I was clinging to the first attractive man that crossed my path.
The corners of Gavin’s lips tipped upward into a smile.
“I am someone who keeps work and personal matters separate,” he said, his tone deep, sending warmth through my body and making my cheeks feel incredibly hot. “I don’t want the rest of the household to think I harass my teammates or subordinates. I prefer my staff to wear tasteful clothing and not be so suggestive.”
My mouth nearly fell open from his words. I folded my arms across my chest and glared at him, not caring that he was a Lycan and that I shouldn’t be looking directly into his eyes. Most Alphas, especially Lycan Alphas, would view that as a challenge.
“This type of clothing is common for college students,” I said. “Do you have to be so old-fashioned?”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Are you seriously going to question me? Did you forget that I am now your boss?” he countered.
I opened my mouth to reply with something equally as snarky, but then I immediately closed it. He was right. Gavin Landry was my boss now, and I had to abide by his rules. He was paying my salary, and my parents desperately needed the money. This job was a good opportunity I couldn’t risk losing before I even started.
It would be better if I just agreed to his rules and kept my mouth shut.
“I apologize,” I said. “I shouldn’t have been disrespectful. I’ll wear something less revealing the next time I come here.”
He stared at me for a moment longer before nodding once.
“Come inside. We can discuss your schedule, and I’ll have my Beta draw up a contract,” he said, turning and walking toward his house.
I followed after him but froze when I heard a rustling sound from the nearby bush. Before I could react, Matt jumped out holding a water gun!
I was wearing a white crop top, and I knew if it got wet, it would become see-through. I nearly screamed when I saw the stream of water heading directly for me, but Gavin was quick—much quicker than I thought possible.
He was in front of me in seconds, his arms protectively wrapping around my body. The warmth of his arms cocooned me, and I felt safe in the enclosure he created for me. I heard Matt laughing as water soaked Gavin’s shirt, and a low growl rumbled in Gavin’s throat.
I could tell he was furious with Matt’s trick.
Gavin’s cologne hit my senses, and my heart hammered in my chest from his close proximity. I found myself leaning into him, feeling his muscles pressing into my back and his strong arms tightening around me. My cheeks grew warm, and I felt warmth spreading across my lower abdomen.
Another low growl escaped Gavin, and I could feel his hot breath on the back of my neck, sending goosebumps across my skin. Briefly, I wondered if he could smell my sudden arousal.
Then his arms untangled from around me, and I felt cold from the loss of his touch. He turned toward his son, glaring at him with an intensity that made Matt’s laughter stop.
“What have I told you about playing tricks like that, Matthew?” Gavin growled, his fury evident.
Matt stopped laughing, his face paling as he almost seemed nervous under his father’s gaze.
