I snapped my gaze to Gavin, shocked that he knew Ethan was my ex-fiancé. He had really done his research. At first, I thought he had only looked up my name, but he knew far more than I was prepared for.
“How did you know he was my ex-fiancé?”
“There’s very little I don’t know,” he said casually. “Like the fact that Ethan—my daughter’s current fiancé—was your fated mate.”
I sucked in a sharp breath at his bold statement, my cheeks warming.
“Am I wrong?” His tone told me he already knew the answer. I shook my head and looked away, unable to hide my embarrassment. That was the one thing I never wanted him to know.
“Regardless of the past, Irene and Ethan will be married soon. I hope everything goes smoothly for her sake.”
I bit my lip, unwilling to continue the conversation. Hopefully, he would take the hint.
I stared out the window, my frown deepening as we neared the border of my pack’s territory. I hadn’t told him where I lived, yet the driver was heading straight for my parents’ house. My heart pounded. Was there anything this man hadn’t uncovered about me?
I glanced at him. He was staring out the window, his jaw tense, lips pressed into a thin line. Memories of the other night rushed back—how his lips felt against mine, sweet yet firm, filled with passion and desire.
I licked my lips at the memory.
Instinctively, my fingers brushed the nape of my neck, tracing the spot where he had kissed and sucked. The hickey Ethan had seen. Heat crawled up my face as I remembered the way Gavin had marked me.
“If you’re done staring, you can get out now,” Gavin’s voice snapped me back to reality.
I blinked, looking out the window. We were parked in front of my parents’ house.
“Oh,” I breathed, embarrassed at having been caught. I just wanted to get away from him as fast as possible.
Fumbling with my seatbelt, I grabbed my purse and opened the door.
“Uh… thanks for the ride,” I said lamely.
He gave me a curt nod. Just as I stepped out, his hand wrapped around my wrist, halting me.
“Judy.” His voice carried authority, making warmth ripple through me. I froze, holding my breath as I met his gaze.
“Yes?” My voice came out almost breathless.
His grip loosened. “We won’t be meeting again. Understood?”
A sharp pain stabbed my chest. His words stunned me. Hurt me.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I nodded. “Understood,” I whispered.
He released me, and I instantly felt cold from the lack of contact. It was strange. We had only made out once, barely even spoken, yet the absence of his touch felt like stepping into a winter storm without a coat.
Saying nothing more, I climbed out of the car. The door shut behind me. Through the tinted windows, I couldn’t see him anymore, but I knew he was still watching.
I hurried toward the house, fishing my keys from my purse. The lights were off—either my mother was asleep, or she had gone out.
I unlocked the door but hesitated before stepping inside. The car was still parked outside.
Turning slightly, I gave an awkward wave before slipping in and shutting the door.
A few seconds later, I heard the engine rev and the car drive off.
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.
Upstairs in my room, I peeled off my uniform, done with everything it represented. I refused to keep doing a degrading job that stripped me of my self-respect just for money. I was better than that.
I needed to focus on my studies, graduate, and become a Gamma. I had already sent out applications to programs that could help with my career goals.
Hopefully, I’d hear back soon.
Pulling my phone from my bag, I texted Nan to let her know I had made it home safely and that she shouldn’t expect me back at work anytime soon.
There was no way I was returning to that place after tonight.
I made a mental note to apologize to the manager as well.
