During the show, Samantha sat at her place without wandering around. She took notes about what the stylists had told her to pay attention to.

Still, part of her mind was focused on the group of teens sitting a few seats away, in the front row.

Rider wasn't there, and the brats didn't know about them.

She felt stupid for her insecurity, but she couldn't help it. She felt weak, knowing him so close. And she felt embarrassed at the thought that someone might notice their entangled scents.historical

After the show, she waited for the first chance to disappear and avoid meeting anyone familiar. All she wanted was to take a shower and relax while waiting for her mate.

She didn't have time because she heard the knocking before she could even change out of her clothes. How did he even find her so easily? Was the link between mates stronger on his side, by any chance? She couldn't find him... Not even sensing the direction where he was. Yet, he found both her room and her apartment in Norwich.

She opened the door and let him in, closing it behind her back and leaning on the wood. She could see Rider's actions a second before he moved, and she observed how he followed her forecast precisely like a show.

He pushed her against the door and caressed her cheek until forcing her to look up at him. Then, he slid his hand behind her head and fisted a few locks of hair while bowing down to kiss her.

She was without heels, once again, and she felt short for the first time in her life. Pressed against hard yet weak wood, surrounded by all sides, she couldn't escape.

?I don't have much time,? he said in between the kisses. ?The brats want to go out.?

?Hmm?? she hummed, splitting from him to look him in the eye. ?How much are we talking about? Fifteen minutes??

?Oh, they need two hours to get ready,? he said.

His grin caused her to smile while his free hand pushed her on his chest.

?It's not much time,? he added. ?We should hurry up a little.?

?I was thinking...? Samantha murmured, pressing her index finger on Rider's chest. ?I owe you one.?

?Uhm??

?I marked you without your permission. I still feel guilty about it, so I thought about a way to clean my conscience.?

?I like how it sounds,? he chuckled, rolling a lock of her hair around a finger. ?Go on.?

He forgot to follow his initial plan and say he didn't mind nor did he want revenge. He hadn't seen Samantha in a long time, and he was missing her too much to use some brains.

?Even though you still have one more point,? she continued. ?I can let you take the lead this once. Without counting it, of course. It'll be something special.?

?Because you feel guilty.?

?Yes.?

?It sounds like a trap.?

She sighed, moving past him towards the minibar. She opened it and searched for something strong. She found a Scotch behind two soda bottles, and she poured it in two round glasses.

She didn't ask Rider if he would drink; she would have had his portion if he declined.

?You drink too much, Mine,? he noticed. ?Even if we're wolves, we should take care of our diet. Your kidney might be stronger than a human's, but there's no reason to assault it with strong drinks so often.?

?Often? As far as I remember, we meet less than once a week, on average. You saw me drinking exactly twice. Do not dare tell me not to. You're not my nanny.?

Rider flinched, widening his eyes in panic.

?Do you want your glass or not?? she asked, sipping from the first.

In the end, he stepped towards her and accepted the offer. However, he didn't take the glass she was giving him but the one she had sipped from. He left it on the table once empty and gulped down the liquid in the second as well.

Amanda told him women like coherence, but they also find it cute when a man contradicts himself just to look cool in front of them. Maybe, it was not the right kind of cute. Still, Samantha chuckled and allowed him to continue.

?So, do you accept my idea?? she queried after calming down. ?Do you want to accept my apology or not??

?I don't know...? he sighed. ?It's tempting.?

?Come on,? she added, curling one side of her lips. ?You know that I like it almost as much as you do.?

?Mine...? he warned her, but it didn't help to stop his nerves. At that moment, he knew he had lost.

No more hope to look cool or tender. All that remained was his lust... and hers.

?Then, come here,? he dared to order. He undid the button of her jacket when she was close enough, and he almost threw it behind his back before realising it was fashionable.

Samantha was quite coloured that day, with her green suit. She was beautiful and sexy, just like in anything. After touching the jacket, Rider realised that the fabric was silken and - for sure - expensive. He folded it over a chair and turned back at her.

At least her outer clothes had to survive his haste. After all, he could keep the underwear just as per habit.

?I am going to accept your offer,? he said with a hoarse voice.

His hands moved the hair behind her back before focusing on the shirt.

Thin, delicate material. He had to be careful.

?I'll do it for you,? he added. After all, it was Samantha who asked.

?Don't hold back,? she chuckled, challenging him with her expression. She even sucked her lower lip.

All about her was made to drive him crazy.

?No complaints later,? he hummed.

His hands grabbed her sides and pulled her in his arms, rude and demanding just as she liked them.

?You asked me, Mine. Don't regret your own words.?

Instead of pushing him back, laughing or even just rolling her eyes, she shivered in his arms.. His smile grew even wider when he smelt the scent of lust.