A Broken Contract (Alpha's Secret Regret)

Nick POV

Of all the places in this massive country! Why did she and her dad have to choose this particular one? But then the same can be said of me. Many other towns would be happy to have a large nature park like the one I was going to build here.

As I walked quietly into the hall leading to the bathrooms, I tried my best to calm my racing heart. She looked like she would bolt when she left the table a moment ago. I can't let that happen. Why? I'll figure out the reason later.

Her scent, Goddess! That enthralling mild smell of lavender and jasmine petals. It drifted by as I kept walking in slow, quiet strides. I stopped and rested my back on the wall, inhaling deeply.

"I have not missed this," I murmured, waiting patiently by the hall.

I'd caught that same scent yesterday evening when Jake and I drove past the local council's building. But it had been vague. I didn't dare let myself think that it might be Sara James. Earlier in the restaurant, before I heard her boss call out to me, I'd picked up that same fragrance, and my heart had lurched violently.

The whispers coming from the bathroom halted my thoughts. I could tell she's on the phone. I trained my senses to eavesdrop because I couldn't help myself. There's no one else in there but her.

It was impossible to make out her words. Her emotions are too faint to pick up, thanks to the walls and distance between us. My days of sniffing every laughter, every beat of joy or sorrow from her heart were now long gone. She's no longer my mate.

The scent grew closer, followed by her footsteps. I rose from where I was perched. At the sight of her emerging from the ladies' room, I momentarily forgot to breathe. Those full parted lips were as inviting as I recall. Four years have done nothing but highlight the quiet beauty beneath her humble, gentle exterior.

Her body was perfectly full and curvy in the right places. I swallowed, quickly brushing aside the lustful thoughts and forcing my eyes to remain on her face.

Not that it helped. Her thick lashes are wet and hanging low as she regarded me.

"Hope I didn't startle you, Sara James," I said.

Why did I follow her? What was I thinking? No doubt, everyone at the table suspects that there's something going on between me and her. Except Jake who knew for sure. And her boss! The half-blood picked it up the moment I asked the stupidest question ever. Miss or Mrs? That was a blunder.

She stood silent, not commenting on what I just asked her. I don't even recall my question.

Her chest rose and fell as she took in a deep gulp of air. She seemed to be fighting to keep her composure. Well, that makes two of us.

'Say something,' I pleaded silently.

I wanted her to speak to me. My patience was wearing thin. She took a step forward, attempting to return to the table. Without a single word to me? I couldn't have that. "Small world, huh?" I said, and she stopped. "Does your dad live in this town, too?" Poor choice of catch-up topic. I realized this the moment I asked the question. The anxiety suddenly left her eyes. What replaced it was a blankness that made her unrecognizable to me.

She gave a curt, one-word reply. "Yes."

Asking about her father was a sore topic. I couldn't think of anything that wouldn't be a sore topic for both of us. Except maybe my project?

"I see." I nodded.

Bluntness was always the best way to go. We didn't part on good terms. There's no reason to pretend that we did. I don't even have the option to pretend. "Look, we're both uncomfortable with this," I said. "I feel like you're thinking of sneaking out. Are you?"

No response.

"Well, you don't have to," I went on. "At least, not on my account. We just need to get through this... brunch. I have people handling the project. You won't see me after this first meeting."

'Yeah, say whatever comes to mind, Nick. Especially if it keeps her standing here long enough for you to catch a trace of how she looked at you ages ago.' I ignored the silly voice in my head and continued. "You'll be dealing with my employees after this."

She let out a deep breath. Was that relief I just saw in her eyes when she nodded? I shook off the irritation that stirred inside me.

"I'll return to the table," she said gently.

Without waiting, she moved, and I stepped aside to let her pass.

It's understandable that she isn't exactly thrilled about this reunion. It's not like I am. Hell, I can't even decide how I feel about it.

As I followed behind her, I recalled the way she used to look at me and compared it to what I saw in her eyes just now. My stomach went sour for no reason. I settled myself back onto my seat as she started picking on her salad. The half-blood, her boss, gave her a funny look that confirmed what I already guessed. He knows without a doubt that the girl and I have a history.

"Are you sure that's all you want?" He asked her in a gentle voice.