Chapter 397

Chapter 0397

VALERIE.

“Oh yeah, before I forget, here.”

I look up as Zade holds out a wad of cash that he’s just taken out of his pocket.

“What’s this?” I ask hesitantly as a soft wind blows and I brush my hair back, only for him to reach up

with the arm that is around me and brush it back for me. “Thanks, my sexy Stallion.”

“It’s the deposit you put down for the apartment,” he says.

I frown, I’m sure the deposit was non–refundable if we cancelled.

“He gave you that back?” I ask, confused.

He shrugs. “The situation was complicated, but all that matters is that you got it back.” He leans over,

slipping the money into my bag. “What else do you have in there?”

I smile sheepishly. “I did get a little shawl for if I get cold…” I admit, before tilting

my head up. “But I forgot I had your snuggly arms waiting for me.

He hides a small smirk. “Exactly.”

“Thanks for getting the deposit back. I just hope you didn’t threaten him.”

He cocks a brow. “I didn’t.”

“Good.” I smile, kissing him softly before I settle into the crook of his arm and close my eyes, inhaling

his scent. I feel so at peace…

I almost told him I love him… but I don’t know why I stopped… I close my eyes.

Soon, soon I will…

I open my eyes and realise I’m in bed. Frowning, I jolt upright, only to see Zade asleep beside me.

When did we get into bed?

Fuck, I fell asleep on the roof!

He looks so peaceful asleep…

Shame we didn’t get any sexy time… but I wouldn’t change last night for

anything. I smile softly. I’want more of those, even if it means struggling to get up there. Next time I will

get him to give me a piggyback lift up.

I glance out the window. It’s not dawn yet… but will be soon.

I slowly lay back down, a soft smile on my face, as he stirs, and I snuggle into his side. He instantly

wraps his arms around me, and I remain there, content and happy, sleepily remembering the

conversation between Atticus and me…

(Last night)

“Where has he gone?” Atticus asks when I return with two mugs of coffee.

“He’s just stepped out for a bit.”

“So, he plans to leave you alone here?”

“No, he wouldn’t usually, but I’m assuming since you’re here he did.” I point out.

Atticus doesn’t reply, observing me seriously. “Are you happy? Truly?”

“I am,” I answer, and I truly mean it. Sitting down on the sofa opposite him, I tuck my leg up to face him,

knowing this is a conversation we both need to have. ” Really, he’s… this might sound unbelievable,

but he’s sweet and caring. I’d say a man of fewer words but, compared to how he was in prison, I’m

grateful he speaks far more than he did then.” I smile slightly.

“He didn’t say anything back then. Stubborn is what I’d say.” Atticus frowns.

“No, he didn’t, but he was just another piece for the goddess to use. He didn’t choose his birthright.” I

sigh, clutching my mug, welcoming the heat from it.

“I’m not one who can speak of matters of the heart, but one thing I do understand is that we really don’t

get to choose who we love.” He sighs, running his fingers through his hair.

“These Toussaints huh…” I say, giving him an apologetic smile. He chuckles.

“Indeed. There must be something that just calls us…” He shakes his head. I do feel bad for him, but I

hope he can understand that Zade is the one for me.

I nod, my cheeks heating up at the thought of Zade.

“You really do love him…”

“I do,” I whisper.

We’re silent for a moment, but it’s not tense.

“It’s different from what you had with Jai, isn’t it?” he asks, almost afraid to say it. “Don’t get me

wrong… but I did see you two together and you speak differently

about Zade. The mate bond is something special.”

I freeze, my heart thudding. “I did love Jai. Maybe it’s the mate bond…” I can’t say more, even if deep

down I know these feelings are far stronger, I will never admit them out loud.

smile

“Well, that’s the most important thing, that you’re happy… and I haven’t seen

you

smile so much in years. I like seeing that and if the price to seeing you is him, then I’ll pay it willingly.”