Smiley(94)
“Almost every relationship is great at the start. Both people are on their best behavior but they let their guard down after a while. Then you get to see their flaws. You might not like me a month from now.”
“Are you deceiving me?” He frowned. “Are you pretending to be someone else?”
“No.”
A smile curved his lips. “I know that. You are bad at hiding your emotions and have a very expressive face.” He grew serious. “You’ve seen me at my worst, Vanni.”
He’d been wonderful to her. “I don’t believe that.”
“I’ve been surly since you came into my life. I’m afraid a male is going to draw your interest. I feel jealousy and worry that you might want someone else. It’s why I’ve been so angry when they are near. I took the name Smiley because I was happy to be freed and swore to enjoy every day to the fullest. Jericho called me grumpy and he was correct. I admitted that I’ve killed humans in the past and would do so again if I had to. I don’t imagine that’s a good trait, yet I want you to know me. These are the things I would have hidden if I wanted to deceive you.”
He made really good points. “I would never think badly of you. You have to protect yourself and the people you love. I appreciate you trusting me enough to tell me the truth about what you’ve endured.”
“Does it frighten you, knowing that I can be deadly to my enemies?”
She shook her head.
His hold on her hands eased and he let go of one to reach up and caress her cheek with his thumb. “You could enrage me and I’d walk away. Is that a fear? I can’t see me ever getting angry with you but I’d never turn it on you. We hear about domestic violence in your world.” His hand stilled, just lightly touching her. His voice harshened. “That would never happen. I’d never touch you in anger. Ever.”
“I don’t think you would.”
His expression relaxed. “Good. Do you know what would happen to a Species who abused his mate?”
She shook her head.
“He wouldn’t survive long. I’d take him out myself but I’d have tough competition to reach him first. Other males would hunt him down too, along with our females. We don’t abide that kind of thing.” He took a few deep breathes. “I’m enraged that Carl Woods put you in danger. I’ll make him bleed a lot if I ever get my hands on him. I know that isn’t something you’d like to hear but this is total honesty. I’m not hiding that from you.”
Vanni smiled. “You’d totally kick his ass.”
“I would.” He smiled. “I’d enjoy it. I hope that doesn’t disturb you.”
“No. I wouldn’t mind taking a swing at him myself.”
He chuckled. “You, violent? I can’t see it.”
“Everyone has bad days. Bruce and Gregory are monsters. I hit Bruce with a bottle and hurt him but I’d planned to attack Gregory. He wasn’t in the limo.”
All humor faded from Smiley’s features. “I was informed of what you did. I don’t want you to relive it, Vanni. You were smart and very brave. You did what you had to in order to survive. I’m very glad of that. I only wish you’d hit him harder or he’d have died from the bullet meant for you.”
“They threatened to kill Beth.”
“You never need to excuse or explain it.” He leaned in closer until their breaths mingled and he caressed her cheek again with his thumb. “Stay with me. We will be happy. We can commit to making it work. We’ll talk everything out. You only need to tell me if I do something that makes you unhappy and I’ll do everything in my power to change it.”
“I want to say yes,” she admitted. “I’m just afraid of getting my heart broken.”
“Never,” he rasped. “I’ll be a good mate to you. What are your fears? Tell me.”
“I’ve been cheated on.”
“It won’t happen. You’re the only female for me. Did you know mates get addicted to their females?”
Her eyes widened, surprised. “How?”
“Other females will scent bad to me. I’ll only get hard smelling and seeing you.”
“Seriously?”
He nodded. “Our bond will grow every day and I’ll only want you. I already do.” He paused. “Another female offered to share sex with me since we met. I turned her down. The thought horrified me. I only want you, Vanni.”
Smiley regretted admitting that immediately when he saw Vanni’s expression. He’d gone too far with the honesty. He felt her tense under his touch. He stopped stroking her cheek and took her hands again, refusing to let her go.