THE BIKER ALPHA WHO BECAME MY SECOND CHANCE MATE

Chapter 28 " Distressed ," I repeat , and I can't help the bitter laugh that escapes . If only he knew . If only he understood that the distress isn't from the dream itself , but from waking up and losing it . I push my hair back from my face , trying to gather my composure , but my hands are shaking slightly . The dream felt so real , his touch , his words , the way he looked at me like I was everything he'd ever wanted . " No , not distressed . Just ... weird dreams , you know ? Nightmares about ..... London " The lie tastes bitter on my tongue , but it's easier than the truth .

Easier than admitting I was dreaming about him in ways that would make him see me as pathetic . Again . Tristan's expression immediately shifts to one of concern , and I hate myself for using my trauma as a shield . But I can't tell him the truth . I can't handle seeing that look of uncomfortable pity in his eyes , the same look he gave me five years ago when he realized what I thought was happening between us . " Are you okay ? " His voice is gentle , brotherly . Exactly what I don't want but exactly what I expected . " Do you want to talk about it ?

" " I'm fine , " I say quickly , pulling the blanket tighter around myself . " Really . Just ... give me a few minutes to get dressed ? " He nods , standing up from the bed . " Take your time . I'll make some coffee . " After he leaves , I bury my face in my pillow and let out a muffled scream of frustration . My body is still humming from the dream , still aching for touches that will never come . Not from him . Not the way I want them . I need to get control of myself .

I came back here to rebuild my life , not to pine after a man who sees me as nothing more than his best friend's broken little sister . By the time I make it downstairs , showered and dressed in jeans and an oversized sweater , Tristan has coffee waiting and is already on his phone canceling something . " You don't have to stay home because of me , " I tell him , though part of me is secretly relieved he's not leaving . I don't want to be alone with my thoughts today . ' I want to , " he says simply , tucking his phone away . " Besides , I think we both could use a quiet day .

" The way he says it makes me wonder if he's struggling with something too , but I don't ask . I can't handle learning about whatever woman has him looking tired and stressed . We settle into an easy routine . He makes breakfast while I pretend to read the newspaper . We eat in comfortable silence , though I'm hyperaware of every movement he makes , every casual touch when he reaches across me for the salt . 1/2 18:34 Fri , Jan 2 d Chapter 28 " I was thinking we could just relax today , " he says as he clears the dishes . " Maybe watch some movies ? Order takeout later ?

" I nod , not trusting my voice . A whole day of pretending to be normal around him while my body still remembers every detail of my dream . Every two hours , like clockwork , he checks on me . " You doing okay ? " he asks , appearing in the living room doorway while I'm curled up with a book I'm not actually reading . " I'm fine , Tristan . You don't have to keep checking on me . " But he does it anyway . When I'm in the kitchen getting water , he materializes to ask if I need anything . When I'm upstairs changing into more comfortable clothes , he calls up to make sure I'm alright .

It's sweet . Protective . Exactly the kind of thing a caring older brother figure would do for someone he's worried about . Same way Orion would react . And it's driving me insane . I don't want him to treat me like his little sister , not today , not after that hot steamy dream . .Around noon , he appears with a bag from my favorite deli . " Thought you might be hungry , " he says , unpacking sandwiches and chips onto the coffee table . " You didn't have to ..... " I start , but he cuts me off with a look . " Let me take care of you , Athena . Just for today .

" The words send a shiver through me that I desperately try to hide . He means it in the most innocent way possible , but my traitorous body responds like he's promising something entirely different . I can feel my fold twitching with his words . He has no idea what he's doing to me . Comments 11 Write Comments SHARE Sara Lili Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland's breathtaking cold.