own.
She was lovely. Bradley loved curves on a woman and he had a penchant for brunettes.
So, it seemed, did his dragon because it raised its head as Cassidy came into view and snorted as it became restless. It whined and threatened to break through but Bradley fought it back until it slumped sulkily in a heap in his subconscious.
Bradley had never felt his beast act like this before but he knew what was happening: this woman, this earthling was his mate. According to the culture of Maeeze, the very planet his ancestors had come from to live on earth centuries ago, his inner dragon would recognize its mate immediately.
"Are you okay, Mr Nash?" Cassidy was looking nervous, clasping her handbag close to her side. "Do I have something stuck between my teeth? Is my makeup smudged?"
Bradley realized he had been staring and shook his head.
"No. You're perfect." Then he realized what he had said and groaned, rubbing his hands over his face. "Oh, God, sorry, that came out wrong."
Cassidy blushed and she bit her lip. Bradley's cock twitched. He wanted to see those lips wrapped around his cock. Knowing his aroused state would be noticeable in his suit trousers, he hurried back behind his desk and sat.
Cassidy looked a little lost. She glanced at Ron, who stayed by the door.
"Mr Evas said you wanted a counsellor to help with your anger management."
"Apparently, I do."
She raised an eyebrow, her nerves slowly ebbing.
"But you don't want one."
"Not really." Bradley sat back. He hoped Cassidy didn't approach the desk or she would notice that he was fully aroused. Now it wasn't in view, his cock had stood to attention, demanding that he do something about it.
"To me, counsellors are condescending and are only after the money. No offence."
"None taken." Cassidy approached the desk. "But, I suppose counsellors only sound condescending to the people who think they don't need any help and are simply there by force."
"Touché."
Bradley could see Ron hiding a smile. It took a lot to make his personal assistant smile. Cassidy stopped before the desk but not close enough that she could see how uncomfortable Bradley was feeling.
"You may be paying me as an employee, Mr Nash, but I don't stand for bullshit. I speak as I see it when I'm working and if I have any problems during the session, I'll pull you up on it. I don't condescend. If you don't like it, you can lump it but I'm prepared to help you. All I need is your cooperation."
Bradley couldn't help but stare, nearly distracted by the way her eyes flared and the way she held herself as she stood up to him. But his ultra-sensitive senses noted the faster beat of her heart, the tightening of her nipples under her blouse and jacket and he could smell her scent fill his nostrils. She was attracted to him.
That was something to go with. Bradley was not turning her away. He glanced at Ron and grinned.
"She's got some fire."
"She sure does, Mr Nash."
Bradley looked back at Cassidy, trying not to look at the way she was biting her lip and the way her blush appeared on her cheeks.
"I like you, Miss Glen." Like didn't even cover it. "I think we're going to get along just fine."
While what he was thinking was the most unethical thing he could even consider, Bradley vowed to make the beautiful counsellor his mate by the end of the month.
#
He was back at that night. He was stuck in the burning car. His arms felt heavy as he held his dying mother, her body too burnt to heal. His father lay dead nearby, a shard of metal skewering him in the chest. His heart had given out almost immediately as the metal ripped it apart.
He was screaming. There was a lot of screaming. Bradley didn't know if the screaming was him or someone else. He cradled his mother against his chest and rocked her, allowing the tears he normally kept back to fall. He sobbed as she took her last breath, letting out a furious howl.
This shouldn't have happened. They should never have died. The bastard behind the wheel