The way they stared into each other’s eyes, the gentle way they touched each other, and the laughter they shared showed the intensity of their bond. Rao realized that Lexi had just told him she did not believe in it, yet here it was, right in front of her eyes. The truth of the mate bond could not be denied.
Lexi shook her head and looked down at her plate, attacking her food with the knife and fork. Gerri caught Rao’s eye from across the table and gave him a nod. He nodded back. He knew he couldn’t give up, even though he was almost positive that he’d only get his heart broken.
He was inspired, though. Lexi seemed to genuinely regret the way she was. Rao was left thinking that if he could show her how a real man would treat her, maybe she would begin to trust.
If she was shown her own worth and treated with respect and true appreciation, then she would see she didn’t need to expect bad treatment from all men. If he could get through to her even slightly and make her happy for even a short time, it would all be worth it.
Even if I get my heart broken. That doesn’t matter. Only she does.
CHAPTERFOUR
LEXI
It seemed all three of them fell silent. Rao stared at her, making her wonder what to say. What did you say to someone you hardly knew? Someone that you were being matched with? Someone you agreed to date for a while?
She couldn't think of an ice breaker or even a witty, quirky comment. Her mind was void of anything.
Gerri broke the silence. "Well, as much as I'd love to be a third wheel to this, I really must take my leave as I have some other business to attend to. I have many meetings and quite a lot of people to catch up with while I'm here."
She smiled at them. "Do you think you two can handle this, or must you just have a third wheel to awkwardly stand in between you?"
Rao gave her a smirk. "I think I can take it from here, Gerri. You're free to go."
"Splendid." She waved a hand. "I won't be gone long. You two will see me around." She looked at Lexi. "I'll be around if you need anything. Until then, see you both."
She turned and started to leave the room, her dress flapping behind her. She pulled the doors open, and they slammed shut behind her. Gerri certainly had an aura around her. That was apparent.
Lexi sighed, glancing around the room. She wondered if this would work out or if, like all her past relationships, it was bound to crash and burn.
Rao cleared his throat, forcing her to glance at him. He waved an arm. "Shall we? I can show you to your room."
She nodded. She could use a little space and some time to soak everything in. This planet was certainly different from Earth.
So, Rao turned, and they headed out of the room. They went down a hallway, and he explained the layout of the castle. She wasn't listening too much. Her mind was taking in the pictures and the decor.
The castle was as she expected one to look. Perfectly put together with that glamorous look coating everything. Every area was splendidly elegant, like in a magazine.
She loved and hated it all at the same time. She wanted it to have flaws. She felt it would make it more real to her and not so much like a dream.
"If you need anything we don't have, please let me know." Rao walked just a step in front of her, giving her a gentle smile. "When we have humans that come to stay, we really try to make the transition as comfortable as we can. I know Queen Bella works hard at making it happen. It's been almost like a side project for her."
She nodded, taking in the wallpaper and the wood flooring. It was at least something she could focus on.
Rao continued, though. "I would like to ensure you are completely comfortable while being here. So, if there is anything that you need to be imported into the castle from Earth, please let me know."
She frowned. That was just a nice way of saying,Hey, I have money, and I can do whatever you want me to do with it. Mr. Fancy-I-have-a-castle-and-you-don't. Mr. let-me-throw-my-money-around.God, she already disliked him.
She wanted to think of something crazy, something out of this world ridiculous, to see if he would bring it to her. But she had a feeling he would make it happen.
Rao stopped at the door and gave her a smile. "This will be your room for the trip. I hope it's up to your expectations. Kinn should have already put your bag in here."
He pulled the door open, and she took in the magnificent room. He walked in first, and she stepped into the room behind him. Her mouth dropped, and she inhaled sharply. The room wasn't a room. It was more of a suite you'd book at a top-grade hotel.
It had white tile floors and a canopy bed with matching side tables. A vanity with a large mirror sat across the room. The room was flooded with light and double doors that led outside to a terrace with a breathtaking view of Nova Aurora.
She swallowed, feeling his eyes on her watching her reaction. She didn't want to give him one, but it was hard. Everything was just so surreal.
Lexi turned, taking in a large bathroom with a soaker tub and a walk-in shower. Double sinks sat across from them, and everything looked perfectly polished and clean. She bit her cheek and turned towards Rao.