Wynter's Captive by Milly Taiden Page A

while.
    “Absolutely.” He rushed over to his bedroom and got her a crimson silk robe.
    She stared at the material in his hands and frowned. “Whose is that?”
    “Yours. I bought some things for you in case you changed your mind,” he admitted.
    She glanced up at him, her eyes softened, and a small smile curled her full lips. “Thank you.”
    He felt on top of the world. Finally he’d done something right. She dropped the blanket and slipped her arms into the robe he held open for her.
    Once she’d tied it at her waist, she turned to face him. “Why did you mate me?” Vulnerability shone in her eyes.
    “Because the moment I saw you, I knew you were the woman for me. There would be no one else for me or my wolf.”
    A disbelieving frown marred her face. “Attraction happens all the time between people,” she whispered and folded her arms over her chest.
    “This is not just attraction.” He ran a hand through his hair. “What we have is a connection. Not only am I attracted to your beauty, but you’re smart, funny, and the only woman to ever make me feel…different.” He growled, exasperated he couldn’t explain himself better.
    She stepped forward, unfolded her arms, and placed a small hand over his fisted one. “Different how? You lied to me, Cade.”
    “Just like I want to spend all my time with you. I want to do things to make you smile, because I love to see your smile. And I want to hurt anyone, myself included, for making you cry.”
    His heartbeat ratcheted up in his chest. Her eyes had turned glassy, and he didn’t want to hurt her again.
    “I don’t want to lose you, Lili. I can wait until you’re comfortable spending time together and getting to know each other better. I won’t lie to you again. I swear.”
    “But what would be the point of all that. You already made me your mate, my animal wants yours. I can feel the connection between them.”
    He shook his head, stepped away from her, and walked to the glass windows of the penthouse. “No. I don’t want you that way.”
    “Then what do you want, Cade?” She twined her small fingers with his. A knot formed in his throat when he glanced down at their connected hands. He turned, sat on the arm of a butterscotch-colored leather sofa, and pulled her toward him.
    “I want you,” he replied, looking straight in her beautiful, dark eyes. “I love you, Lili.”
    Tears dropped and made a beeline down her cheeks. “How can you love me so soon?”
    “I don’t know. I just know that the mere thought of being away from you makes my heart feel lost and broken. I can’t live without you.”
     
     
    Lili nodded and stepped closer into his arms.
    “I don’t know how a drive to a family wedding ended up in me being chased by naked wolves.” She choked out a watery laugh. “But I also found myself attached to the first man who has made me feel special.” She grinned. “Yes, the sex has been amazing in its own right.” She rolled her eyes when he chuckled. “But more than that, I feel like we connected. Something about you feels perfect for me.”
    His jaw clenched, and the instantaneous need to pacify him filled her. “I love you too, Cade.” She squeaked when he hauled her into a tight hug.
    “Thank god,” he whispered into her hair. “Are you sure?” he asked a second later, his voice filled with doubt.
    She pulled back so she could look him in the eyes. “Yes. I am so sure there’s no mistaking this. I don’t know why, and I won’t question it. I just know that I want to be with you too.” She grinned. “Mate.”
    He kissed her then. A soft, sexy lock of lips and melding of tongues. The ever-present arousal spiked inside her.
    “Not for long.”
    “Hmmm?” What was he talking about? She and her wolf were ready for another round of hot sex with their mate.
    “Just that I want you to marry me,” he said between kisses.
    She shoved him back. “Haven’t you learned anything?” She shook her head at him. “You don’t