Chapter 46
Chapter 46
~LANA-
For the life of me, I couldn’t believe I’d let my sister convince me into doing something this stupid.
I was out with this guy I’d only met today and he was taking me to dinner. All this time, the only person on my mind is my heartless step–brother who wanted nothing to do with me.
Was coming here even worth it? Would we even get a reaction out of Apollo or force him to admit he had feelings for me? That is, if feelings were even
involved.
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You need to relax, I say to myself. I was tired of overthinking everything. I should use this moment to have some fun even though I didn’t have any interest at all in the tall guy in front of me.
“You look beautiful,” Derek says as he leads me into the restaurant. “Isabella mentioned that her sister is gorgeous, but I didn’t expect you to be this
stunning.”
His compliments feel unnecessary. Did Isabella not tell him this wasn’t an actual date? I did not want him to think that there was a chance for us. I wouldn’t lead someone on like that.
But still, I had to be nice or at least pretend that I was enjoying his company. This was someone that Isabella knew and I was sure that meant that he wasn’t a bad guy.
“Thank you,” I reply. “But just to clarify, this isn’t a real date, right?”
He laughs lightly. “Don’t worry. Your sister already filled me in on that. Still, a man can’t resist trying his luck with a beautiful woman, can he?”
I feel a bit uneasy at that. I’m not looking for anyone new. I’m not looking for anyone at all. I’ve spent majority of my life waiting for a mate who didn’t care to wait for me in return.
I can’t help but wonder once more, was Isabella really convinced that her plant would work? She’d dressed me in one of her most revealing outfits, which was already pushing me outside my comfort zone.
She seemed convinced that if she called Apollo and let him know I was out with someone, he’d show up here angry, proving he has strong feelings for
- me.
Isabella claimed once his protective instincts kicked in, I could convince him to fight for us to be together.
I, on the other hand, did not have such high hopes after the many times Apollo has hurt me with his words and actions.
“You can order anything you’d like,” Derek offers. “I’ll take care of the bill.”
“That’s not necessary,” I insist. “I can pay for myself.”
I didn’t want him paying for me when I knew there was no chance of us going out again. I did not want Derek to get his hopes
get over this entire thing quickly. I wasn’t even sure that I had the appetite to eat anything.
“Nonsense,” he cuts in. “I can’t let a pretty girl like you foot the bill. Everything’s on me.”
I inwardly sigh. He didn’t look like someone who would take no for an answer. That means I have no choice.
Besides, I just wanted to
I can’t really refuse his offer, especially since I’m here for dinner thanks to my meddling sister. None of this would be happening if I hadn’t opened my mouth and told Isabella about our step–brother being my mate.
I knew it was best to keep Isabella away from this truth but in the end, I still ended up telling her.
It bothers me that Apollo hasn’t shown up yet. Isabella promised I wouldn’t have to endure this date for long. I should have known better than to trust
Chapter 46
her words when I didn’t even believe them myself.
“Why are you going through all this trouble for a fake date?” Derek asks suddenly. Naturally, Isabella would leave out the details of her plan. I understood why though, we wouldn’t want a random guy knowing that my step–brother is my mate.
“It’s really not that interesting,” I lie. “She just wanted to see me hang out with someone other than herself, since she’s here with some friends too.
I know my explanation sounds shaky, but I don’t know how else to avoid answering that question.
He nods while sipping his water. “Are you dating anyone?” he asks.
I shake my head. “No, I’m not in a relationship.”
Instead, I have a mate who wants nothing to do with me.
He seems pleased with my answer and continues, “Is there someone you like?”
I really don’t want to answer that. I scan the room, hoping to spot Isabella. She’s taking her sweet time. This probably means Apollo didn’t come to pick her up like she said he would.
I knew it.
Why would he drop everything to stop me from going out with someone? There were moments when it seemed like he didn’t want me dating, but ! figured he was just being difficult. It’s not like he was jealous.
“Lana?” Derek tries again. “Is there someone you’re interested in? Because if not, I know this wasn’t meant to be an official date, but I’d really like to get to know you better.”
No.
I had to end this before Derek asked me out again. I didn’t want to make this more awkward than it already was.
Just then, I catch sight of my sister through the large glass doors, and a wave of relief washes over me. She spots me and nudges her shoulder, urging me to check behind her.
My heart skips a beat when I see a very annoyed Apollo walking through the door.
Everything begins to spin in that moment.
I can’t believe it. He’s actually here.
AD
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