She’d take all the fame…her business would boom! Meanwhile, I’d be taking a nosedive with all of my assets!
Henry stalked the halls, realizing he was much better off alone. The whole situation was just getting far too complicated. He hated to let his father influence him in any way, but his words had helped the seeds of doubt grow.
I wasn’t sure … I’ve been wavering. I hate that he had anything to do with this decision, but she could be very bad for me. That part is true.
Henry headed back to his room to get his phone. He needed to tell Olivia that the third date wasn’t needed, after all. He struggled against his own self-hatred, knowing she wasn’t that kind of person, but he couldn’t silence his fears. He stared at his phone for a few seconds, going over what he would say. He didn’t want to hurt her. He’d be gentle but firm. Henry had noticed her hesitate more than once today … there was a good chance she would accept this or even welcome it.
Emotions struggled in his chest for a few moments more. Even though he was nowhere near ready, he tapped on her name to call her, knowing that if he didn’t throw himself into the deep end, he’d never call at all.
She answered on the second ring. Henry was ready for it.
But he wasn’t ready for the way her voice affected him. All she said was a soft and gentle “hello,” but it struck him like lightning through his skin.
She’s my mate.
All the words he planned to say evaporated from his mind. He was completely powerless. Reason and good sense … if that’s what it was … could not prevail here. Only love, wild, crazy, irrational love, could rule him here. Henry shook his head, tongue-tied. He’d come this far, but now he had no idea what to say.