“Can I have my key, please?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. He shook his head, a desperate look in his eyes.
“Come on, Elsa, don’t do this. Please,” he pleaded, but I just looked at him, unmoved. He reached out to hug me, but I pulled away. I couldn’t bear the thought of being used like that, of giving my heart to someone who didn’t truly want it.
“I swear, Steph—Elsa,” he started, but the slip was all I needed to hear.
“You must miss your mate, Adam,” I said softly, my voice tinged with sadness. “And I’m sorry for your loss, I really am. But I think it’s best if I go back to my place now. If you want this to be just a friends-with-benefits thing, fine, I can handle that. It’s better than asking me to stay celibate while you figure out what you want. I won’t push you or demand
