The stalking had returned, but Luca did not scent mark him again.

Over a week and a half, Darcy realised there was something to his touch in front of others that was different. Less lover and more bodyguard. And not Whitney Houston bodyguard. The sweet words were bland if there were people passing by. He was clearly embarrassed to be seen touching and flirting with him by anyone and everyone. Apparently Luca had come to his senses overnight. Perhaps Darcy should be glad for it. That’s what he told himself. He was doing his best to ignore his bully, after all.

Luca had kissed him on the cheek twice, patted him on the head, and given his backside a squeeze. Always only when they were completely alone. Every touch, graze, and gentle word made Darcy’s knees weak. He pretended to hate it. Luca called Darcy his mate a handful of times. He pretended not to hear the ‘m’ word. Luca made stupid promises to him. He pretended to believe them. Darcy felt like his mistress.

It wasn’t shockingly hurtful.

He still had the constant underlying belief that Luca was teasing him. This was a long-game prank, or the beta did half-believe his mate fortune and was simply keeping Darcy in the wings in case MYSTIKA really did turn out to be psychic. In front of others, he would only watch and follow.

Maybe it hurt a little.

The sugary side of Luca was addictive. And now he had had a taste of how his mate could treat him, if he felt so inclined, it was difficult to wean himself back off. But necessary. It wasn’t as though he had made the decision to try it, it was not his mistake. It was a slippery slope he was pulled down by Luca. His bully was to blame.

It hurt more by the day.

Darcy steeled himself. It was time to put real effort into his push-back against Luca’s clinging. Maybe if he was feeling really courageous, he might even find the strength to tell him to back-off. If not, it was time to go undercover. Or at least, wear a hoodie and loose jeans. Maybe even take out his signature hair clip for the first time in five years. Blending into crowds would be most important for avoiding Luca. As soon as he got him alone, Darcy crumbled.

And as soon as he was truly alone, lying beneath his bed covers where even Luca couldn’t get to him, was when it hurt most.