Damn it . I had to more firmly reject the shifter world - I absolutely couldn't get drawn back in . Only by keeping my distance could I stay safe . Even if in the darkness of that world stood someone devastatingly attractive who could make me laugh . Someone knocked on the front door . I sighed , knowing who it was. It was time to face this bravely and end it all - by " all " I meant this relationship , or ... friendship between him and me . I opened the door , and before I could react , Dominic had already pulled me into his arms . I instinctively reached up to wrap my arms around his neck , deeply breathing in his cedar - like scent - I was too weak . " Hey , " he said softly , holding me tightly , his voice full of relief . " I'm glad you arrived safely . " " Me too . " He lifted me up and carried me into the house. I shouldn't let him do this ... I shouldn't let him get close . " I can feel your panic , little queen , " he said quietly , his voice tinged with sadness . He sat on the sofa holding me , and I pushed him back slightly to meet his gaze . His hands still steadily supported my back , making it impossible for me to break free or 11:34 The Alpha's Regret : Begging for His Outcast Mate Master New Skills with Udemy Chapter 25 escape . Honestly , he looked like a mess . His hair was sticking up chaotically , as if it had been grabbed countless times . His suit was wrinkled , his jacket missing , and several shirt buttons were undone . His tie was still on but crooked and loose . His sea - blue eyes were full of pain , looking at me the same way I looked at him . He forced a smile , his thin lips pressed into a straight line , dry and chapped . " Tell me , " he pleaded , lowering his head so our foreheads touched , " help me understand what went wrong last night . " " There's nothing to talk about , " I pulled back , away from his arms supporting my back , no longer sharing breath with him . I shook my head , and my hair , which had been tied up , fell loose - everything was messy anyway , so I didn't bother fixing it . " You're my boss , or my boss's boss ... however many levels there are , Dominic , we don't belong to the same world . We have no future . " But he grinned as if what I said was good news , What was he thinking ? " Jossie , you're already imagining a future with me - you have no idea how happy that makes me . " " I'm telling you there is no future , " I reminded him , but my stern tone didn't extinguish the light that reignited in his eyes . 11:34 The Alpha's Regret : Begging for His Outcast Mate Learn in - demand skills from real - world experts and excel Chapter 25 " You insist there's no future , yet you can't help but put me in your imagination , " he said slowly , his expression as if he found me adorably foolish . " I don't think you're foolish , don't look so offended . I think you're extremely intelligent . I believe that if we talk properly , we can solve problems together . Remember , we've only known each other a week . The future doesn't have to happen overnight - but it exists , and you know it as well as I do . " I rolled my eyes and got up from his lap , sitting at the far end of the sofa . Only I would be thinking about how to break up while still sitting on someone's lap - I was completely inexperienced in this area . I had never been the one to initiate a breakup ... " Look , the problems between us won't change and can't change , " I replied , shrugging to pretend I didn't care , though that was far from the truth . " There's nothing to discuss . We can be colleagues , and I trust you can remain professional at work . That's it , there's nothing more to talk about . " I kept emphasizing " nothing to discuss , " but the expectation in his eyes didn't diminish at all . " Fine , " he finally responded . " Colleagues then . I can stay professional - Can you ? " ( 0 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 26 Chapter 26 Title: Cohabitating Lover by CrushReel In the romantic tale "Cohabitating Lover," Corinne, a runaway bride still donned in her wedding attire, and Andre find themselves mistakenly tangled in a leasing office mix-up. Despite initial reluctance, they become unexpected roommates after a series of arguments lead to an unconventional living arrangement. Exploring themes of love, transformation, and the magnetic pull of opposites, this modern romance unfolds against the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and a high-powered office setting. As Corinne and Andre navigate their differences and shared living space, their individual glow-ups and personal growth intertwine in a heartwarming display of vulnerability and resilience. This sweet romance novel stands out for its portrayal of characters grappling with unexpected circumstances while discovering the true meaning of companionship. With a blend of CEO dynamics, modern settings, and the allure of opposites attracting, "Cohabitating Lover" offers readers a refreshing take on love and self-discovery. Escape into this ongoing story available to read at CrushReel for a captivating journey through the complexities of relationships and personal evolution.