THE ALPHA'S VIRGIN SLAVE: Submit Alpha Ian's curse - Chapter 357: Chapter 357

Reid's POV
I pulled back from the kiss, feeling satisfied by her actions. I had my doubts about whether she would give in after how August had handled her, but seeing how she was still looking at me as if the world revolved around me meant I still had a chance to make things right between us.
August wanted to get her back, yet I felt like he would end up saying the wrong things that would upset her or make her hesitate. That's why I took over and decided I would be the one to meet her.
"Tanya," the bastard who had pissed me off a few minutes ago called softly. He looked shocked, while the one with white hair looked a little scared.
She turned and faced them, then brushed her hand through her hair.
"Is he really your lover?" he asked.
"Are you blind?" I asked him seriously.
He witnessed us kiss, yet he would even dare to ask her such a question?
I moved my arms around her waist and rested my head against her shoulder with a smile.
"This man's name is..."
"Reid, but I'm also okay with being called August," I said before she could finish her sentence.
She looked at me with surprise, then back at him.
"Well, he is also my lover," she said as I held her a little tighter. I was feeling so damn proud hearing her say that in front of them because I had a feeling that they were both looking at her differently.
They sure did appear to be her friends, but the way they were both looking at me was as if they had feelings for her and wanted me dead.
"Um... Reid, these two are my very close friends. Drake is the redhead, and Takey is the one with white hair," she introduced.
"Why have you never said anything to me?" Drake asked in a low tone.
"Why are you acting as if she is obligated to tell you shit that happens in her life? You are not her mother and definitely not her father," I answered after I noticed how tense she was after hearing his question.
"You shut up and stay out of this, Reid!" he yelled, pissing me off.
"I'm afraid I can't do that because this woman you see here is mine, and whatever concerns her concerns me," I answered seriously.
Takey leaned in and whispered in Drake's ear.
"She looks a little sad. I think we should give her some privacy. Whenever she wants to talk, she will definitely call us."
I raised a brow, surprised that he would be more sensible than Drake.
"Fine, I guess you will call me and Takey whenever you feel like talking. For now, do take care of yourself," Drake said, and he was about to lean in when I moved my hand to stop him.
"Don't fucking touch her," I warned seriously.
He looked at Takey, then at me murderously before they left.
I kept quiet, waiting for her to speak first while wondering at the same time why she let him speak to her in such a way.
"He is the only friend who has been there for me for years. Am I a bad person for treating him like that?" she asked in a low, painful tone.
I quickly turned her to face me; she had a sad expression on her face.
"Friends who really care about you want what's best for you, and that is your happiness. You not telling him everything isn't a bad thing at all. You need your very own privacy, and keeping secrets from him is okay. He will understand when you talk to him; just don't apologize to him. He was the one who was rude to me, not the other way around.If I am to be honest, they were both acting like your exes or soon-to-be boyfriends," I answered as her face instantly lit up.
"Is that jealousy I hear?" she asked with a smile.
I leaned in and brushed my hand through her hair gently.
"Of course, I am extremely jealous when it comes to what's mine," I answered in a low tone.
She blushed and then lowered her gaze to the ground for a second.
"You changed your name. Is it because you didn't want them to know who you really are? Also, weren't you happy to be with my mother? You told me over and over again how you would never let her go," she said seriously.
I smiled and kissed her cheek lightly, then looked her in the eyes.
"Is there a very quiet place where we could talk seriously?" I asked.
"Um... there aren't many quiet places here besides the library, hotels, lodges, restaurants, and the park," she answered.
"Mm, then shall we go to a hotel?" I asked playfully.
She looked at me with a stunned expression, but then nodded, making me laugh softly.
"Are you just agreeing to everything I said?" I asked seriously.
"Well, yes, because I feel like this is all a dream. If I refuse, I am scared that you might disappear," she answered softly.
"Then let me give you some assurance. I will never, ever leave you no matter what happens, I promise," I said, then linked my hand to hers.
"How about we take a walk in the park and talk?" I suggested as she smiled.
"Yes, let's do that," she answered.
We slowly began walking, and with each passing minute, I couldn't help but steal glances at her.
My mate was very beautiful.
"What?" she asked softly.
"I'm just amazed by the clothes you are wearing," I lied.
"Oh my, don't look!" she exclaimed as if she were naked.
"Why?" I asked.
"If I had known you were coming, I wouldn't have put this on," she answered loudly and then tried to cover my eyes with her free hand, which I grabbed and moved to my lips, planting a kiss on top.
"I love how you look," I said seriously.
"No, I prefer to be in a nice dress or trousers, not some baggy ones and an ugly blouse," she said loudly.
I stopped moving, and she immediately did too.
"Tanya, to me, it doesn't matter if you are in baggy clothes or not. What matters is that you are beautiful, and whatever you wear makes you even more beautiful," I answered.
She smiled and then scratched the back of her neck nervously.
"Why are you saying such nice words to me?" she asked in a whisper.
"Because I love you," I answered seriously as she froze with widened eyes.
I knew my sudden confession was shocking to her, but I wasn't going to lie or hold back on how I felt towards her.