1.9 Smile

Cole gazed at Persie, noticing that he was still upset and looking down. He couldn't believe he had lost control like that.

He had always prided himself on not being a cliché alpha who was aggressive, territorial, and protective. Yet this was the second time he had lost control since meeting Persie.

When he saw the way Persie smiled at Nicholas, he couldn't help but feel jealous and possessive.

Cole just wanted to get Persie away from him, and he forgot that he was a dominant alpha and Persie was an omega.

He didn't mean to hurt him, and seeing the resentment in Persie's eyes made his heart clench.

Cole had known that Persie was different ever since he saw him picking flowers and took a picture of him.

Persie had looked so beautiful that Cole could have gazed at him for hours. But when he approached him, Persie's scent had driven him to madness.

Cole had never felt such a strong connection to someone before, especially someone he had just met. He knew that alphas felt that way for only one reason.

If he already couldn't handle Persie looking at someone else and smiling, how would he react if Persie started dating someone else? The mere thought made him angry.

Cole entertained the idea of keeping Persie in the castle and making sure he only saw him. The fact that he was even considering it was laughable and pathetic.

He couldn't believe he was acting like a typical alpha, controlled by his emotions. Cole had never even experienced jealousy before.

He continued to stare at Persie, running his hand through his hair. Persie was staying for the weekend, and everyone else would be leaving on Monday morning.

Cole planned to use that time to make him fall for him. He was used to making people fall for him effortlessly, but he would need to be more gentle with Persie.

He could tell that Persie was more sensitive than the people he normally spent time with. From the way Persie reacted earlier, Cole could tell he also had a temper when he was provoked, which was understandable.

Cole pulled Persie closer, but Persie kept his head down.

Cole apologized, saying, "I'm sorry."

The entire room looked at him, including Persie, who was stunned that the mighty Cole was apologizing.

Persie locked eyes with Cole, who caressed his cheek gently.

"I didn't mean to hurt you. I promise it won't happen again," Cole said.

Seeking to gauge the sincerity in Cole's eyes, Persie stared back at him intently.

After finding that Cole was genuine, he couldn't help but ask, "Do you dislike my smile?"

Confused, Cole asked, "What?"

Persie bit his lip and spoke up, "When you first arrived, I was smiling, but I could tell you were angry. And just before you dragged me, I was smiling again. It's the only thing I was doing, so it's what must have angered you."

"I don't. I love your smile, Blossom," Cole replied.

Persie's heart rate increased, and he felt his cheeks flush. He was stunned when Cole said, "What I dislike is you smiling at someone else."

He blinked. Persie was aware that Cole could be a control freak when it came to the company, but he didn't think he was the same way with his dates, especially considering how short their time together usually was.

However, this might be why they often mistook Cole's actions for feelings toward them. But Persie knew who Cole was, and he had no illusions about their relationship.

Now, at least, he understood that he could become jealous when another alpha showed interest in his date, no matter how brief their time together would be.

Persie planned to talk more with Nicholas when they were alone. He found Nicholas to be cute and familiar, and he sensed that Nicholas was not indifferent to him.

Cole then ordered, "You can't smile at anyone but me."

Persie frowned. "You're being unreasonable," he said.

Cole chuckled, feeling better after seeing Persie's pouty face. Persie looked at Cole's smile, and then his eyes. His blue eyes shone like diamonds in the sunlight, and Persie felt captivated.

Persie understood at that moment why people had a crush on Cole. He was a handsome man, but what Persie loved the most was his eyes.

Without thinking, Persie reached out and caressed them. Cole's heartbeat quickened, and Persie pulled his hand back, feeling like it was too intimate.

Feeling embarrassed, Persie looked away when he saw the look in Cole's eyes.

His gaze was intense, with piercing eyes that seemed to look straight into Persie's soul. He felt relieved when the butler arrived with the aid kit.

The butler opened it, and Cole reached out for the cream, applying the ointment on Persie's wrist. He felt the pain fading away, grateful for the advanced medicine of this world.

When Cole finished, he wiped his hands and dismissed the butler.

He looked at Persie and said, "The swelling and redness will be gone in a couple of hours."

Persie nodded, still feeling a twinge of anger toward Cole. Cole lifted his head, and their eyes met.

Cole asked, "Do you forgive me?"

Persie gazed at him, sensing the importance of Cole's request. He genuinely wanted to be friends with Cole.

Persie smiled and nodded. "I do."

Cole smiled and kissed his forehead. Persie blushed, feeling sheepish. Cole loved how easily Persie blushed and wanted him to react that way only for him. He made a mental note to ensure that Persie would.