My French Beast: An Excerpt

Surprise, surprise! :D 
And without further ado---

​“You were right when you said that nothing will change the way you are. But it doesn’t mean you’re without hope, di Luca. It only means you need to wait for the right person---” He saw Christien’s lips twist in distaste and Derek made a gesture of acceptance. “Yes, I fucking know how clichéd that sounds. But I also know it’s true. You can’t feel the way you’re supposed to because the right person hasn’t come along yet to teach you how to feel---”
“Not all of us can be as lucky as you,” Christien said tightly.
“You’ve been my friend for almost my entire life, di Luca. You’re a good man, and I refuse to believe someone like you would not have---”
“Let me rephrase then,” Christien cut him off tautly. “Even if I were to find a woman who’s my ideal match, the way you believe Jaike Hepburn is for you – it doesn’t mean I can care for her the way you care for Jaike.” Jerking his gaze away, Derek’s friend muttered under his breath, “Let’s just accept I’m a lost cause.”
“I’d be an asshole if I did,” Derek stated grimly, “and you – a coward.”
Christien stiffened.
“At least just wait. Give that anonymous girl time to find her way to you, di Luca. Wait until she stumbles into your life, wait and see if she can have you feeling something strong enough to make you look uncool. If that girl came into your life and you still don’t change---” Derek drew a deep, tense breath. “---I’ll kill you myself if that’s what it takes to free you.”