Page 71 of Romancing His Heart

Loki

Returning from the bathroom, I find Sloane passed out, and I stand awkwardly for a few moments just watching her.What the fuck did I just do? What do I do now? What are we going to do now?All the questions run frantically through my head, but as I watch her, I can’t bring myself to care.

Crossing the room, I lock the doors and engage the alarm system before climbing into bed carefully so I don’t disturb her. Sloane rolls over and curls herself into my side.

She fits here, next to me, with me. What’s more shocking is how much I like it. I’ve never been a cuddler, but I’ve also never had a normal relationship. There’s not anything normal about this situation either, but Red is nothing like my usual fuck buddies.

Using the term fuck-buddy with Sloane makes me cringe, and I loathe myself for even comparing the two.Why though? What’s different with her?It’s not like we discussed the future, so it’s reasonable to think of this as a casual fling. My mind rages at that thought, so I pull her closer to my chest. Cradling her against my side, I focus on the here and now. With her warm, pliable body tangled up with mine, I eventually drift to sleep.

“Siiiiip.”

The sound of someone sucking in air wakes me with a start. Years of training have taught me not to react physically, but every sense is on high alert. The bed shifts, and it takes half a second to realize where I am and that Sloane is gasping next to me.

Opening one eye, I’m relieved to see we’re alone.

“Are you okay?” I ask as she gingerly climbs off the bed.

“Gah. Geez, you scared me. Yeah, I’m fine. Just, um, going to the bathroom.”

I watch as she hurries out of sight. That’s the second time she has woken up in a panic.How often does that happen?More importantly, why does it happen? Folding my arm behind my head, I wait for her to come back. My dick stirs, remembering her body. When I hear the shower, I know round two isn’t happening.

My stomach grumbles as I search for my phone. It’s the middle of the night, but we never had dinner. Standing at the bathroom door, I hesitate. Do I knock? Walk in? What’s the protocol now?

Deciding manners always win, I knock, and the door swings open on impact. Unsure of what to do next, I’m flooded with déjà vu in the best ways as Sloane turns to me and smiles.

“You know, most people consider a shower to be a private affair.”

Laughing, I realize I’m relieved to see she’s okay.

“Yeah, sorry. I was only planning to knock. I guess the latch didn’t catch.”

I stare at her for far too long as she turns her face into the spray—tiny rivers of water cascade down her body.Ask me to join you, Red. I adjust my stance to make room for my growing erection.

“Did you need something, Loki?” she finally asks.

Fuck, that wasn’t an invitation. Discreetly, I attempt to adjust myself. Sloane’s laughter proves I can’t hide anything from her.

“Yeah.” I swallow the feelings attempting to bloom in my chest. “I was going to make something for dinner. Are you allergic to anything?”

Her smile sets off painful sparks in my chest. I press a hand to the spot in a misguided attempt to alleviate the feeling.

“Loki? Are you okay?”

“Huh?” Lowering my hand, I flex my fists to rein in feelings I don’t know how to handle. “Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry, I was just thinking. So, allergies?”

She gives a questioning glance but finally shakes her head. “Just shellfish. I’m good with everything else.”

“Shellfish, got it.” Backtracking out of the bathroom, I shut the door behind me.

What the fuck is wrong with me?I’m not some horny fifteen-year-old boy. I shouldn’t have such visceral reactions to her.

Shaking my head and swinging my arms back and forth, I try to shake out all these feelings. Deciding pasta bolognese will have to do for tonight, I grab some hamburger. While the meat browns, I text Ashton.

Loki: Any hits?

Ashton: WTF are you doing up?

Loki: Cooking. Anything?