Page 136 of Savage Empire

“Holy shit,” I blurt, shock hitting me hard. “We slept in late as hell, Apollo. Why didn’t you wake me up?”

He clearly checked his watch before, meaning he’s probably been up for a while now. Has he just been lying here to keep feeling me on top of him?

No, no way.

“We were up late,” he says simply. “We went four rounds after your bath.”

Flashes of last night play on my mind and I flush. “We have to get up. I need a shower, breakfast, and ibuprofen for my sore…well, sore everything.”

Sighing, he releases my thigh and mumbles, “If you insist.”

“People are going to talk,” I say worriedly, getting out of bed and grabbing my nearby robe.

He watches me rush to cover up and reasons, “An engaged couple fucking late and sleeping in the next day isn’t exactly a newsworthy piece of gossip,micina.”

“No, but I don’t want Yordan to feel uncomfortable…” I wince, feeling kind of guilty for what he might think. I wouldn’t want to think about his intimate life, which I really hope doesn’t exist. And living here, it means he has to face mine on a regular basis.

“He’s not naive,” Apollo says, like he needs to remind me of my brother’s aptitude and intelligence. “He probably assumes something has happened between us before now. He’ll get used to it, Rayna.”

“I guess.” I grab my phone, heading for the bathroom. “We could probably shower together then, if you needed one.” I blush at the heated look he gives me in return. “You know, to save time and water. No funny business, though. I really am sore.”

“What a brilliant idea.”

I hide a smile, proud of myself for allowing us to enjoy this morning. I could have put my guard up as soon as we woke up. I could have started bickering with him and dampened the mood. But for once, I’m allowing myself to enjoy this bit of peace. He makes me feel good, even if he frustrates me. I shouldn’t feel ashamed of enjoying time with him.

Once we’re in the bathroom, Apollo gets the walk-in shower running and I go to set down my phone on the counter. Only, a text from Sienna is waiting for me, so I have to check it first.

Sienna

Don’t leave me in suspense! Elio told me you moved in. Did you like the ring? Please tell me you did and you just got too caught up with moving to text me an update. I’ll die if you’re avoiding telling me that you hated my choice!

I smile at her message, beginning to type my own.

Rayna

I didn’t know how to tell you about him without feeling like an idiot after he said you helped pick the ring. I should have told you as soon as he proposed the idea of marriage, but I didn’t know what to say. It all happened so fast. Please don’t be mad at me for burying the lead.

Rayna

But yes, the ring is absolutely gorgeous.

Lifting my hand to the light, I snap a picture of it on my finger. Biting my lip, I notice Apollo’s naked back is visible in the background, and I send it anyway.

Sienna

Holy shit! Rayna Todorov, are you fucking your fiancé?

Rayna

I mean…not right now I’m not.

“Hurry up,micina,” Apollo says, watching me from across the room as he steps under the steaming hot spray of water.

“One sec,” I reply quickly. “It’s Sienna.”

“She can wait.”

I roll my eyes at his impatience, feeling my phone buzz again.