Page 56 of The Chaos She Brings

He’s been surprisingly chill tonight—it’s been nice. I like it when he smiles.

“Carry me?” I whine dramatically, sprawled on the floor like roadkill. I’m notthatdrunk, but my lightweight tendencies mean gravity is extra aggressive tonight. I may also be playing it up, just a little.

Kai sighs, the sound of a man rethinking all his life choices, but still obliges, scooping me up fireman-style. I cling to him like a koala and bury my face in his chest, inhaling deeply. “Yum,” I moan, utterly inappropriate but very satisfying. His scent is a clean soapy smell that’s just perfect for him.

Behind us, the three guards chuckle as they stand to leave. “Byeeee!” I wiggle my fingers at them in a way I think is cute but probably looks like I’m casting a spell.

Kai carries me up the stairs, each step punctuated by the steady thump, thump, thump of his heart against my cheek. I’m tempted to narrate it like a romantic audiobook but wisely stay quiet. Mostly.

When we reach the bedroom, Kai kicks the door open with unnecessary force and drops me onto the bed like a sack of potatoes. “Where are your pyjamas?” he asks, hands on his hips like a disapproving dad.

“Maybe I sleep naked,” I reply, twirling a strand of hair around my finger and giving him my best sultry look. Unfortunately, I’m lying flat on the bed like a starfish, so the effect is… questionable.

“Tess,” Kai growls, the warning clear. I grin up at him until he sighs, peels off his t-shirt, and chucks it at me. “Put this on.”

All I can focus on is his tanned, shirtless glory. My brain short-circuits.I want to lick him.

Kai freezes. “For fuck’s sake, Tess.”

“What?” I blink innocently.

“Don’t say things like that,” he mutters, scrubbing a hand over his face like he’s fighting for patience he doesn’t have.

“Oops,” I mumble, realising my mouth betrayed me.

Kai turns to leave, but I panic. “Wait! Stay with me! The bed’s big enough for both of us!”

He hesitates in the doorway, clearly weighing the pros and cons of putting up with my nonsense. “I don’t think that’s a goodidea,” he says.

“Come on,” I plead, rolling dramatically to one side of the bed and gesturing. “Look! I can sleep here”—I roll to the other side and immediately get tangled in the sheets—“and you can sleep here!”

Kai mutters, deadpan, “Yes, I’m aware of how beds work.”

“You don’t have to keep sleeping on the sofa. We’re grown-ups. We can share a bed,” I insist, trying to sound logical but probably coming off more like a drunk philosopher.

Kai stares at me for a long moment, sighs again, and mutters under his breath as he steps closer. “You’re exhausting.”

“Thank you,” I say sweetly, patting his side of the bed.

Kai

What the fuck was I thinking getting into bed with her?

I wasn’t thinking. Obviously. Or I wouldn’t be currently lying stiff as a board next to the woman who has my cock harder than a rock at every waking moment.

Tess is completely oblivious to my tumultuous thoughts. No—she’s snuggled under the blankets, her face a picture of serenity as she snores quietly, a little drool crusted on her chin.

She was asleep within a few minutes of me joining her. I’d gone into the bathroom to brush my teeth and came back to find her wearing the top I’d given her—and nothing but the top. The sight short circuited my brain and I had to force my expression to remain neutral.

I’m not sure how much longer I can resist her.

It’s been hours, and sleep is no closer to claiming me.

Tess turns in her sleep then a hand reaches out for me. Shefinds my chest then scoots even closer until she’s wrapped her body around mine. I stop breathing. Her scent is intoxicating, her form soft and warm against me.

I like it.

I want it.