Page 65 of The Chaos She Brings

He groans theatrically. “Enough for one more?” His eyes flash to hers, puppy dog wide, and I feel my jaw tighten even more.

She meets my gaze for a split second before looking away. “Sorry, I only made enough for two.”

Nico beams like she’s just given him a prize. Then, as if it’s all part of his game, he throws me a wink. “Tough luck, Kai.”

And just to twist the knife, he wraps his arm around her shoulder.

I hold my ground, but inside, something snaps.

The anger simmers, white hot.

But I don’t say anything. I just clench my fists harder.

Tess steps away from him, and a flash of relief washes over me. But it’s fleeting.

She plates her own food and walks toward the living room.

“The two of you can fight for it.”

Her voice is light, but her eyes flick to me again, the hurt too clear. I don’t know what just happened. But I know I fucked up.

Without a word, I follow her.

She’s sitting on the couch, her legs crossed, staring at the blank TV screen. She’s in joggers, an oversized t-shirt, and her hair’s piled up in a messy bun. She’s so fucking beautiful to look at it almost hurts.

I clear my throat. “Tess...”

She cuts me off, her voice soft but firm. “It’s fine, Kai.”

My words get stuck in my throat.

“We’re just friends, right?” she asks, her tone light but there’s an edge to it.

I nod, like an idiot. “Friends that fuck.” The words tumble out before I can stop them. I hate myself a little for needing to say that. It’s like I’m making sure I haven’t somehow fucked up this arrangement.

She scoops a mouthful of bolognese, avoiding my gaze for a beat.

“So… we’re good?” I ask.

“We’re good.”

I hesitate before walking back to the kitchen, thankful that Nico has disappeared and there’s still a portion of pasta waiting for me.

The day flies by. Tess talks, I listen. Back and forth, comfortable in the silence between words. But there’s a tension, and it sits in my chest, a gnawing feeling I can’t shake.

Later, after dinner, Tess asks, “Do you have any requests fordinner?”

“You cooked a full-on meal for lunch,” I reply, raising an eyebrow.

She looks at me, completely unbothered. “So?”

I can’t help but shake my head, smiling despite myself. “Whatever you want is fine with me.”

She grins and my heart aches a little. “Great! I’m making paella.”

My brow furrows. “Do you even have the ingredients for that?”

Her excitement is contagious. “I sent Happy out for them yesterday. I knew I’d want to make some this week.”