Page 68 of The Rules

His laughter filled the space, rich and relaxed, a sound that resonated deep within her. "You love it." he teased, his grin widening.

And in that moment, Kath couldn't deny the truth that lingered beneath the surface. There was a part of her that did love this – the easy banter, the comfortable familiarity, the way Joshua's presence seemed to soothe the frayed edges of her soul.

He didn't push. He just shifted the tone, handing her the tea – gentle, easy.

"You know, I should probably take you out sometime,"

he said, his voice light, teasing.

Kath froze – just a beat too long.

"Since I'm already playing the doting boyfriend role, might as well do it properly," he added with a smirk.

It was smooth, disarming.

Kath fired back — just enough to feel in control again. "That's what you think this is?"

Joshua leaned in — just a little — his voice lower, more dangerous. "Tell me I'm wrong."

She didn’t. And that silence said everything.

The apartment was still. The adrenaline had faded, the fear dissipated, but something inside her remained taut, like a wire pulled taught. The silence wrapped around her like a blanket with the lining torn out. It muffled everything, but gave no comfort.

Joshua hadn't left. He was still there, easy, present, steady. That should’ve made her feel safe. It wasn't enough. She tried to believe it, that maybe she was just overcomplicating everything.

But he noticed her tension.

"You still look tense," he said softly, watching her with those perceptive eyes.

“Turn around,” he said—gentle, easy. Like a suggestion.

But it wasn’t.

"Bossy," Kath replied, amusement lacing her voice as she tried to deflect the weight of his observation.

He smirked. "You like it."

Kath hesitated, caught in the truth of his words. Then, slowly, she turned.

His hands settled on her shoulders, warm and steady.

Slow, deliberate pressure, not invasive or intense. It felt good.

But it didn’t burn. It didn’t shake her. She knew what this was supposed to feel like. And part of her wished she didn't.

Joshua's touch was careful, comforting, kind. He wasn't trying to take anything, just offering relief. But her mind betrayed her. Ben's hands would dig in, hold, command.

Ben wouldn't just touch—he'dclaim.

She tried to stop the thought, but failed. Her head dipped forward, breath catching.

"I'll take that as a good sign," he murmured, low and amused.

She didn't pull away—but her body wasn't with him. Not fully. Not where it mattered. And when he lingered, just a little too long, her stomach dropped.

It wasn’t desire blooming under Joshua’s hands—it was the hollow echo of everything she was trying not to need.

She shifted away, just slightly. Just enough. Not rejection, just escape.