I certainly don’t need any distractions.
So I force myself to smirk, playing it off. “Damn, Pretty Boy. I didn’t take you for the sentimental type.”
Kai chuckles, shaking his head. “Oh, believe me, I’m not.”
But something in his eyes says otherwise.
I turn onto my side, facing him fully. The sheet slips lower, but I don’t care.
He watches me, waiting. For what, I don’t know.
I could ask more—about his home, his family, people and things that are important to him. Dig deeper. See what else he’s hiding.
But instead, I just… reach out. Drag my fingers through his messy hair, nails scratching lightly against his scalp. I feel the way his breath hitches, just for a second.
And then I press my lips to his.
Not hungry.
Not rushed.
Just…something else.
He lets me. Kisses me back like he doesn’t want to stop. Like he doesn’t know how. Like if he lets go, something will slip through his fingers that he won’t get back.
And just like that, the moment is sealed.
Filed away in my memory.
A truth neither of us will ever talk about again.
Kai pulls me against him, his arms wrapping around my waist like it’s instinct. His warmth sinks into my skin, his breathing slowing, steadying.
I drift off to sleep in his arms.
And for the first time in a long time, I don’t feel adrift.