“It’s been a long trip. Let’s all freshen up, and we’ll talk after.” Rick slaps Kai on the shoulder, drilling a look at him until he relents. With more gentleness than I’d expect, Rick pulls me away from Harley. “C’mon. I’ll show you to your room.”
I don’t look back as I let Rick lead me away, and I’m barely noticing the beautiful cabin because I’m too strung out at our unexpected reunion. I stupidly thought Kai would try to scoop me up into his arms and protect me.
But he’s an even bigger asshole.
He doesn’t get to be mad at me.
I’m the only one who has an entitlement to anger.
We walk up the stairs, entering a large master suite. “Make yourself at home,” Rick says, opening his arms. “There are towels in the bathroom if you want to grab a shower or a bath, and just come down to the kitchen when you’re ready.”
I nod, sinking onto the soft velvety gray couch, kicking off my sneakers and curling my feet underneath me as I look around.
It’s a massive space, divided between this room—which is a private living room of sorts with two couches, a coffee table, and an open fire with a wall-mounted TV hanging overhead—and a separate bedroom. The walls and floors are polished wood, and the vaulted ceiling has exposed beams. I stand, walking to the roaring fire, holding up my hands and allowing the heat to warm my chilled body.
This reminds me of the night I first met Kai. Of standing in front of the fire in his little cabin by the beach, feeling lost and alone and unsure of my path in the world.
I turn around, walking to the wooden railing and peering down into a huge open living space below. No one is around, so the others must have gone to their rooms, or they’re in the kitchen.
I walk through the side door into a stunning bedroom. A giant four-poster bed, the frame painted in black, occupies prime real estate in the room. It’s dressed in white, pink, and gray linens with a bunch of fluffy cushions thrown over it. A soft patterned rug lines the floor, and retractable blinds cover the large open window at the back. I press the button and open them, leaning into the window as I admire the outside space.
Although it’s dark out, the place is all lit up. The gardens at the rear are landscaped with neat flower beds and boxes housing shrubbery. The area at the front is a cream-colored stone patio arranged around a long pool with a walkway leading down to the lake in the near distance.
If I owned a place like this, I would never want to leave.
It’s breathtaking.
Woodland rims the lake on all sides, and there isn’t a house or a sinner in sight.
It’s remote and private, making it the perfect little hideaway.
I stare out the window, lost in thought, for a while. Eventually, I drag myself away, drawing the blinds closed as I inspect the rest of the room. Matching bedside tables and dressers finish out the room which leads into a huge walk-in closet on one side and an en suite bathroom on the other.
I take my plastic bag and cell with me into the bathroom, closing and locking the door. While the tub fills, I sit on the toilet seat and tap out a quick text to Xavier.
I spend ages in the bath, using some feminine products to wash myself, hoping whomever owns them doesn’t mind. There were men’s and women’s clothing hanging up in the closet, so it’s obvious Rick’s friend has a regular girlfriend. Whoever they are, they have money and good taste.
When my skin puckers like a prune and the water turns lukewarm, I get out, draining the tub as I wrap a towel around my head. I wipe the condensation from the mirror, examining my body in the full-length mirror properly for the first time since all the shit went down. I cup my heavier breasts, and an automatic grimace spreads across my mouth. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to them. I liked my smaller boobs despite popular opinion. I move my hand lower, smoothing my palm over my stomach, fighting a wave of tears.
Suddenly, I can’t bear to look at myself any longer, and I spin around with my heart lodged in my throat. Pulling a large bath towel off the heated radiator, I tuck it firmly around my body. I brush my teeth, pee, and pat my hair to remove the excess moisture before combing it. Checking my cell before exiting the bathroom, I frown when I see the undelivered text. I attempt to resend it, waiting a minute to ensure it’s delivered this time, but it pings back undelivered again, and I’ve a bad feeling about this.
I step into the bedroom and shriek at the hulking form spread-eagled across the bed. Discreetly, I slip the cell into the plastic bag, depositing it on the bedside table as I glare at my ex. “Get the fuck out of my bedroom.”
“Actually, it’sourbedroom,” he confirms. “I demanded the master suite so you’re comfortable.”
“Hell will freeze before I share a room with you again,” I promise.
He slides off the bed, unfurling his long limbs as he stands. His eyes drink me in, latching onto the little water droplets still clinging to my shoulders, and I feel naked. “Can we have a do-over?” he asks, softening his voice.
I snort, pointing at my stomach. “I don’t see how that’s possible unless you have a time machine in your possession?”
“I meant a do-over for earlier.” He walks confidently toward me. Placing his hands on my shoulders, he moves me over to the bed, forcing me to sit. My body tingles in every place he touches me, and a dull ache starts between my thighs. I hate the way he affects me so potently, and I wish my body would accept the memo.
Kai’s deplorable, through and through.
And there’s zero chance of redemption.
He threads his fingers through mine, but I wrest my hand back, tucking both hands under my arms and away from him. Not to be deterred, Kai forcibly removes one hand, lacing his fingers in mine again.
