“Probably similar to the ones you made while you were objectifying me. Not very professional, Ms. Worthington.”
She taps a finger to her lip, pretending to be deep in thought. “Do they have old folks’ homes for gangsters? You could sit around comparing scars.”
“I’m happy to show you my scars,malyshka.” I pretend to be annoyed.
“Maybe tomorrow. I want to be sure I get a look before the wrinkles cover them up.”
I pick up my pillow and smack her in her face, which sends her into peals of laughter. She covers her mouth to smother the sound, but the sight of her eyes sparkling up at me does something funny to my chest.
Snatching my pillow back from her, I stretch out, my feet hanging off the end.
Minutes pass in silence. Sera rolls a few times, and every time she does, I can smell her shampoo. It sends trickles of pleasure through me, fueling the desire to bury my nose in the silken strands. She’s only inches from me…
I shift again, earning me a sharp exhale.
“Go to sleep,” she whispers.
“You aren’t asleep either,” I point out.
Sera blows out a breath and rolls onto her back. “I can’t.”
A few moments pass before she speaks again. “Tonight went well.”
There’s something in her tone I can’t pinpoint.
“Boring, but yeah, it went smoothly.” I roll onto my back and fold my hands on my stomach, staring up at the dim ceiling.
“That’s good though, right? It means we did our job.”
Realization hits me. I feel like an idiot for not having picked up on her worry before this.
“Absolutely. You did a great job tonight, Seraphina. You not only kept the principal safe, but you did it so that I don’t think most people even realized how you were maneuvering them. I was impressed.”
“Thanks.” She adjusts her position, and the movement causes the hair arranged on top of her head to brush mine.
I don’t know if she can even feel the connection through the giant mass of hair, but I do. Moving carefully, I shift just a little so that the top of my head is more firmly touching hers. I hold my breath, waiting to see if she moves away.
She doesn’t.
“You did really well, too.”
“I literally stood still.” I chuckle quietly. “No offense but I’m used to a tiny bit more excitement.”
She shrugs, and a few strands of hair slip free and rub against my temple. It’s delicious torture, resisting the urge to lift my hand and run my fingers through them.
“But everyone knew you were there. That’s why they didn’t make any issue with me.” I hear her take a small breath and hold it for a second. “We make a good team.”
Warmth floods through me, and I will my body to stay still—to not join her on her section of the sofa and pull her into my arms. I have the oddest desire to cuddle this woman—all the time.
“Does that mean you aren’t still mad at me?”
She stiffens a fraction, but before I can decide if it was a misstep, she relaxes. “I’m sorry,” she whispers. “I don’t know why I let her get to me earlier. It won’t happen again.”
“I only caught some of it,” I say, keeping my voice low. “But you handled her. The only reason I didn’t interrupt was I thought it would give Keke exactly what she was looking for.”
“Notexactlywhat’s she’s looking for,” she says under her breath, and then a little louder, “You’re probably right.”
“You don’t need to apologize to me,” I add. “I liked that you were jealous.”
