“Kira.” Ky knocks on the door, and I jump. Jesus, I’m going to have a heart attack by the time this night is through. “Kira, open up.”
“Is it safe?” I feel my way to the door.
“As far as I can tell. There’s no one out back. I checked the garage and the upstairs, too.”
I hesitate before unlocking the door.
“C’mon, Snow, it’s all right,” he coaxes me.
Slowly and unsurely, I unlock the door and crack it open. I’m blinded by a light. “Where did you get a flashlight?”
“I keep it on my keychain. Comes in handy when I’m hunting stalkers.” He flashes me with the mini bright light.
“That isn’t funny.” I put my hand in front of my eyes.
“You okay?”
“I’m freakin’ terrified.” I abandon the bathroom.
“You’re not alone.” Ky tucks me protectively under his arm.
“You’re soaked.”
“That’s what happens when you play in the rain.” He walks us over to the couch and urges me to sit. “Don’t mind me.” Ky begins to strip, pulling off each article of his wet clothing. I can only see bits and pieces of his body as he waves the flashlight around, but it’s enough to keep me riveted. Once he has nothing more than his boxer briefs on, he sits down and pulls me against him. “Body heat.” He shivers slightly. His skin is so cold. I don’t protest, I just wrap my arms around his neck and hug him, giving him all the body heat he needs.
“You drove back in the rain?” I ask curiously.
“Yup. I was inside when I heard the first crack of thunder. I knew you’d probably freak out, so I bolted.”
“No beer?”
“No beer.” He feigns disappointment. “See the things I do for you, Snow?”
“Oh, the sacrifices.”
“No beer is definitely a sacrifice.” We shift closer, Ky taking free liberty with his hands. He slides them under my shirt and caresses them along my abdomen, making his way to my back as I turn my body, pressing my chest to his. I can feel his warm breath on my neck and the cold drops of water falling from his hair onto my shoulders. I like being this close. I like being in his arms.
“You’re so soft, Snow,” Ky murmurs in the dark.
My heartbeat accelerates as I feel his nose brush against mine.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I admit, navigating through such uncharted territory. Ky is my stepbrother, but my attraction doesn’t seem to give one fuck about that.
Our faces hover inches apart as we paw at each other, both exploring, learning, experiencing exactly what the other feels like.
I trace the lines of his neck with my fingertips, following the ridges of his shoulders and toned arms. I touch his hard chest before running my hands up and slipping them into his soft, golden hair.
“Shit, Kira.” Ky wraps my hair around his wrist and tugs, forcing my head to tilt back. I wait in the dark, unable to see a thing. I can only feel. Feel him press himself against me, feel him breathe harder against my skin, feel his grip tighten around me.
I’m waiting for what still? I’m not sure. A moment of impact? A forbidden kiss?
Yes, a kiss. That’s what I want. I want Ky to kiss me.
That’s so crazy, borderline insane, but he’s here, just as invested as I am, yet he’s hesitating. I wouldn't say no. I wouldn't pull away or deny him. I just don’t have the balls to initiate it myself.
“Kira?” Ky utters my name almost as if he’s in a state of confusion.
“I’m right here.” I place a hand on his cheek.
