I shook my head, trying to suppress my amusement, but a small smile crept onto my lips.
I loved the back-and-forth and the bond they were building. Kyrin had never really had a strong male figure in his life to challenge him, to joke with him, and to teach him how to be a young man without it feeling like a lecture. In that short time, Domino had stepped into that space effortlessly, showing him how to stand tall, move with confidence, and carry himself with a sense of worth. And Kyrin needed that… more than he probably even realized.
“Alright, it’s time for you to take a nap,” I announced, standing up and smoothing my hands down my clothes, signaling that the conversation was coming to a close.
Kyrin's face fell instantly, a dramatic pout forming on his lips. “Another one? Jo, I just woke up!”
“You’ve been up for an hour,” I deadpanned, crossing my arms.
“That’s enough time to live a full life!” he argued back, his tone playfully exaggerated.
I chuckled. “Kyrin, I swear you just say anything. You just got a new heart, not a new schedule. Lay down.”
He groaned dramatically. “This routine isoppressive!”
I snorted at his antics. “Boy, go to sleep before I extend it!”
Kyrin rolled his eyes playfully but eventually settled back against the pillows, clearly realizing the futility of arguing. Then, just as I turned to leave, his voice softened, pulling me back. “Hey, Jo…”
I looked back. "Yeah, sport?"
“Thank you, sis… for everything. And… think about what we talked about."
I held his gaze for a moment longer, then nodded. “I will. Now get some rest.“
“Okaaaaay,” he dragged out, already closing his eyes.
I shook my head, a fond smile on my face as I stepped out of the room. I barely made it two steps into the hallway before I felt Domino’s presence right behind me.
“Now that you're done playing sister nurse…” he murmured low. “…let me putyouto sleep.”
I grinned. “Is that so?”
“Yeah,” he said, taking a step closer, the warmth of his body radiating toward me. “You’ve been stressing all day. I think I know exactly what you need.”
I let out a quiet laugh, running my hand down the fabric of his shirt, feeling the strength beneath it.
“Mmm. Great minds think alike. Besides, the doctor didn’t say anything aboutmyheart needing rest.”
A slow grin spread across his face, mischief dancing in his eyes. “Say less."
Domino reached for my hand, pulling me a little closer, and I felt a rush of excitement.
“And don’t start nothing you can’t finish,” he added, his voice low, wrapped in a challenge.
I smirked right back at him, feeling bold. “Please… I’ve been waiting on you to catch up.”
His grip tightened slightly. “Come on.”
I was more than ready to followmy maninto whatever freaky adventure awaited us next.
That’s right, my man, my man, man. It was clear we skipped all the mushy stuff and went straight after each other's hearts and ended it with a label.
