Maybe… but you’ll have to earn it.
Thane:
And how might I do that?
Me:
I’m sure you’ll come up with something.
Thane:
I’ve got a few ideas… but they involve you
naked and on my desk, so hurry home.
Shit.
He knows what he’s doing. Getting me worked up and coaxing the bond. The whole point of this trip was to get away from him and keep a clear head, but now my mind is being plagued with thoughts of us doing all kinds of sinful things.
What’s even worse is the part of his text that made my heart leap the most was him telling me to come home. I’ve never felt at home anywhere, but I’m starting to feel that way about Headquarters, and it’s not just because I have a house and a room to come home to… it’s because I havesomeoneto come home to.
I toss my phone onto the bed next to me as the lust I’d been feeling is replaced by guilt. It feels like my stomach is being twisted and wrung out. Like I’m somehow cheating on Kole, even though we aren’t even together.
Thane’s the whole reason we can’t act on our feelings, and I want to be mad at him for taking my future and cursing me with this mark, but the bond is making that impossible.
How is it that my life was simpler when I was having to live every day surviving in the woods?
“Knock, knock,” Sienna’s voice chimes from the other side of the bedroom door.
“Come in!” She bursts into the room with a beaming smile and dives over me onto the bed. “Damn, the dick was that good?”
Sienna tosses her head back laughing. “No!” She rolls into my side, convulsing with more laughter that makes me start laughing too. “Oh my god, Fallon! He called me MOTHER! Not mamí… mother!”
“What the fuck?” I shoot up into a sitting position with my jaw completely unhinged.
“No, like I think I’m scarred for life. The only reason I stayed was because his dick was the most perfect dick I’ve ever seen. It was bellissimo, just like his face, but fuck, I swear I can still hear him screaming out, ‘Mother!’ as he came.” The two of us fall apart, and tears actually well in my eyes. “Wait,” Sienna breathes, trying to pull herself together. “Did Kole stay the night?”
“Yes, but it’s not what you think.” I roll over on my back and stare up at the ceiling as the memories of last night come rushing back. “I’ll tell you about it later when he’s not around. Oh.” I reach over Sienna and grab my phone, handing it to her. “Thane texted me.”
She quickly reads over the texts. “I thought you were okay with giving in to the lust, so why don’t you look happy about this?” I glance toward the kitchen, where I can hear Kole rummaging around, and she nods knowingly. “Alright!” she says, popping up on her knees. “Both of our nights didn’t end quite how we wanted, but today is a new day, and I know just what we need! Retail therapy!”
“You’re right!” I toss the covers off and jump out of bed, determined to make the best of this trip.
“Let’s eat breakfast and then get ready for day two!”
I follow Sienna out into the living room, expecting a moment of awkwardness between Kole and me, but instead it’s completely normal.
“What’s on the agenda for you ladies today?” he asks, setting out two plates with pancakes, bacon, and eggs.
“Fallon needs new pajamas, so we’re going to the mall for a much needed shopping trip!” Sienna answers, taking a seat at the dining table.
Kole’s eyes wander down my nightgown like he’s committing it to memory as heat flares beneath my skin.
“I have a meeting right now, but I’ll check in with you guys later and see where you’re at.” He flashes me a quick smile that warms every corner of my body before turning around and leaving.
He knew this is what I would need today. For us to just be normal, instead of being weighed down by the hopelessness of our reality. But that’s Kole. Always knowing just what I need before I even know it myself.
While Sienna and I eat and get ready, I give her a full play-by-play of last night. She does her best to mask her pity, but it’s still there, reminding me how much this whole situation sucks. Fortunately, though, Sienna’s the type of person who knows just how to get me out of my head.
