Page 215 of Masters of Control

That was true, but it had also been an upside to the week. Not because she didn’t like Lena, who seemed perfectly nice, but because Morgan was pretty sure Asad didn’t want her getting close to his family. That was for a real girlfriend, not a fake one. She also felt uncomfortable with the idea. It was one thing to lie to a stranger… Right now, the lie didn’t feel good at all.

“We were able to talk on Monday… and now,” she pointed out. “Although if you need to spend time with your family, I understand. That’s what this week is about.”

“Yes.” Lena paused and then took a deep breath. “That’s why I want to spend more time with you, dear. You’re clearly important to Asad, and… well, my relationship with him isn’t what I would wish. I was hoping maybe this week we could change things, but…” Her expression didn’t change, but Morgan got the sense Lena was feeling sad.

“I know he enjoyed yesterday at the aviary,” Morgan said. “Maybe if you spent more time paying more attention to him instead of Cyrus. Or as much attention to him as you do to Cyrus.”

There was another long moment of stunned silence while Lena blinked as she processed Morgan’s statement. The expression she had was one Morgan was all-too familiar with—it meant she’d said something wrong.

“I’m sorry, I um… I probably shouldn’t have said that.” Pressing her hands flat against her thighs, Morgan leaned her weight back and forth, rocking slightly, so she could put new pressure on some of the marks the cane had left behind. They didn’t hurt nearly as much, but it was enough to help distract her as her pulse began to race so she didn’t go straight into panic.

“No, no you’re right. And you’re very direct, which isn’t a bad thing. My husband and I have made many mistakes with Asad, and most of them we didn’t realize until it was far too late.” Lena’s lips pursed. “Sometimes, it’s hard to break out of habits.”

“It is.” Morgan knew that better than anyone. “I think it would make him very happy to know how you feel, regardless.” Sometimes, knowing someone’s intentions helped.

Lena nodded slowly. “That’s good to know. Thank you, Morgan.”

Oh, good. She’d said the right thing.

“So… tell me more about you and Asad. I know he said it’s casual, but we can all clearly see you two make a perfect couple. Do you think you’ll become more serious soon?”

Oh, crap.

Chapter Twenty-One

Asad

The room was dark when Asad stumbled in. He’d had a few more than he’d meant to, spurred on by the ‘bonding’ with his brother, which had gotten even easier when lubricated with alcohol. He blinked, carefully closing the door behind him with exaggerated slowness so as not to wake Morgan. Slowly, his eyes adjusted to the darkness, which wasn’t actually total thanks to the alarm clock and the streetlights that were barely filtering in through small gaps in the curtains.

It was quiet, other than the faint sound of Morgan’s slow, even breaths.

Knowing she was there spread warmth across his chest, far warmer than any shot he’d taken. The feeling of satisfaction, knowing she was there, was new and odd. Why would he be satisfied knowing she was there?

Maybe he’d just gotten used to having her around in this room. They’d been together in it all week, after all. Her being in the room felt right. Good. Like coming home at the end of a long day.

Stop thinking like that.

He was drunk, and his brain didn’t have the defenses against unprovoked thoughts the way it normally did. The thoughts kept coming as he padded across the room, stripping his clothes as he went, and slid into the bed.

I wonder if she’s naked.

I wonder if she would mind if I woke her up.

She probably needs her sleep.

I can just cuddle her.

Since when do I want to cuddle someone? She’s not a fucking teddy bear.

But I do like cuddling her.

I like it when she cuddles me, too.

Maybe she’ll cuddle migrate her way— Oh, hello. Perfect timing.

Morgan snuggled into him with a happy little sigh, nestling her head in the crook of his arm. His hand curved around her shoulder. Now he really did feel like everything was right, just like it was supposed to be.

Warm. Safe. Wanted.