Page 36 of Puck Me Back to Life

I should leave. Instead, I stay exactly where I am. Ash studies me for a moment... attentively.

Like he's trying to figure me out. The attention makes me feel strangely exposed. As though I've walked into the room and somehow become the most interesting thing in it.

“Kai.”

My name sounds different in his voice.

Warmer.

More personal.

I clear my throat. “Yes?”

His gaze lingers. Then he nods toward the bed. “Sit.”

Simple.

Direct.

No room for confusion.

I can do that.

For some reason, I obey immediately. The mattress dips beneath my weight. Ash's smile grows, pleased.

The realization sends heat flooding into my face.

“Good.”

One word. That's all it takes.

Ash crosses the room. Every instinct tells me to look away. I don't. He stops directly in front of me.

Close enough that I can smell his soap. Close enough that my pulse starts behaving irresponsibly. His fingers settle beneath my chin. The touch is gentle. Almost absurdly gentle considering how large he is.

He tilts my head upward slightly.

My breath catches.

“Kai.”

I swallow.

His eyes remain fixed on mine. “We need to talk first.”

The words immediately cut through some of the tension.

I nod.

Ash seems satisfied. “I don't do anything without communication.”

His tone is calm. Professional, almost. The seriousness surprises me. For some reason, I'd expected this conversation to be awkward. It isn't. Ash clearly knows exactly what he's doing.

“Before we do anything tonight, there are rules.”

I nod again.

His thumb brushes lightly against my jaw. “Let's talk safe words.”