Page 269 of Vexatious Queen

“This better not be a booty call,” I said.

“No, I promise. I’m going down to the pool. Will you come with me, and let me explain?” I stared at him. “Please, Princess.”

He tried to pout, but he just couldn’t pull off the puppy dog look like Myles. But I gave him an A for effort.

“Fine, but you wait out there. I don’t trust you and your wandering hands,” I said, and closed the door in his face before he could argue.

“You love my hands,” came the muffled reply. I rolled my eyes.

In total zombie mode, I managed to get my uniform on—not backwards—pulled my hair up into a ponytail, and even remembered to brush my teeth. I grabbed my backpack, which I hadn’t unpacked last night, and my hoodie before opening the door to find Nash leaning against the wall, eyes closed.

“That’s totally not fair,” I said, and one eye slowly opened. “Guys can sleep anywhere.”

He smirked. “I have to catch five minutes when I can. We both know I can’t sleep without you anyway.”

“I always wanted to be a human pacifier,” I teased, locking my door.

“See, I make all of your dreams come true,” he said, and smirked as I looked at him.

The arrogant ass.

Nash grabbed my hand, and I was tempted to shake him off, but part of any relationship was learning to communicate and work through issues before they became too big. Especially when married. At least that was what all the blogs on marriage said when I stayed up far too late reading. It was a shame that no one had asked if you could smother your husband in the night. I would’ve liked to read the answer to that one.

“Alright, Nash, what was so urgent that you dragged me out of bed at this ungodly hour,” I asked once we got in the elevator.

“Coffee for you first,” he said, and I looked him up and down suspiciously.

“I feel like I should be worried.”

“Don’t be. I’m trying to be more…considerate. It’s never been my strong suit, but there is always room for improvement,” Nash said, smiling.

“You don’t say.”

“I hear the sarcasm in your voice.” He glanced down at me. “And your skeptical glare is turning me on. You know what happens when you get all feisty with me,” he said, and I shook my head at him.

“You’re unbelievable,” I grumbled.

“And you’re sexy when you’re annoyed. I can’t help it, tell your face not to look so fucking hot,” he said, pulling me closer as he eyed my lips.

“You know, I was reading about whether it would be acceptable to smother your husband in the night,” I lied, but his eyebrow raised.

“Interesting choice of topic. What did it say?”

“The verdict is still out,” I said as the doors opened.

“Should I be worried,” Nash asked as we walked out toward the cafeteria.

“I guess that depends on what you have to tell me.” I smiled.

“You’re turning into a little psycho, Princess…I think I like it,” Nash said, and I chuckled, unable to hold it in.

The cafeteria was empty, and only quick grab items were available for late-night snackers. I made myself a coffee, swiped a muffin, two cookies and an apple, and put them in my bag before leaving with Nash.

He stopped before he walked through the doors.

“Hoodie on,” Nash ordered.

“And you have the nerve to call me bossy,” I said, handing him everything except the sweatshirt.