Page 62 of 4-Ever

“And bodyguards. Two of my security,” I added.

“Sounds like a plan.” Ailey nodded and pulled out a business card, offering it to Ciara. “Here’s my contact details if you need to reach me.”

“Thank you,” Ciara whispered.

Then Ailey glanced at Regan. “Walk me out?”

Regan headed out with the detective.

“I’m going to head up,” Ciara said.

“Your usual room?” I asked her and she nodded, wiping her eyes.

“I can stay in one of the spares on this floor,” Faise offered.

“No,” I replied, my face flushed. “Can you… I mean—” Fuck, I was never this awkward with him before. But I knew one thing for sure. I didn’t want to be alone. “Stay with me.”

We shared beds all the time—first in our van, then crappy motels, and now five-star hotels and tour bunks. It was no big deal. Only, it felt like it now.

“All right.”

Faise smiled at me, and my body calmed. I couldn’t put into words how grateful I was that he was here.

I’d had my share of hookups spend the night, but I never needed them to stay. Not like I needed him.

That realization hit me with greater force than all the other shocks tonight.

CHAPTER 18

FAISE

The rest of that night was a blur. I didn’t remember walking upstairs, I didn’t remember anything. Just the sound of Ronin walking beside me and the heavy fall of our footsteps.

And it wasn’t light streaming through the windows that woke me up the next day.

It was Ronin’s body heat. And the ache in my jaw.

Usually I was the little spoon, but with his stitches, it was my turn to hold him. My face was smashed against his bare back, and my cock was taking way too much interest in our early morning cuddle. His breathing was soft and even, and with my arm wrapped around his waist, I didn’t want to be anywhere else.

Of course, my mind started on that dangerous path again, imagining myself waking up next to him like this every day. Being his lover, his partner, living together.

Fuck.

“Morning,” he muttered.

He pulled away from me at first and rolled over, until we were eye to eye.

Ronin smiled, leaned over, and kissed me.

On the mouth.

What the everloving fuck? Was I still dreaming?

Then he winked at me, a wicked grin on his face.

“What’s up?” he asked, as if nothing had happened.

I couldn’t move. Ronin had kissed me. On the lips. Like we did this every day.

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