Page 27 of Riot

I’d suffer much worse to be at Fallon’s side.

Morning comes all too soon, and as soon as dawn breaks through the curtains, I open my eyes, not wanting to waste a moment of daylight. I watch her while she sleeps. It’s the most relaxed I’ve ever seen her, and she looks so much younger . . . softer, like a fucking angel with the light hitting her.

“It’s creepy watching people while they sleep, you know,” she grumbles later.

“Sure. Good morning, sweetheart.”

One of her eyes opens, and she groans. “You’re a morning person. I should have known.”

“And you’re adorable when you’re grumpy.” I steal a quick kiss from her lips. “I’ll go shower and order us food while you get ready.”

“Hmm.” She suddenly jerks up. “Wait, get ready for what? I’m flying home tonight.”

“Which means I have all day with you, so get dressed because we have plans,” I tell her, and when I get to the sliding bathroom door, I leave it open. “Feel free to watch me shower if you want, sweetheart.”

“You wish!” she calls, and then says, “Wait, who said I would go anywhere with you? Where are we going?”

I can’t help but smile as I climb into the shower, purposely using her shower gel to smell like her all day. When I come out, I wrap myself in a towel and head into the bedroom. She’s sitting in bed, holding a mug, but her eyes drop to my body.

“Good morning to me,” she whispers, thinking I can’t hear her. I don’t call her out on it since she’ll get embarrassed. Instead, I drop the towel as I head to the phone, and her squeal makes me laugh.

She’s fucking adorable.

Who knew Fallon had a shy side?

Fuck, I can’t wait to explore it.

“Where are we going?” she asks, her arms crossed as she sits in the seat next to me. It’s clear my love doesn’t like surprises, but tough shit. We snuck out of the hotel, managing to avoid paparazzi, and I plan to make the most of the day with her in secret.

Just us, no eyes or fans, on a date because that’s what this is, even if she won’t admit it.

“You’ll see, but first . . .” I let the driver know, and when we pull over, I wink at her. “Wait here a moment, sweetheart.” I jump out and hurry into the shop.

It doesn’t take me long to get what I need, and when I climb back in the car, her eyes lift from her phone and land on the flowers I thrust at her.

“You didn’t think I’d forgotten, did you?” I wink as I shut my door, I fasten my seat belt as she continues to stare at the flowers.

“Why blue?” she asks. “I’ve always wondered.”

“I’ll tell you one day, when you’re ready,” I promise as I take her hand. She tries to wiggle hers free, but I just hold on tighter, and she eventually gives up.

Another win.

“You know, Kage, some might consider you a stalker,” she comments idly as we drive through traffic.

“They would be right.” I grin proudly, pressing my lips to her ear. “Let them call me that, but we both know, sweetheart, that you like it.”

“Not a chance.” She pushes me away, turning her face to the window.

“Keep on lying to yourself, sweetheart. I can wait.” Lifting her hand, I kiss the back as we pull up to the location. “Let’s go.”

I get out and walk around to her door, helping her out while she turns and looks at the bustling side street, the market entrance proudly displayed.

“A . . . cheap market?” She frowns at me.

Taking her hand, I lead her onto the street and start walking backwards with a grin. “Yes, ever been to one?”

“No, because I was born into money.” Her eyes widen as people bump into her. Tugging her to the side, I put my arm around her shoulders so no one else can touch her.

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