Page 42 of Plaything

I padded over to the group as they all tiredly argued over something. “What happened?” I questioned.

Niko ran his hand through his hair. “Hopefully, the breaker just flipped—” he turned to me and raised his eyebrows, tiredly blinking a few times. A gradual smile started forming on his lips as his mood changed. “A blessing in disguise, that’s what happened,” he grinned, eyeing my legs.

Aiden smirked, shining the flashlight on me, but his eyes never left my face. Dominic and Wyatt weren’t as restrained as their eyes greedily took me in, slowly as if memorizing every curve of my body.

I blushed, embarrassed that I didn’t throw on a blanket, robe, or at least a sweater before I came out here. I knew better than this; I’d been lectured many times about being seen in any kind of night or lounge clothes. These were wildly inappropriate because they were practically see-through. Thank goodness for Cat’s big body covering most of my upper body. The fabric that covered my boobs was thicker, but still, it was cold...

“Nice pajamas,” Aiden teased, clearly trying to rile the others up and embarrass me.

Wyatt sucked in a breath, turning away from me quickly as if composing himself. He looked back at me and gave his usual polite smile, but I saw right through it to the desire behind his eyes. “The power goes out often. Usually, it’s just the old breaker flipping,” he explained.

“Oh good, I think I’d freeze without my heated blanket,” I joked as my shoulders relaxed.

Aiden started walking past everyone. “I’ll be right back,” he announced, taking the only light source with him.

I felt a large presence next to me, making me look up, although I could only see basic shapes. Dominic’s massive frame loomed over mine as his hand rested on my lower back, causing goosebumps to rise all over my skin. “You sleep with one of those plug-in lights. Are you scared of the dark?” He asked, concern laced in his tone.

His body was incredibly warm, making me subconsciously lean into him. “No, I just don’t like dark corners,” I explained. Despite the apparent tension in the hallway, I tried to keep my voice casual.

“That’s being scared of the dark, Odette,” Wyatt corrected, and I could hear the smile in his words.

“I have candles. You could sleep with me,” Niko offered eagerly.

My face heated, and I felt the blush kiss my skin. I was suddenly glad for the darkness hiding my expression. My body shouted: Yes! Sleep with the dreamy, half-naked man! But my mind was stressed. I’d never even had a sleepover, let alone slept in the same bed as anyone. Now, a man wanted me to sleep in his bed next to him? Nope, that was terrifying.

“The power should come back, though, right?” I questioned, hoping that it would.

“I hope not,” Niko said.

“I’m sure it will,” Wyatt comforted.

“It won’t,” Dominic deadpanned. “I saw a flash of light outside before the power went out. A transformer probably blew,” he explained.

“And you let Aiden go all the way outside to try and fix it?” Niko laughed.

“I could be wrong,” Dominic shrugged.

“Powers out!” Aiden called on cue from the bottom of the stairs, confirming Dominic’s theory.

I ran my hand through Cat’s fur, nervous for the dark and cold night ahead.

“Great!” Niko clapped his hands. “Odette?” He invited, his footsteps coming closer to me.

I bit my lip, thinking quickly. I didn’t know if he was serious or not before! “Oh—I don’t know,” I said nervously. What if I kicked him or something in my sleep? What if my hair annoyed him because it was bound to be on his pillow, too. I wasn’t even dressed in proper pajamas; I shouldn’t be seen in these clothes, let alone in the same bed as someone!

This was going against every etiquette training and lesson I’d ever been given.

Niko touched the side of my arm. “Why are you nervous? I said sleep with me, Cariño, not fuck,” he said bluntly, and I heard the tiredness in his tone. He must have been asleep before the power went out. That was why he was eager to get back to sleep.

“It’s going to get cold, and you don’t like the dark. It would make me feel a lot better if you didn’t argue on this,” Wyatt said, his tone slightly more stern than usual, yet I could tell his choice of words was more formal than what he actually wanted to say.

Dominic gently pushed me in Niko’s direction. “His bed or mine,” he challenged.

My eyes widened to the size of saucers. Dominic couldn’t keep his hands to himself as it is, he was a toucher! He always found some sneaky way to touch my skin; I’d definitely noticed. With both of us being in the same bed, half-naked, I wouldn’t leave the room a virgin. My body was way too greedy to tempt myself, and he had no self-control either. He knew this as well as I did—hence him ushering me to go with Niko.

Niko it is! “Okay,” I agreed quickly.

Dominic’s hand moved from my back, and he took Cat from me, taking him in his arms. “Good girl,” he praised.

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