Page 23 of Zylus

“Close, but your grip is all wrong. Here.” Before I can protest, he’s standing behind me, his arms encircling mine as he adjusts my hold on the tool. “Like this. Feel the difference?”

I do, but I’m more focused on the heat of his body pressed against my back. “Y-yeah, I got it.”

“Good. Now, just aimand—”

The nail gun goes off with a loud pop, narrowly missing my foot and embedding itself in the floorboard.

“Yikes!” I yelp, flinching and almost dropping the tool like it’s on fire.

Zylus quickly moves to steady me, his hand on my elbow. “Whoa, easy there. Are you okay?”

I nod, heart racing. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… startled.”

He gently takes the nail gun from my hands, his expression a mix of concern and chagrin. “That was my fault. I should have given you clearer instructions before letting you fire it.”

“No kidding,” I mutter, trying to calm my nerves. I’ll never admit that I was so distracted by his handsome face and warm, hot body curved around mine that I wasn’t exactly paying attention to his directions.

Zylus runs a hand through his hair, looking genuinely apologetic. “I’m sorry, Misty. That could have been bad. Let’s take a break and I’ll go over the safety procedures properly before we try again.”

I eye the nail gun warily. “Maybe I should stick to sanding for now.”

“If that’s what you’re comfortable with,” he agrees. Then, with a hint of his usual smirk, he adds, “Though you’re missing out on all the fun.”

“Yeah, because nothing says ‘fun’ like nearly maiming yourself while trapped in a house with an infuriating alien,” I grumble, but there’s less heat in my words than before.

As I turn to grab my sandpaper, I mutter under my breath, “I should have pointed that thing in his direction instead.”

“I heard that,” Zylus calls over his shoulder as he returns to work on the shelving unit. “Superior hearing, remember?”

I roll my eyes, but can’t quite suppress a small smile. Despite everything, his concern for my safety hasn’t gone unnoticed. It’s a reminder that underneath all our bickering, there might still be something worth salvaging.

We fall back into silence, but it feels different now. Less oppressive, more… charged. Like the air before a lightning storm.

Chapter Eighteen

Misty

The next morning, I’m up early, determined to make some progress on the living room before Zylus and his crew arrive. I’ve just started stripping wallpaper when I hear a familiar voice behind me.

“You’re doing it wrong.”

I grit my teeth, not bothering to turn around. “Good morning to you too, Zylus. Didn’t realize you’d been promoted to Wallpaper Removal Expert.”

He chuckles, the sound sending an unwelcome tingle down my spine. “It doesn’t require an advanced degree, but there is a technique to it. Here, let me show you.”

Before I can protest, he’s beside me, his arm brushing mine as he demonstrates the proper way to use the scraper.

“See? You want to get under the edge and pull at a 45-degree angle. It comes off in bigger strips that way.”

I hate to admit it, but he’s right. The wallpaper peels away in a satisfying sheet under his expert touch.

“Show off,” I mutter, but there’s no real heat behind it.

He grins, handing the scraper back to me. “Your turn, apprentice.”

I mimic his movements, pleasantly surprised when a large section of wallpaper comes away cleanly. “Huh. Maybe you do know what you’re talking about.”

“High praise indeed,” he says dryly. “I’ll cherish this moment forever.”

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