Page 55 of Bonding with the Beta

My mouth opens, but I pause. I don’t regret those orgasms or being with him, but I regret not sticking to my word—to not fall into unhealthy relationships with sex and men when I should be focusing on myself.

“No,” I whisper.

A look of relief covers his face.

“This is going to change things between us,” I blurt.

Kayden laughs quietly. “No, it’s not.”

“We’re meant to be friends.”

“Friends can fuck.”

I close my eyes at his brash words. “Yeah, well…maybe not like this.”

“Sleep on whatever you’re feeling,” he says softly. “We’re still sorting your car out tomorrow. I know you want to make it to your class in the afternoon. I’ll drop you back so you can make it.”

My heart flutters in my chest. As much as I want to fight, I don’t. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“I know.”

When I turn and walk up the stairs to my spare bedroom, I lay on my bed and look up at the ceiling with a huff. I cover my face with my hands and groan softly.

Despite everything, I wouldn’t take it back if I could—especially when I’m already dying to do it again.

16

KAYDEN

Sleep is for the weak.

Especially after having Kayleigh’s taste linger on my tongue. I toss and turn, knowing that she’s sleeping down the hall, and we are separated by this stupid wall.

She might not regret what we did, but something inside her is ticking in her brain—and not in a good way.

When the sun begins to rise, I crawl out of bed and grab myself a well-needed cup of coffee. Then I take Kayleigh’s keys, drive it to the garage, and make it back in time for breakfast.

To my surprise, the kitchen is full. Kayleigh and Ava are sitting talking at the island I fucked her over last night while Jaxon stands at the stove making eggs and bacon. Albie is in his high chair as Lucy prepares him a bottle.

“Oh, there you are, Kayden,” Ava chimes, and Kayleigh glances over at the mention of my name. “We didn’t see Kayleigh’s car. We assumed you already took it to the garage.”

“I did.”

Kayleigh’s cheeks are a perfect shade of pink. “What did they say?”

“They didn’t say much, but they probably won’t let me know until tomorrow.”

“Ugh.” She presses a hand to her forehead. “Fuck.”

Lucy turns around to face her. “Babies are present.”

“Oh.” She hunches her shoulders. “Sorry.”

“Does the kitchen smell weird to you guys?” Ava asks, and Kayleigh instantly looks down to her lap as if it’s the most interesting thing in the world.

Lucy hums and then nods. “Yeah, a little.”

“Nah.” I shrug and grab another cup of coffee. “Smells fine to me. Maybe it’s your pregnancy hormones.”

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