Page 171 of Theirs to Ruin

The receptionist at the local hospital told me a Mateo Serrello had been checked in but wasn’t taking calls or visitors. When I asked for an update on his condition, she refused to give me one. “Of course you won’t tell me,” I snapped then flung my phone on the bed.

A minute later, Kage returned. “Silas is out of town. Alex told me he left tonight for a family emergency. I called his dad and confirmed his mother had a mild stroke.”

Fuck. I felt like a bitch for pointing my grubby finger at Silas based on a hunch.

“It was just a stupid theory, anyway. Ty isn’t taking visitors or calls. I’m going to wash up and go to sleep. I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”

"Not happening."

"Excuse me?"

“You’re not pushing me away because of my past sex life, Camille.”

Taking a deep breath, I tried to keep my voice steady. "That’s not what I’m doing. I’m trying to process what I learned tonight. I just need?—”

"You need to come with me. We’ll wash up then go to bed together,” he interrupted, his voice softening, but still holding an edge.

"Kage, I don't want to have sex tonight."

"I'm not asking for that. I just want to be close to you."

I couldn’t help how jealous and inadequate I felt after learning Kage had shared girls with Silas. But I was also worn out by what happened earlier with Ty, and I just wanted to sleep. Kage wasn’t going to let this go so I caved.

I walked with him to his room. When we got there, I washed up and put on a T-shirt he gave me. He put on his sleep bottoms.

I crawled into the bed and Kage slid in beside me.

The warmth of his body enveloped me as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. The rhythmic beating of his heart was soothing, a steady anchor amidst the storm of my emotions. He pressed a lingering kiss on my temple, the warmth of his lips searing my skin.

"You want to know how done I am with other girls?" he murmured, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down my spine.

I held my breath, waiting.

"I’m falling for you, Camille."

Those words, charged with raw emotion, wrapped around my heart. I nestled closer to him, letting the weight of his declaration sink in. Neither of us spoke after that, but with Kage's arms around me, I felt an overwhelming sense of security and warmth, and soon fell asleep.

Chapter 71

Camille

The sunlight streaming through the gap in the curtains yanked me from a deep sleep. Groggily, I reached for my phone, only to find the alarm had failed to sound. "Shit," I muttered, glancing at the time. I had my Calculus test today but I wanted to go by the hospital to see Ty beforehand.

Kage stirred, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

"What's up?" he mumbled, his voice gravelly from sleep.

"We overslept. My alarm didn't go off," I said, already swinging my legs over the edge of the bed.

He let out a low curse, pushing himself up and glancing at his phone. "How much time do you have?"

“None if I want to see Ty before my Calculus class.”

Kage was on his feet. He grabbed my wrist gently. "Hey, at least let me make you breakfast first. You can't think straight on an empty stomach."

“There's no time. I have to go."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Are we good?" His eyes searched mine.

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