Page 55 of Exile

He scoffed. “What did Theresa say to you?”

Ah. He must’ve seen us talking outside the tiny house.

“Nothing. She asked if I was going back home, but I told her that I was staying with you.”

“And she made a snarky remark, I guess?”

I shrugged. “Pretty much. But I handled it, and it’s nothing you have to worry about.” I smiled again, tipping my chin toward the front door. “Will you let me in?”

He lifted one finger. “There are house rules.”

I raised my brow, amused. “I’ve been in there before, Caz.”

“But you haven’t lived in my house before.” His gaze was locked on mine, serious, and I decided not to fight him on this.

“Okay. Go ahead.”

“Don’t leave dishes in the sink overnight.”

“Fair.”

“Don’t touch the thermostat. I like it cold.”

I pursed my lips. “Guess I’ll never sleep naked then.”

“I’ll keep you warm.”

“Fine with me,” I said with a grin.

“No baking.”

“But—”

“No. Baking.”

“But why? It’ll make your house smell amazing.”

He raised a brow. “Are you saying my house stinks?”

“No, of course not. But you’d be surprised at how relaxing it is sitting around the house with the smell of freshly baked cupcakes around you.”

He studied me carefully, making up his mind about his rule. “Fine. You can bake. But you clean up afterward.”

“Of course I will,” I promise with a gentle smile. “Anything else?”

“Yes.” He took a step closer, looking around to make sure nobody was casually walking by. His eyes met mine, and he lowered his head before whispering, “We fuck every day. No exceptions.”

My breath hitched. That’s a rule I would definitely obey. “Gladly.”

“Good girl.”

Shivers ran down my spine as he left me standing there on the porch while he grabbed my bags and carried them inside. I followed him inside when I managed to get my legs to work. He carried the bags to his bedroom, and when he returned, he stood in front of me again.

He cupped my face with both hands, leaned in, and kissed me softly. I eased into him immediately and rested my hands on his chest. He pulled back a little while later and rested his forehead against mine. “I’m glad you’re staying with me,” he whispered.

“Me too.” I smiled, kissing him again, and wrapping my arms around his neck. He held me close, putting his arms tightly around my waist.

Yeah, I definitely stayed a while longer. I wanted more of this moment. More of him. Of us.

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