Page 109 of Shattering

Gray exhaled sharply. "Because Tomos has acted with more maturity than me through all of this. And ye're right, I've been slow to learn. But Cadi, once I've learned somethin'—it's set in stone."

His voice was quiet, but certain.

She held his gaze for a long moment before nodding.

He pulled her onto his lap, her legs straddling him, his hands settling firmly on her hips.

She could feel him—hard, warm, wanting—but they both ignored it.

Instead, he simply rocked her gently, his hands sliding slowly up her sides, his touch as light as a butterfly.

"I can wait for you to give me that trust again," he murmured, his dove-grey eyes locked on hers.. "And I won't ever hurt Tomos."

Cadi swallowed, pressing her forehead against his. "I know."

Gray exhaled, relief washing over him. "We had a chat after the match yesterday. I asked him if he had any questions about when I behaved badly."

Cadi tilted her head. "And?"

"He said he was okay if I didn't do it again." Cadi watched his Adam's apple move as he swallowed, voice was thick with emotion. "And I won't. I apologised."

Cadi sat quietly, processing his words.

She held his gaze for a long moment before nodding.

The tight knot inside Gray loosened, relief curling in his chest.

Gray let out a breath, then smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "So, does this mean I'm off probation, or do I need to sign a contract first? Maybe somethin' in blood?"

Cadi shot him a flat look, though the corners of her lips twitched. "You're impossible."

Gray grinned, that familiar glint creeping back into his expression as he pulled her onto his lap. "Aye, but I'm your impossible."

He rocked her gently, his hands sliding slowly up her sides, grounding them both, the friction sent a warm pulse through her, hitting just the right spot.

Cadi bit her lip, willing herself to focus. Baby steps.

Gray muttered, his voice low and full of heat, his hands flexing against her hips. "If I could, I'd have me hand surgically attached to this."

Cadi raised an eyebrow. "This?"

His gaze darkened, his fingers cupping her bottom firmly. "I mean, this arse."

Cadi let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head. "You are easily distracted, Gray with an A."

Gray grinned, completely unrepentant. "Nah, I just have very clear priorities."

She wanted nothing more than to drag him to bed, to close the final space between them, but—baby steps.

She pulled back slightly, meeting his eyes. "I think you can officially move back into the bedroom."

Gray's grip on her hips tightened slightly. "Aye?"

She mimicked saucily "Aye."

Then, suddenly, he paused, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Byron was actin' weird today."

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