Page 108 of The Devil's Chaos

We all clinked our drinks together and dissolved into another fit of laughter.

“I am going to excuse myself to the little girl’s room,” I yawned and kissed Kai on the cheek while he recounted another Archer story that involved whipped cream and handcuffs.

As I went to the bathroom, I couldn't help but overhear snippets of Archer and Kai's conversation drifting from the living room. Their voices were low and conspiratorial, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter.

I smiled to myself as I closed the bathroom door, feeling a pang of envy for their easy camaraderie. It had been so long since I had a friendship like that, one built on years of shared experiences and inside jokes.

After I finished up, I took a moment to splash some cold water on my face, trying to clear the hazy fog of alcohol from my mind. As I patted my skin dry with a fluffy towel, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks were flushed, my eyes bright with laughter and perhaps something more.

I felt…happy.

As I returned to the living room, I paused in the doorway, taking in the scene before me. Archer was sprawled across the couch, his long legs dangled off the end, while Kai sat cross-legged on the floor, gesturing animatedly as he spoke.

“...and then, if you can believe it, he tried to convince the bouncer that he was actually the lead singer of the band!”

Archer let out a groan, covering his face with his hands. “I thought we agreed to never speak of that again.”

“Oh, come on," Kai grinned, “it's a classic story. One for the ages.”

I cleared my throat, stepping fully into the room. “Sounds like I missed quite the tale.”

Archer sat up and made room for me on the couch. “Trust me, you don't want to know.”

“Oh, I think I do,” I teased as I settled in beside him. “But perhaps another time. I believe it's my turn to share an embarrassing story.”

Kai rubbed his hands together gleefully. “Yes, please! I need some new material to work with.”

And so, the night wore on, filled with more laughter, more stories, and more of the easy camaraderie that I had come to crave. As the first rays of dawn began to peek through the windows, I found myself drifting off, my head resting on Kai’s shoulder.

When I awoke, the sun was high in the sky, and my head was pounding with the telltale signs of a hangover. I blinked against the harsh light as I took in my surroundings with a sense of disorientation.

I was still on the couch, a blanket draped over me. Archer, Mila, and Kai were nowhere to be seen, but I could hear the faint sounds of movement that came from the kitchen.

Slowly, I sat up, wincing as the room spun around me. I definitely needed some water and a handful of aspirin.

As if on cue, Kai appeared in the doorway, two steaming mugs in hand. "Well, good morning, sunshine," he grinned as he handed me one of the mugs. "Thought you could use some coffee."

I gratefully accepted the mug, inhaling the rich aroma of the coffee. “You’re a lifesaver,” I mumbled, taking a tentative sip. The hot liquid seemed to clear some of the alcohol fog from my brain instantly.

Kai chuckled while he settled down on the couch beside me. “I figured we could all use a pick-me-up after last night. Mila is in the kitchen, attempting to make breakfast. Emphasis on attempting.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Should I be worried?”

“Nah,” Kai waved a hand dismissively. “The smoke alarm has only gone off twice so far. I think she’s starting to get the hang of it. Plus, Archer isassistingher.”

A loud clatter echoed from the kitchen as if on cue, followed by Archer’s muffled cursing. I couldn’t help but laugh, nearly spilling my coffee in the process.

Kai shook his head, a fond smile playing on his lips. “Those two are a disaster in the kitchen together, but they mean well.”

I leaned back against the couch cushions, savoring the warmth of the mug in my hands. "Last night was...fun," I said softly. "I haven't laughed that hard in a long time."

Kai's expression softened. “I'm glad. You deserve to have a little fun every now and then.”

Something in his tone, a hint of tenderness, made my heart skip a beat. I glanced up at him, acutely aware of how close we were sitting, and I clenched my thighs in response.

“Kai, I...” I started, but the words seemed to stick in my throat.

He reached out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered on my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine. “I know, little lamb,” he murmured. “Me too.”

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