Page 46 of Doesn't Count

“I’m sorry if I said something that triggered you. I didn’t mean-”

“Don’t. Please forget it.” I groan, sliding my palms down my face in embarrassment.

It’s been a while since I’ve had an episode. They usually only come in my sleep, but tonight has conjured the perfect storm. A huge reason why I hate drugs and with Ash’s words, my bloody hand, it was inevitable.

“Okay.” She says in a hushed voice.

We sit there for a couple minutes in silence; the only sound is our breathing. My head is spinning, trying to wind down from the tornado that hit hard and fast.

“I want to make you feel better.” She whispers, finally speaking.

Nowmy heart races for a completely different reason.

“Then do it.” I murmur.

I can hear her shuffle beside me, her silhouette moving like a graceful dancer as she slides onto my lap. She straddles me, her thighs on either side of mine, her arms wrapping around my neck.

“Does this help?” She asks, her voice sultry and filled with hesitancy.

She’s nervous and if that doesn’t excite the shit out of me, I don’t know what would. Warmth grows between us, emanating from between her legs. My fingers glide up along the backs of her thighs, my fingertips resting at the hem of her panties underneath her dress.

I nod, humming my approval.

“Untie my mask.” I tell her, knowing that it’s too dark for her to get a good look.

She does with shaky fingers as if I’ve asked her to touch my dick. The fabric falls beside us, and she brings them down to caress my face. It’s like the softest silk gliding across my skin. She runs a trail down my nose and across my lips as if feeling every feature on my face could help her see.

“What else?” She breathes and I inhale the scent of tequila and bad decisions.

“Kiss me.”

Chapter Fourteen

Khaos

Iwake with a jolt, my body screaming in protest. It takes me a moment to register where I am. Sun bleeds through the closed curtains, but I can’t tell if it’s morning or afternoon. I drop my head back against the headboard of the bed, wiping my palms down my face with a groan. As my fingers find the bare skin of my jaw, I realize I’m missing my mask. Finding it on the floor, I quickly tie it around my face as a stirring next to me catches my attention.

Blonde strands of hair sneak out of the comforter, splayed against white pillows. As she adjusts again, the blanket slips a little lower revealing her face. Streaks of mascara run tracks down her cheeks mixed with green glitter all the way to the top of her lips. They’re parted slightly as if her sleep is effortless, recovering from all the work they did the night before.

My eyes trail the black smudge of paint smeared on her chin down her neck and to her chest, leaving me to wonder where else I’ve left my mark, at least on her skin.

Carefully, I let my fingers hover over her face, brushing a strand of hair away from her forehead. She doesn’t move andI’m thankful because at this moment I can study her in peace. It doesn’t last long before the double doors to our room fly open, Hypnos barging through.

“Finally!” He yells a little too loudly.

Wide, round globes of blue laced with confusion find mine as Hypnos jumps on the bed between us.

“What the...” Ash’s words fade as she pushes herself up to sit against the headboard, tugging the blanket up to her chin.

“It’s about damn time you two banged it out!” He smiles like a proud father, laying down and snuggling up to Ash.

“What?” She questions on a gasp.

“Get out.” I growl, my head pounding.

“Awe come on, it’s a moment to celebrate.” He laughs, kissing us both on the forehead.

He’s met with the palm of my good hand the second his lips touch my skin and I shove him away.

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