Page 17 of Insanium
As I handed him a bottle, our fingers brushed, and a spark of connection jolted through me. “So, what’s your pick? Safe bets on anything that looks like it could survive a fall from a plane.”
Hael grinned, selecting a package containing a sandwich, its contents visible through the clear wrapping. “I’ll take the high-altitude sandwich, then. Looks like it could survive more than just a fall.”
We sat down on the edge of the bed, our temporary sanctuary filled with the soft rustling of wrappers, the tension of the day momentarily suspended. As we ate, Hael broke the companionable silence with a question that had obviously been on his mind.
“What do you think they’ve got planned for us next?”
I shrugged, focusing on unwrapping a particularly stubborn packet of crackers. “Honestly, I don’t even want to pretend to guess. If I end up wrong, I would be too embarrassed to go on.”
He nodded, accepting my evasion before steering the conversation toward a more delicate topic. “How do you think Aisha’s handling things? And … what do you make of Rafe?” His tone was casual, but I knew he was probing, searching for something more in my response.
I paused, meeting his gaze squarely. “You know Aisha’s tougher than she looks. She’ll be fine, though the same can’t be said for her sister. As for Rafe …”
I trailed off, choosing my words carefully. “I know how he presents himself, but no one that shiny would survive the Devil’s Playground. He’s … a puzzle I’m still figuring out.” My voice softened a bit. “What do you think of him?”
Hael chewed thoughtfully for a moment, his eyes flicking towards the doorway as if expecting Raphael to walk through it at any moment. “He seems solid. He’s got your back, that much is clear so far. But he’s also got his own agenda. Everyone here does.”
I leaned back, sipping from a bottle of water, combing back through the interactions I’d had with Raphael. “True. But that’s the game, isn’t it? We’re all here to play, and every player has their moves.”
“Just don’t let your guard down too quickly, Kennedy. Especially not with Eryx.”
I recapped my water and sat it back on the cart, rolling onto my side to face him. “I thought we were talking about the Golden Boy?”
“You think I don’t know you’ve got your sights set on the crazy one, too?” His tone is teasing yet edged with a deeper seriousness. “You’re playing chess with a couple of kings, and you’re looking to control the board.”
I laughed at his analogy. “Well, if we’re playing chess, then it’s better to have the kings on my side rather than against me, isn’t it? And who says I can’t enjoy the game while I’m at it? You’re one of my kings too, you know.”
“In that case, what could possibly top that role? Besides the queen, of course.”
“I think a soulmate. But I’m not sure if that term applies to chess.”
His smile slowly faded into a more contemplative expression as he gazed down at me intently. “You’ve only called me that once before.”
“And now twice,” I replied softly, a seriousness edging into my voice. “Platonic or otherwise, you’re basically one half of my genetic make-up at this point.”
The moment hung between us, rich and heavy, like the calm before a storm. I could feel the potential, the possibility, but I wasn’t one to dive headfirst without scanning the waters.
So, with a sigh that was half reluctance and half anticipation, I rolled off the bed and stretched my limbs luxuriously.
“Time for a quick freshen-up,” I announced, turning towards the bathroom. The mood had shifted, and I was aware of every inch of space he filled. I wasn’t scared—never that. Excited, thrilled, maybe even a little eager. But if there was one thing Kennedy Vetis didn’t do, it was rush.
She savored.
And first thing first, a girl had to wash up.
Chapter Nine
I had no choice but to lower my standards and go the old whore’s bath route to get myself together. My under garments got the same treatment. Going commando for the remainder ofJudiciumwasn’t on my agenda, and there was no way in hell I was recycling underwear. Lowering standards didn’t equate to casting them away entirely. So, after a quick wash, I cast a wistful glance at the shower and then, with a resigned sigh, slipped out of my boots and gathered them up before going back to the main room, keeping my knife close.
I paused, taking in the sight before me. Hael lay sprawled on his back, one hand behind his head, his shirt riding up just enough to reveal a hint of sculpted abs that looked as tempting as the first slice of a freshly baked cake. His gaze was fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought. It was a sight for sure, one that almost had me clenching my thighs.
I dropped my boots to the floor with a soft thud, capturing his attention. Seizing the moment, I crossed the room in a few swift steps and straddled his lap. His reaction was immediate; his arm wrapped securely around me, a gesture that tethered me close, both protective and possessive.
“Ensuring I don’t fall?” I teased, my voice a playful murmur.
“Or escape.”
I leaned in closer, our faces inches apart, the atmosphere charged with an intimate tension. “Escape? From you?” I whispered, our breaths mingling. “Never.”
