Page 52 of Kingston
This first weekof classes is only partially over, and I’m wiped out. I’ve spent the last three afternoons and into the evenings, not only keeping up with the kitchen chaos that ensues with eleven people all living—and eating—in the same house, but I’ve also been in several of the brothers’ rooms this week to clean up after them. It’s exhausting work. And frankly, the only thing I’ve really learned so far is who the neat freak is (Dane) and who’s a dirty, messy pig (Stuart). The other guys fall between the two extremes. I think it won’t be so bad once I’ve gotten a handle on my classes, especially if I stay regular with the cleanings. But this first time through? Shit, I’m tired. And I haven’t noticed anything of note in anyone’s rooms, either, which is disappointing. I might have to dig a lot deeper… maybe even start asking some pertinent questions. That scares the crap out of me, though. I would have to be so careful not to tip my hand.
My heavy heart scans Taggart’s room one last time before I shut the door behind me. I’d love to say I knew it was Will’s old room the second I walked in because I felt his presence or something creepy like that. But no. According to Archer, initiates are always in the same rooms, so it follows that since Will was with the sophomores last year, his room would have been this one on the main floor.
I steer clear of everyone as I roll the vacuum cleaner with me and head up the stairs to Cannon’s room. I’d let him know this morning his room was on my list for cleaning today, and he said it was fine. I’d best get to it while he doesn’t need to get in here, no matter if I’d rather go hide in my shower and cry. Being in Will’s room was too much. Tears swim in my eyes. But I can’t give in to my emotions. Not right now.
My chest heaves, and I draw in a shallow breath, trying to calm myself. God, I guess I’ve been so wrapped up with learning to live among these guys, I hadn’t anticipated how badly it would hurt to be in the same spaces he once occupied. My memories of him are so strong and every time I think of him, it’s like a needle poking over and over into my heart, reminding me of everything I lost when he disappeared without a trace.
I set down the bucket of cleaning supplies when I reach Cannon’s door and test the knob. Finding it open, I head in, rolling the vacuum in front of me.
Oh god.I blink a few times in an attempt to forget the entire spanking episode that occurred here, but it’s like returning to the scene of a crime. My face infuses with heat. I drag in an unsteady breath, glad it’s mostly dark in Cannon’s room. I’ll leave the lights off and get the cleaning done while I try not to think about the sharp cracks of hands on my backside or the way it’d felt to have the undivided attention of the three people who are slowly turning my life upside down.
“Make sure you do a good fucking job, initiate.” Kingston’s deep voice makes me jump and turn in place, throwing a hand to my chest. He stands in the doorway, arms stretched over his head, hands gripping the doorframe. His lips twitch in response to my reaction, and his stormy green eyes travel over the messily done bun on top of my head, pausing at my chest before sliding down to my legs, then returning to meet my gaze. Everywhere he looks, he leaves flames flickering along the path.
My jaw sets firmly, trying to deny the heat he’s shooting in my direction. “I’m good. Thanks for the vote of confidence, though.” For days now, he’s hardly spoken to me, except to jab at me every chance he gets and level harsh looks in my direction. Well, whatever. We can do this however he wants. Despite the way my body tingles at his proximity, I’m not here for him. Remembering that is difficult, though, when he’s standing there looking at me like that.
He slides his tongue along his lip, narrowing his eyes on me. “Make sure you eat dinner. Cannon isn’t sure you’re paying attention to getting regular meals between figuring out a new normal, classes, and housework.”
Really. He wants to discuss what I’m eating? Fuck that. Instead, I unleash the thoughts simmering in my head at him. “I said I’m fine. You know, now that you’ve fucked me, you could at least call me by my name.” I turn my head away in dismay as a rogue tear slips down my cheek.Fuck. I am way too worked up already, and this fucker doesn’t get my tears.I quickly wipe it away before I return my gaze to the doorway. But he’s already gone.
Later, I’m finishing up using the wand attachment to vacuum along the baseboards and under the furniture when I sense someone behind me. My entire body tenses up, ready for another fight or kinky punishment or whatever torture Kingston wants to inflict on me, but when I shut off the vacuum and glance over my shoulder, I’m relieved to find it’s actually the room’s occupant.
Cannon shoots me a small smile and waves, then sets his bag on a chair near the door. He’s clearly come from the gym on campus, the clean scent of soap wafting from him. His brows draw swiftly together, concern spreading across his face the longer we stare at each other.Oh shit.I’m pretty good at hiding my feelings, but he’s catching me at a vulnerable moment. I can’t take much more today. My lips tremble. I turn away, trying to get myself under control. And like an idiot, all I can do is stand there, my head bowed.
His warm hands land on my shoulders, and he squeezes gently before he reaches for the vacuum wand, taking it out of my hands and letting it clatter to the floor. He turns me around, studying me with such intensity that a line forms down the middle of his forehead. My eyes dart to his jawline when it twitches. I try to wrench my gaze from him, but he grasps my chin with a few fingers, holding me steady. Waiting.
Because yeah, he doesn’t have to verbally ask me what’s wrong. He can see I’m upset. But I can’t talk to him about Will, which is what started my downward spiral. And I don’t know if I can talk to him about Kingston either. The bruising on Kingston’s face from whatever happened between them is only now fading. There’s been tension among the entire group since the events of Sunday night.
So, instead, I go for a modicum of the truth. I drag in a ragged breath, embarrassed when tears fall freely down my cheeks. Once again, I’m grateful for the darkened room, hoping it at least hides some of my distress, though the words I stutter out don’t help in the slightest. “I-I’m sorry. I think I’m overwhelmed. With e-everything, you know?”
He wets his lips and nods, then tips his head ever so slightly to the side and squints, as if he’s trying to get a better read as to what’s going on in my head. He lets go of my chin to rub both warm hands up and down my arms.
I give him a pained smile. “Um. I was also h-hoping…” Hesitating, I bite my lip. “Could we install a lock on my door? One I can lock from the inside?”
His eyes shoot to mine, alarm shining brightly from them. He goes for his pocket, I assume so he can text me, only to pat himself down and not find it.
I shake my head. “No, it’s okay. Nothing’s wrong… yet. But I think I’d be more comfortable. You guys have cameras on me anyway. So, if I could shut myself in, I might feel more, I dunno… secure?”
He slowly nods, then hangs his head. He thinks this is because of his sneaking into my room. With hot chocolate—because he was the only person in the house who witnessed what happened and sought a way to make me feel better. It’s why I’m trusting him now, however stupid that may be.
I swallow. “I know you didn’t mean anything by it, but when you were able to get in so easily that night, it showed me how vulnerable I am, if that makes sense? And let’s face it, there are plenty of the guys who would like nothing more than to see me fail. Maybe even a few who are holding a grudge for some reason.”
Cannon winces as he exhales slowly, then nods again. All at once, he pulls me flush with his body, holding me tightly. I clutch his waist with a death grip. Something about him makes me want to hang on with everything I have. It’s crazy to think just the other day, I had his balls in my vise-like grip to make sure he understood my boundaries. But now, those walls I’d put up between us are crumbling fast.
His hands thread into my hair, tipping my head back. Everything seems in slow motion as he lowers his mouth to mine. He stops before our lips touch, eyes still open. I don’t know if he’s waiting for permission or something else, but I let my eyes flutter shut and close the distance.
He takes his time coaxing my mouth open, softly licking my bottom lip. Cautious. I open for him, liking the feeling of being surrounded by his strength. Comforted. Right now, in this moment, he’s what I need. His tongue brushes mine as he threads his fingers further into my hair, adjusts our angle, and takes the kiss deeper. Each stroke into my mouth is more devastating than the last. My heart pounds and pounds in time with his.
Cannon walks me backward, then before I realize what his intention is, he peels my tank top off, scoops me up, and lays me in the center of his bed. The hungry, possessive look in his eyes has a storm of butterflies unleashing in my stomach, almost violent in the way they race around inside me. He reaches back with a hand and tugs his shirt off, tossing it to the side before he crawls over my body, nudging between my legs. He’s breathtaking. I run my hands up his torso, over the ridges and indentations of muscle he’s worked so rigorously to hone. Touching him like this, I have a new appreciation for all the work he puts in and how stringent I’ve noticed he is with his diet.
He lowers some of his body weight on top of me, and our mouths fiercely crash, an ardent collision of lips and tongue. His kisses become savage. Darker. Harder. Aggressive. And I can’t say I’m disappointed. Wouldn’t stop him for anything.
His head dips, and he sucks on my neck, tongue teasing my skin. Desire flows through me, so when he fits himself snugly in the cradle of my thighs, his cock hard between my legs, I don’t deny him. We grind together, little moans escaping me with every thrust against my aching clit.
The smallest of noises erupts from Cannon’s throat, part groan, part growl. He brings his mouth back to mine, devouring my lips as he slips a hand between us and works it down the front of my cotton shorts and into my panties. My stomach muscles dip in response, my pussy throbbing with need. I shift my pelvis, seeking out more friction. My knees fall farther open.
Oh god.Does this make me their little slut? First Kingston, now Cannon?
I can’t search my heart or mind for the answer to that question because Cannon brings moisture forward to my clit, rubbing deft, expert, decadent circles that have my head spinning. “Y-yes.” The word tumbles from my lips, and I throw my head back against the mattress. Tension builds low in my abdomen, delicious and maddening and so right I could cry.
