Page 101 of Midnights
I open my mouth to respond, but nothing comes out. Because he’s right. I don’t.
The air presses in around me, and the warmth in my fingertips flares to life without warning.
Kane’s grip stiffens slightly, but it's gone so fast I almost think I imagined it.
“Raven.” His lips brush my ear, “you’re making it really hard to be a gentleman.”
I swear the temperature spikes. Heat pulses through my body and I can’t tell anymore if it’s from him or… something else. My hands flex involuntarily and I can feel the warmth coiling through my veins, pressing against my skin like static.
I need to walk away before he swallows me whole. But I can't move.
I suddenly remember we’re in someone else’s house. Someone’s castle, no less. And we’ve just made an epic disaster. That thought hits me like a cold splash of water, and just like that, the spell shatters.
I exhale slowly, forcing myself to raise both hands. “Okay, okay, you win.”
He stays pressed against me for a second longer, and it's just long enough to drive me absolutely insane. Then, he finally steps back.
The second he does, the absence of his warmth feels like stepping into a snow storm. And now, I'm questioning everything.Why was I saying no, again?
I clear my throat, hoping it snaps me back to the reality where this isn't happening. I steal a glance at Kane, catching the way he drags a hand through his hair, looking just as shaken as I feel. His jaw ticks and his expression goes right back to his usual unreadable mask. I would be annoyed if I wasn't busy trying to do the same. Clearly, he's also trying to shake off whatever the hell just happened.
“Smart choice,” he tries to hide the smile creeping onto his face. “I’ll clean this up after I show you to your room. Come on."
“Um, no. I helped make the mess, so I'll help clean it up.” I cross my arms, giving him a look.
He hesitates like he’s considering arguing, but just gives a small shrug instead.
“Alright.”
We move around the kitchen, silently drying our mess. Neither of us acknowledge the tension that seems to pull tighter with every accidental brush of our shoulders.
“Thanks.”
It catches me off guard. I'm a little surprised by the unexpected softness in his voice.
“Why wouldn’t I help?”
His lips twitch, like he’s about to say something but thinks better of it. Instead, he just nods, tossing the damn towel in the sink.
I need to get to my room and deal with everything that just happened. My heart’s still racing, and my body… Well, let’s just say relief isn’t anywhere in sight unless I decide to take matters into my own hands.
Kane’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts. “Alright, let's get you to your room. The host says to make yourself at home, and I happen to know there’s a bathtub in there.”
His gaze lingers a second too long on my lips, causing a shiver to run through me and my skin prickles with awareness.
A hot bath sounds tempting, especially since my clothes are still damp, but my body is still on fire. What I need is an ice bath.
I don’t trust myself to respond. So instead, I grab my bag from the corner and sling it over my shoulder, needing the distance.
We move through the castle's dimly lit hallways, while the storm still rages outside. Rain pounds against the windows and the occasional rumble of thunder rolls through the stone walls like a distant heartbeat. The candlelight makes everything feel impossibly cozy.
My body still feels a little off, or hyperaware, whatever you want to call it. I keep my eyes ahead, but my mind is still spiraling with mixed emotions. Attraction, frustration, and that damn heat I can’t seem to shake. My panties are soaked and I didn’t even bring a change of clothes.
I barely pay attention to where we’re going, which is probably stupid. I should at least know where my room is in case I need to bolt later.
Kane walks quietly next to me and I steal a glance at him out of the corner of my eye. He looks relaxed, but I can feel the undercurrent of something there.
I wish I knew what the hell he was thinking right now.
