Page 223 of Midnights
“I guess I’ll have to see for myself,” I keep my tone light. I’m honestly not sure what’s even happening right now. Are we still talking about Skye?
He chuckles softly. “I like a challenge, love. I wouldn’t be too quick to underestimate me.”
I open my mouth to reply, but his phone buzzes, slicing through the moment like a cold splash of water. His jaw tightens, and he glances down at the screen, muttering something under his breath. The irritation in his expression is small but telling, but it’s gone just as quickly, replaced by his usual charm.
“Work,” he mutters, like the word itself is an excuse. His eyes hold mine for a beat longer, softening at the edges. “And just when I was starting to enjoy myself.”
His lips curve into a polite smile, as he answers his phone. “I’ll talk to you later, Raven.” He winks, turning on his heel.
I watch him go, but something tells me I’ll need to keep an eye on Mike-n-ike.
The house is too quiet and it feels like my thoughts are growing louder by the second, echoing in my head, becoming a challenge I can’t ignore.
A sigh escapes me, and I let my head fall back against the cushion, staring up at the ceiling. My hands are tingling again, which seems to be my new normal. The warmth spreads through my palms like an itch I can’t scratch.I press them together, trying to chase it away, but it lingers. I wish I could at least figure out how the hell I can make it stop.
The feeling triggers a memory I haven’t thought about in years.
My grandmother’s voice was always guiding me when we sat cross-legged on the floor. “Focus on your heart, love,” she’d say, with her hands gently cupping mine. “Find your center. Balance is everything. If the heart is steady, the windows will open.”
Every single time, without fail, I’d drift off mid-session and wake myself up snorting seconds later. I can almost hear her laughter now. “You’ll get there.” She’d whisper, brushing my wild curls back from my face.
The ache in my chest is immediate and bittersweet. Maybe she was right. Lately, I’ve been so on edge, the idea of balance feels laughable. But maybe meditation could help. If nothing else, it might keep me from spiraling into whatever hell this is.
I shift into a comfortable position, listening to the crackle of the fireplace. I close my eyes, and focus on my heart, letting the memory of her voice guide me. A familiar pressure builds in my chest, and I can feel the warmth radiating outward like a flickering flame. It’s comforting and strange all at once.
The tingling in my hands pulses immediately, almost like the warmth is alive, responding to my thoughts.
No amount of Googling has helped me figure out why this keeps happening, so I might as well give this a shot. But just as I start to lean into the feeling, my thoughts drift to Kane. And that’s when my attempt at mediation derails completely.
The images of him flash through my mind like a movie I've watched too many times. It’s a fan favorite, that’s for sure. The memory of him kneeling between my legs, his mouth glistening as he licked me off his lips—like a dangerous promise. Ugh. I need to get a grip.
The shiver that runs down my spine hits hard and fast. My thighs clench together, searching for relief as the sensation builds, winding me tighter. I can't stop the way I squirm, catching my breath on a gasp.
So much for balance.
I try to redirect my thoughts, but every time I push one memory aside, another takes its place.
“This is ridiculous.” I don’t need to be thinking about sex right now.Who said anything about sex?
I groan internally, trying to shove the thought aside. This is why I can’t be trusted to sit still for more than five minutes.
Who am I kidding? He’s all I’ve been thinking about, andthat’sthe real problem here.
Taking a deep breath, I focus on my hands again, willing the restless energy to settle. Slowly, the warmth subsides, and for the first time in days, I feel a sliver of calm. It’s refreshing to feel a rare moment of peace after endless sleepless nights. Maybe meditationdoeswork.
Recharged, I stretch and reach for my phone, already planning a long bath before I leave. But the moment my eyes land on the screen, my stomach drops.3:46 PM?!
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I mutter, glaring at the time like it’s personally offended me. How did the entire day just vanish?I wassureI stayed awake during that meditation. Apparently not.
Panic slams through me, and I dart into the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face in a desperate attempt to snap out of the post-nap haze. It helps, but only a little. Time’s ticking, and I need to pull myself together before he gets here.
Rummaging through my closet, I settle on a casual dress that’s been begging to see the light of day. Why not? Dinner calls for more than the leggings and hoodies I’ve been living in.
I pull the dress over my head, smoothing out the fabric as I look at myself in the mirror. My hair's wild, as always, and clearly has its own agenda. “Whatever, good enough.” I roll my eyes, snatching my coat from the hook and slip on my Docs.
My chest tightens at the thought of seeing Kane again, and I shove the feeling aside. This is just dinner. Just dinner with a guy who practically burns holes through my soul every time he looks at me. No big deal.
Right on time. A knock echoes through the house. My head snaps up, and my heart skips a beat. I grab my bag and head for the door, when I hear…
