Page 92 of Midnights
Rachel nudges me, grinning. “A horror movie where we get to live in luxury for the night? I’ll happily be dragged into the forest in exchange for that.”
Cam snorts, barely holding back his laughter. “What’s with you guys and horror films?”
Kane ignores him and just watches me, waiting for my response.
“Everything can be arranged either way.” He hasn't looked away, just keeps looking at me. “I'm just asking if you could please decide what you’d like to do, so we can make said arrangements.”
Thepleasedoesn’t soften the command behind his words.
And there I go, wet again.
Fucking hell.
It’s infuriating. No matter how hard I try to stay in control…one look, one word from him, and I’munraveling.He’s not even doing anything and yet here I am, spiraling. I hate that he has this effect on me. I swallow, locking eyes with him, refusing to let him see how much he’s getting to me.
I'm trying to will the heat in my veins to settle, reminding myself that staying here is just practical. Nothing more. But with him around, everything feels like a test. A game neither of us will admit we’re playing.
I lean in, grinning. “Kane! I didn’t realize you knew how to sayplease.”
His lips twitch, and I just know he wants to bite back. “I guess I'm just full of surprises.”
He stands and extends his hand to me.
I blink, eyeing his outstretched palm like it’s a trap. Because let’s be honest, it probably is.
“What are you doing?” I raise a skeptical brow.
“Helping you up. You know, like a gentleman.” The look he has on his face is pure trouble, his eyes are dark with something that looks a lot like heat. And damn if he isn’t the hottest man I’ve ever seen. My pulse betrays me, skittering like it’s trying to keep up.
“Believe it or not, I'm quite well-mannered,” he adds, laced with sarcasm.
I snort, crossing my arms. “Well, I'm not sure how I feel about this sudden display of chivalry. You’re creeping me out.”
He chuckles. “Get used to it,Princess. I have layers.”
“Like Shrek!” Rachel chimes in, doubling over with laughter. “You know, like onions.”
Cam groans, rubbing his forehead. “Please, no. Don’t encourage her.”
I giggle, shaking my head. When I look back at Kane, he’s watching me. I still can't read his expression, but his eyes are telling a different story. A story that makes my stomach flip.
Then softer this time, like he’s trying to reassure me. “If you’re not comfortable, we can head back to your place. It’s up to you.”
I shake my head, fighting the urge to smile. I try to ignore the way the shift in his tone does something to me. He’s impossible to read, impossible to predict. And yet, for some reason, I believe him.
“Well,” I drag the moment out just because I can. “Since we’reso graciouslybeing given the option…” I turn to Rachel with a slow grin. “Might as well stay.”
Kane’s expression doesn’t change, but I see the way he's looking at me.Challenge accepted.
Rachel claps her hands together. “Oh, hell yes.”
Cam chuckles, pushing off the counter. “All right then. Guess we’re having a sleepover.”
“We’re staying in a castle and we’re not changing our minds now.” Rachel squeals.
Cam shakes his head. “Shrek? Really, Rach?”
Rachel crosses her arms with a huff. “Hey, don’t act like you don’t know the words toAll Star.”
