Page 9 of Tangled Rose

Chapter 7

At some point in the middle of the night, I jolt upright. I’m not sure if I was dreaming or if something woke me up, but my body is covered in a cold sweat, and I can’t catch a breath. My eyes dart around the room, remembering after a few seconds where I am.

Finally, my heart rate slows. That freaked me out. I can’t recall what I was dreaming about, but it had been enough to jar me awake. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had instances of waking suddenly from a deep sleep, feeling scared and confused. I get why it happens. No child should have to experience some of the things I have. It’s taken everything I have in me to shove it down deep and try to forget.

If I had to guess, I’d say tonight’s episode is anxiety from the life I left behind bleeding over into the present.

After taking several measured breaths, I get up to pee. Even in the brightly lit bathroom, I’m unable to shake the unease and wish more than anything that I’d been able to bring a few books with me. I hadn’t had time to grab them, though. There’d been a very small window between the time when my mother left for the day and when the town car was scheduled to pick me up. I'd thrown as much as I could into our old, beat-up roller bag and called it good. Only now I wish I’d taken the time to pack a few extras. Not that I have a ton, but a favorite book or two would have come in handy right about now.

I wonder …

Instead of getting back into the plush bed and lying awake all night, I move quietly across the room, open my door, and peek out into the hallway. I could look for the library that Carissa had shown me earlier today… but I don’t know that I want to wander around the house in the dark the first night I’m here.

For several seconds I stand still, weighing my options. I know Beau has a ton of comic books in his room. The one I’d read earlier had been interesting. But he’s caught me poking around once already.

I scurry over to his door and try knocking softly, but there’s no response, no sound at all coming from inside. I bite my lip, desperate for the distraction one of his comics would provide.

Do I dare go in there while he’s asleep in his bed? What would he do if he woke up and found me there? Tell me to get the fuck out? It’s a risk I’m willing to take in order to occupy my mind.

The hardwood flooring of the hall is cold beneath my feet, and my toes curl against it as I stand there with my hand on the doorknob.

Breaking and entering in three… two… one…

Slowly turning the knob, I push the door open, looking inside. It takes a few moments for my eyes to adjust to the total darkness. He must have blackout shades or something. I can make out a body on the bed—thank goodness it appears to be just one person—and I creep closer, relieved when Beau continues to breathe steadily. And while his chest rises and falls gently, mine does some weird jerking and leaping about. Pretty sure I’m not cut out for burglary or other nefarious acts. Too late now, but good to know for the future.

I glance at the bed where I can now see Beau’s bare chest and have the errant thought that his muscles may have their own muscles. Ridiculous. But if I’m honest and this were a different sort of situation, I’d want to slide my tongue along all the dips and ridges. See how his skin tastes. Squeeze his pecs in my hands and feel his nipples harden beneath my palms. Straddle him and grind until we’re both panting. My heart pumps hard at the thoughts running through my mind. Focus, Lyla. I almost snicker at myself, then get back to my mission.

Keep right on sleeping, Mr. Stupid-hot Football Player.

Each step closer to the nightstand where I’d last seen his comic book stash is a small victory. I celebrate internally with a little woo-hoo when I have them within reach. This isn’t the time to be picky, so I reach out and take the top one from the stack.

All air rushes from my lungs as an arm wraps around my middle and hauls me backward. I drop the comic and let out a little shriek. A hand clamps down over my mouth and I find myself sprawled on top of a very hard body, both of us on our backs.

I lie on top of him, unsure of what my next move should be. His warm breath cascades over my cheek in slow, measured exhales. It makes me tingle in all sorts of places I shouldn’t be tingling right now—especially considering he’s caught me sneaking into his room again.

His gruff, sleep-roughened voice sends shock waves through me when he whispers near my ear. “What the fuck are you doing in my room, Seven?”

Lust, hot and thick, flows through my veins. I have no idea why the combination of the husky voice and being restrained by this guy I hardly know is doing this to me, but my nipples tighten painfully as I struggle against him and my thighs clench together as my panties dampen. My body is a live wire of sensation. His skin is hot on mine and his scent surrounds me, dragging me under. It’s subtle and delicious, yet so masculine; I want to follow through with my earlier thoughts of licking him. I wiggle in his hold, so turned on I could cry—and he groans.

His erection pokes me right above my ass. Oh boy. I hadn’t realized it when I first came in, but I’m certain he’s naked. Again.

I bite his hand, and he yelps, pulling it away, then flips out from under me with ease. He stretches his powerful body over mine. Right. I forgot. Not only is he a football player, he’s also a wrestler, getting ready to end one season and start another.

He holds my hands over my head as a low growl emanates from him. “The fuck, Lyla. That hurt.”

Struggling to breathe, my breasts press against his torso as my back arches. “You had your hand over my mouth,” I huff.

“You were going to wake the whole house up,” he hisses. “I’ll ask you one more time. What the fuck are you doing in my room?” He boldly stares into my eyes, his mouth mere inches away. If he dropped his head a tiny bit, his lips would be on mine. The idea of it gets me even more worked up. I squirm harder but that only makes my predicament worse.

And I can’t say he’s any better off. His dick prods at the juncture of my thighs and his breath comes fast.

I shift beneath him again, my body subconsciously seeking his, and a low, long groan escapes his lips. He wrenches himself away from me, climbing from the bed.

Well, at least it’s good to know that I’m not the only one feeling this. And fully erect, Beau is even more impressive. Hot damn. I swallow hard as he reaches for a pair of joggers and pulls them on, tucking his cock inside and away from my view.

As I watch, he runs his hands through his hair, locking his fingers on top of his head. He stares at me, his brown eyes glittering in the dark. Forcing himself to take a few deep breaths, he blows each one out carefully.

I sit up on his bed and wet my lips right as my words tumble out. “I was looking for something to read.”

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