Page 66 of A Villain's Kiss

“Yes, they are,” I answer.

“So, like I said, why are you here?” she asks again. She puts the pizza down and leans her head on the side of the counter.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“I’m tired.” Her eyes start to close, and she jolts as she starts to fall asleep sitting up. Shit! How high is she? I go back and shut the door, not one of them moving as I do. I pull a blanket from the couch, one that isn’t covering her friend and place it over her mother before I bend down and reach for Oriana, picking up her light frame. Her arms go around my neck as I cradle her to me and I take her to her room. Clothes are everywhere, and her bed is a mess. Walking her over to it, I place her down then move her clothes out of the way.

“Jake,” she mumbles sleepily.

“Hmm…” I lean down, brushing her red hair from her face.

“I hate that I like you.” I smile at her words as she scoots over and opens her arms, her eyelids lifting just a little. “Cuddle me.”

“I don’t cuddle,” I warn her.

“You do now. Now, cuddle me,” she demands.

I kick off my shoes and climb into bed with her, then she flings a leg over me as she places her head on my chest.

“If I wasn’t so drunk and high right now, we could totally do the nasty.”

I brush her hair down with a laugh. “We can tomorrow,” I tell her.

“Good. I like the nasty with you…” She pauses, nuzzling into me. “Do you like it with me?”

“Yes, every second of it.” I don’t know if she hears me because a soft snore leaves her mouth. Her grip loosens as she falls deeper into sleep.

I go to move, but she somehow knows and holds me tighter.

I don’t sleep in the same room with anyone.

It’s better that way.

Always has been.

So why do I not fight it when my eyes close?

Because I know I should.

Yet…

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