Hearing the same words now just felt like he was mocking me."I know," I said, then added, "I'm not a kid anymore."Jace seemed to catch what I meant and gave me a tight smile. "I guess I'm just overthinking things."I stayed quiet as he went on, "Just be careful, okay? Don't walk around distracted."I nodded, but the image from my dream flashed through my mind—Jace, covered in blood. Seeing him here at the hospital made my heart clench, and before I could stop myself, I asked, "What are you doing here?"His lips moved like he was about to answer, but nothing came out."Aren't you—" I started, wanting to ask if he was okay.But before I could finish, someone called out from down the hall. "Jace, hurry up."It was Tanya.Jace's tall frame blocked my view, but I recognized her voice instantly.It all made sense now. He wasn't here because he was unwell—he was here with Tanya.I didn't need to ask why. It was probably just a prenatal checkup.And here I was, stressing over him
My heart raced. Oh no, is he planning to go for it again?It's human nature to crave what feels good, and once someone's had a taste, they want more.I guess even the most put-together people can't resist temptation. No wonder those characters in dramas risk everything just to fall in love.Love really is the biggest weakness the universe gave us.As Hayden's kisses deepened, I found my mind wandering off, caught up in a random swirl of thoughts.But when he gently nipped my lip, I snapped back to reality. That's when I realized he'd already laid me down on the bed, his body pressing against mine.His eyes were dark with desire, his Adam's apple bobbing in a way that made my breath catch. His strong arms were braced on either side of me, his muscles flexing, and I felt my mouth go dry.He was a living, breathing temptation, and I could feel a tingling warmth spread through me, like a slow, gentle current buzzing under my skin.I knew exactly what this feeling was. I was getting
Even though I'd moved on from Jace, the sting of what he did was still there, like an old bruise that hadn't quite faded."Rea, you poor thing," Lindey said, her eyes blazing with that fierce protectiveness she was known for. "You went through all that and didn't say a word? That place was supposed to be yours. You should've kicked her out! I wouldn't let a stray cat stay there, let alone her!"No wonder Matthew always tiptoed around her. Besides loving her, he was probably scared out of his mind to get on her bad side.But Jace and I were history, so what was the point of dragging this up again?I tried to calm her down. "It's over, Lindey. Let it go.""Maybe you're over it, but I'm not. I'm getting that place back today," she declared.I couldn't help but smile a little. "Even if you boot her out of that penthouse, Jace can just buy her another one."Tanya might've been the one in the middle, but it was Jace who put her there in the first place.He was the real problem, not h
Guys can't handle it when a girl cries, and girls freak out when a guy shows he's vulnerable.And let's be real, when it comes to sex, it's not surprising if he was a little rough the first time. It's all new, right?Plus, Lena texted me this really sweet message, saying it's totally normal to feel a bit sore the first time and not to blame Hayden.Honestly, Hayden owes Lena a big thank you. She not only calmed me down without even trying, but she also helped his sister by hooking her up with Nate for that surgery.I was still healing, so no matter how much Hayden wanted me, he had to chill.I thought he'd be good and go back to his own room, but instead, he stayed and wrapped me up in his arms."Hayden, isn't this driving you crazy?" I teased, leaning against his chest.He just muttered, "Don't talk. Go to sleep."I giggled. "But can you really fall asleep like this?""Kiki," he groaned, his voice all gravelly, "don't push it."He was totally uncomfortable, struggling to kee
In the morning, I woke up to the smell of breakfast, and there was Hayden, already in the kitchen.He'd changed into a short-sleeve shirt and cargo pants.Apparently, he really liked this look. It gave off major special agent vibes, and honestly, it fit him perfectly.It wasn't just his build but all that training he did. I remembered him doing push-ups last night.I had to admit, his form was seriously on point."Why are you staring at me? Eat," Hayden said, catching me in the act.I grabbed a bite of the beef macaroni soup he'd made and, curious, asked, "Do you hit the gym a lot?"He scooped some more side dish into my bowl. "Nah, I work out on my own.""No wonder your push-up form is so perfect," I blurted out before I could stop myself.He paused, then looked down. I thought he was embarrassed or something, but then he just asked casually, "You saw me?"Now it was my turn to feel awkward, so I just focused on my pasta and nodded like I'd suddenly forgotten how to talk.H
He looked a little nervous.So, he's feeling guilty, huh?I guess no guy's ever really chill when another guy's in the picture. Seeing Hayden all nervous—it was kinda funny. He almost never looks like this. But I kept my face serious on purpose.I stood there, staring at him, not saying a word.Hayden's lips moved, like he wanted to say something, but he held back, unsure if he should.This usually straightforward guy, hesitating like a kid who's been caught doing something wrong.I couldn't hold it in anymore and started laughing.My laughter only confused him more. "Kiki..."I took the cup of milk he made and stood on my tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek. "Thanks."Then I turned to leave, tossing over my shoulder, "Grab my bag."Hayden followed me all the way downstairs, looking way more relaxed now.When we got to the car, I switched things up and didn't head for the driver's seat. Instead, I walked over to the passenger side.I threw the keys to Hayden. "You're driving."
I got the hint. "Is there something coming up? Do I need to travel?"Ron nodded. "Yeah, you'll be out for a couple of days."Great. I hadn't heard about any new projects, so this had to be a last-minute thing."Where to? What's the job?" I asked, needing the scoop."Uh... we'll figure that out later," he said, looking all mysterious, which was not helpful at all.I could tell he wasn't in the mood to share more, so I just nodded and got back to work. If this was coming from management, I'd better get all my stuff sorted and be ready for anything.I didn't get a break until around ten-thirty. Grabbing my cup, I made a beeline for the break room. Just as I reached the door, I heard two girls inside gossiping over their tea."Mr. Hart just keeps getting hotter. Those cargo pants he's rocking today make his legs look like they go on forever.""Are you serious? I think you're just totally obsessed with Mr. Hart. Weren't you crushing on Mr. Shane, like, last week?""Yeah, I thought
"Hiss—" Hayden let out a soft sound.I knew it wasn't pain but sensitivity. Shivers...I could almost picture him trying to keep it together. Honestly, I was getting pretty wicked, more and more mischievous by the day.After stirring things up, I straightened, took a casual sip of my coffee, and turned to leave like it was no big deal.Hayden seemed too stunned to react. He just sat there, probably trying to figure out what the heck just happened.Back in my office, I sat down, set my coffee cup on the desk, and rubbed my face, chuckling softly.I didn't even know why I was laughing, but I just felt like it.It was that kind of pure, genuine happiness that bubbles up from your heart—the joy of pulling off a little mischief.Like a kid who can't stop giggling after a prank.Just as I was enjoying myself, my phone buzzed with a new message.I picked it up and saw it was from Cole: a location pin.I opened it and saw it was an address in an industrial park on the outskirts of t