Chapter 15
15
J a’vari:
The light, repeated knocks on the door prompted me to head to it. I already knew it was Radiance since she’d texted and said she was on her way and had given step-by-step moves since. Opening the door, I found Radiance leaned against the wall, struggling to stand with her arm outstretched, continuing with the knocking motion. “Ja’vari.” She did her best to stand up, but the heels damn near made her topple over. “Shit.” Radiance cupped her hand over her mouth, giggling, just as I grabbed her to prevent her from falling.
“You good?”
When Radiance had said she’d be back a couple hours earlier, I had told her no rush and to enjoy herself. From the smell of alcohol on her breath and her actions, I could see she had done just that.
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Come on.” I pulled her closer to me, pulling her inside the room.
Radiance swathed herself with her arms. “It is cold as hell in here.”
I wanted to tell her it wasn’t cold. Instead, her little piece of fabric of a dress made it seem so. “Let me get you a blanket.”
“No, I should get Ja’Lani and head back to my room.”
I chuckled. I was sure that before I came into the picture, Radiance would either not drink or if she did with Ja’Lani around, she handled her on her own. I wouldn’t let that be. “She’s sleeping. Plus, you need to sleep your alcohol off before dealing with her.”
“I don’t wanna sleep.” She slurred.
Radiance attempted a step but obviously misjudged it as she stumbled, almost falling. I reached out, grabbing her. “You might not want to, but you need to.”
“Well, damn. Mr. St. Clair over here handling me and shit.”
I wasn’t even holding on to her tightly. I knew it was the alcohol talking. “Come on so you can lay down.” I tried guiding her, but her feet were planted.
Radiance’s eyes roamed from my eyes all the way to my feet slowly. “I can lay down, but it ain’t to sleep.” She tried to sound seductive but failed.
I chuckled. “Nah, you not thinking right. You really don’t want to do that.”
Pulling from me a bit, Radiance stared up at me. “A drunk mind speaks a sober heart.” She spoke lowly just before she pressed her lips against mine.
I could have pulled away from the kiss, probably should have, but in the moment we were in, I didn’t want to. At first, Radiance dominated the kiss; eventually, I took over while hoisting her from her feet. Right or not, I wanted her, and she wanted me. If there would be regret, we’d deal with it when the time came.