Chapter 21
To say that this woman has me by the balls – both literally and figuratively – would be an understatement.
She brings out a side of me that I didn’t even think existed.
She challenges my instincts and distracts my focus whenever I’m with her, and for someone like me, that’s a dangerous situation to be in.
But in all honesty, I can’t bring myself to give a fuck.
After I’d helped her clean up around five hours ago, we lied in her bed and shared a few random memories from our past with each other.
It’s kinda riveting to know that Cignette has had a childhood just as broken as mine.
Our problems may have varied in their nature and circumstances, but they are still similar in ways only her and I can understand.
And that, right there, is the beauty of our instant attraction.
The cracks in our interiors that only the two of us can see.
I yawn behind a hand and look down at Cignette, who is sound asleep and snoring softly against my ear. Careful not to wake her, I place a soft kiss on her forehead, and inhale the sweet smell of her skin.
Oranges. Always oranges.
She had initially had an issue lying down because of her bruises, but had ended up managing by pressing herself against the side of my body.
She’d said that the pressure created by leaning onto me was helping her relax without feeling any pain, and because I was all for making sure she didn’t feel discomforted, I was glad I could help her in any way possible.
She’d fallen asleep while listening to me talk, and that’d been around four hours ago.
It’s almost 6a.m. now, and she’s still in a slumber, with my right arm under and around her, her head on my shoulder, and her right leg draped over mine.
I’ve dozed off a few times, but haven’t been able to sleep properly.
Despite everything we shared in the last few hours, my focus keeps going back to what Miranda did to her.
And for what? A dress that doesn’t even exist yet? Un-fucking-believable.
I may have told Cignette that I won’t do anything against it, but I sure as fuck am not going to stay true to my word. I’m itching to give Miranda a taste of what happens when someone messes with those I care for, but I won’t be able to do shit if I don’t get my ass out of Cignette’s bed soon.
I shift sideways, and grimace when she groans in protest. There’s no way I’ll be able to free myself without disturbing her, so I decide to wake her instead of accidentally scaring her out of her sleep.
I push her hair away from her face, and stifle the urge to grit my teeth when I see the scar on her cheek.
Yet another reason for me to leave now so that I can actually do something about it.
“Cignette?” I brush the pad of my thumb over her chin and shake her gently. “Cignette, hey.”
Her eyelids flutter, and a second later, she sluggishly opens her eyes.
“Sorry to have to wake you,” I tell her. “It’s almost 6, and the sun’s about to rise. I’ll have to leave now while I’ve still got some darkness to cover me.”
She frowns. “Okay,” she says groggily, then makes to rise, but I stop her.
“Don’t.” I shake my head once. “Go back to sleep, and text me later. Don’t open the door for anyone but your bodyguard, and if there’s anything you need, or if you feel even remotely unsafe or scared, call me right away.”
She nods.
“Words, Little Swan – give them to me.”
She swallows. “I’ll call you if I feel like something’s off. I promise.”
“Good.” I give her a quick once over, then press a kiss on her lips. “You good, right?”
She smiles. “I’m fine.” She scans my face and runs the back of her fingers over my jaw. “Message me when you reach home?”
I chuckle. “I will.”
She smiles again. “Okay.”
God, I don’t wanna leave her, but fuck, I have to.
And so, before I end up changing my mind, I pull my arm from under her and get to my feet. Grabbing my phone and opening my chat with Jayce, I shoot him a quick text.
Me: Meet me at the gym in three hours. Text the others. Keep Solo out of this.
His reply, surprisingly, is quick.
Jay: It’s adorable that you have to ask me to keep Solo in the dark.
Me: Don’t test me.
Jay: You know I’ve got you, so relax.
Me: Thanks, man.
Jay: Don’t mention it.
“Dorran?”
I look at Cignette, and find her holding my switchblade out to me.
“You forgot this,” she says.
“I wonder who’s to blame for that,” I muse as I take it from her.
She rolls her eyes. “Go away. I’m too sleepy right now to have a back-and-forth with you.”
I grin and start back-walking towards her balcony. “Get your rest, then.” I wink at her, pocket my phone and switchblade, then turn around and escape into the rising morning.