Chapter 7 #2
Back out into the rain. But what’s the alternative? Stay here while the leaks turn into floods? We’ve been here less than a day and already there are issues. I sigh.
Zane clocks it all. “This new flat has a better view of the ocean. Today won’t define the entirety of your summer, Helena.”
With the closeness of Zane today, even despite all the harrowing things, I might wish this is what the rest of my summer held.
“All right,” I finally relent.
We pack up quickly and make our way down the street to the new flat provided for us.
It has a much larger living space that’s open concept between the living room and the kitchen, which are separated by a massive dining table capable of seating eight.
Despite that definite upgrade compared to the now-flooding other flat, there is one major difference.
Zane carries my bag upstairs, where we both pause in the doorway to the master bedroom. The only bedroom in this flat. A king-sized bed dominates the space with a white duvet and starched pillows decorating it. It looks comfortable and is large enough to sleep far more than two people.
Across the sea-facing side of the flat are large windows in every room, even here. It is a better view of the sea.
I turn to Zane. “It’s only one bedroom. That won’t do for the entire summer.”
Zane shrugs, seemingly unfazed. He throws a thumb over his shoulder to indicate the living room. “That sectional looks comfortable enough. I’ll be fine.”
Guilt washes through me. Zane shouldn’t have to suffer because of his position as my bodyguard. We’re both here in Seamuse and we both deserve basic things like a bed to sleep in.
I open my mouth to argue the point, but Zane holds up his hand and says, “Unpack, Helena. And let’s sleep. It’s been a long day. We can sort this out tomorrow if you still want to.”
Still want to.
Of course I want to make sure he’s comfortable. The only reason Zane is in Seamuse to begin with is because of me.
Arguing with Zane won’t get me anywhere.
I turn to the task of unpacking for the second time today while Zane clears the new flat.
Once he’s satisfied, he disappears to unpack his own bag.
By the time I’m done, I find him sprawled out on the sectional in the living room, one hand on his chest and his outfit unchanged.
Zane was exhausted.
And now he has to sleep on a couch.
I swallow hard. I could invite him to the king bed. There’s plenty enough room where nothing questionable would happen. But then I think of the righteous chaos my father would cause if he knew Zane had slept in the same bed as me.
It wouldn’t matter if Zane was a perfect gentleman. All that would matter is that Zane had done it.
I leave Zane be and try to get to sleep.
I dream of water. Tidal pools and flooded gardens. Even this flat lifting from its foundations and drifting toward the horizon. In the dream, Zane is at the helm, steering us safely through the storm.
I wake to the scent of flint and the faint creak of floorboards as someone paces.
Zane.
I slide out of bed and head to the kitchen. The room is dark, but I can see the shape of him pacing the length of the living space, haloed by moonlight seeping through the windows. At least the rain’s stopped.
“You’re not sleeping,” I whisper. Not a question. He passed out before, but it’s only been two hours since then.
He doesn’t turn. “I don’t need much.”
“Bullshit. Two hours isn’t enough for anyone, Zane.”
A pause. I wish I could make out his features, but it’s too dark in here. “Go back to sleep, Helena.”
I ignore the command he’s not allowed to give me. Instead, I head into the living room. “What’s wrong?” I perch on the end of the sectional couch. Pain springs up my hips as I hit the hard cushions.
That’s what’s wrong.
This section is far more decorative than comfortable. A couch you’d buy to impress your rich friends—or rental customers. It’s not meant to be sat on for long, much less slept on for the next three months.
“You can’t sleep here.” I stand and move toward him. “Please come in there with me, to the bed.”
“Helena—”
“What?” I close the distance between us. Only once we’re inches apart am I able to make out his beautiful features as moonlight highlights his jawline and eyes. “Am I not allowed to be worried for you in return?”
His jaw sets and he clasps his hands behind his back. “That’s not the issue, and you know it.”
We’re close. Too close. I can smell him—his flint scent, his aftershave. It scrambles my thoughts, makes my pulse skip.
I reach for his hand. He doesn’t pull away.
“Come to bed,” I say, softer than before.
He’s silent for a long time. Then, “Not a good idea.”
“It’s a bed, not an invitation.” My cheeks burn. “There’s enough room for both of us. I won’t bite.”
Even if we’re scent-matched.
Even if I’ve wanted you for years.
Even if—
His expression flickers. “That’s not what I’m worried about.”
I squeeze his hand, insistent. “You’re exhausted. Please, Zane. It’s just a bed.”
He stands. I wonder if he’ll protest again, but he just nods warily and follows me. I crawl into the far side of the bed, facing the wall. He slips under the duvet, careful to leave a chasm between us.
The silence is different now. Charged.
Zane’s breathing is steady, but I can tell he’s not asleep. I listen to the rain, let it lull me as Zane’s flint scent cocoons me, warm and like home until—
I purr. It only lasts for a few moments before I catch it and clear my throat to make it stop.
Please, God, stop it.
I’ve never purred before. But I’ve also not had an alpha, let alone one I’m scent-matched with, sleep beside me before.
Especially not Zane. He’s always been professional. Two beds everywhere—or better yet, a suite where he sleeps on the couch between my bedroom and the hotel room door.
So many years spent perfectly and professional separated but close enough to do his job. And now we’re here.
Together.
In the same bed.
For probably most of the summer.
Silence fills the chasm between us until Zane asks, “Helena?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re sure you’re all right?”
I close my eyes. My cheeks burn bright with embarrassment. “I’m better than all right.”
“Good.” There’s a smile in his voice. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Zane.”
I fall asleep with his scent curling around me, sweet and dangerous, and dream of a storm breaking just over the horizon.