Chapter 16
All The Fucking Testosterone
Carina to Tess: Just be patient, he’ll realise his feelings soon enough. [delivered]
Tess
I’ve been at the safe house for a week now and I’m slowly losing my mind. Not because I’m trapped here—though that’s definitely not helping—but because of Kai.
Each morning, I come downstairs to find he’s made me a coffee; he even adds caramel syrup—something I know he made Grumpy go out and buy—because he knows I prefer it sweeter.
But then he’s never around for me to thank him.
We eat dinner in awkward silence, the two of us exchanging heated glances while simultaneously ignoring the sexual tension that’s so thick you can cut it with a knife.
I don’t even know what to say to him anymore. And I’m not normally someone who knows how to shut up.
“Morning, Tess,” Happy says, strolling into the kitchen and flashing me a cheeking grin.
I roll my eyes at the flirtatious tone. Happy seems to enjoy riling Kai up, so he takes every opportunity to flirt with me. I don’t think he’s quite grasped yet that it won’t work when Kai’s not in the room though.
“Coffee?” I offer, reaching for another mug. I almost consider him a friend. I’ve spent most of the week chatting his ear off, which he listens to without complaint. Though, maybe he just does that out of obligation because of who my father is.
“From you? Always.” He winks at me, and I laugh.
I hear Kai’s footsteps before I see him, his presence filling the doorway like a storm cloud. His jaw is clenched so tight I’m worried he might crack a tooth.
“Don’t you have a perimeter to check?” he growls at Happy.
Happy’s grin widens. “Already done. Thought I’d keep our girl company.”
Kai’s expression turns murderous. More so than it already was. “She’s not your anything,” he snaps.
“Not yours either,” I mutter under my breath. Happy hears it, of course, and barks out a laugh.
I shake my head as the tension in the room spikes. “I’m going to shower,” I announce, leaving my barely touched coffee on the counter.
As I head towards the stairs, I hear Happy give a low whistle followed by, “That ass.” There’s a suspicious sound, almost like someone being shoved into a wall, but I don’t turn back to them.
Men.
I’d kill for some female company right now.
Instead of showering, I call Carina. After day two of being here, Happy gave me a secure phone so that I can contact her. Well actually, it was so Enzo could contact me, but this is a happy bonus.
She picks up after the second ring. “Tess!”
“Hey, babe.”
“Are you going stir crazy yet?” she teases, her amusement evident.
I groan, resting my forehead on the bed. “It’s not that. It’s all the fucking testosterone in this place.”
“Kai still giving you the cold shoulder?”
“Yep. And Happy isn’t helping, flirting with me to rile Kai up.” I flip onto my back in annoyance.
“Is it definitely just because of that?”
“What do you mean?”
“Maybe he likes you.”
I pause.
Nah.
We’re just friends.
“Well, even if he does, I’m not interested.”
Carina laughs. “Because you want to ride the Kai train.”
“I definitely want to ride him.” I sigh, my head flopping back onto the bed.
Her voice turns serious. “Do you want more than sex with him?”
I consider her question. Do I?
“I don’t know. It’s not like I really know anything about him.”
“Then get to know him.”
“It’s not that simple. He practically flees the room as soon as I come in.”
“Hmm. Maybe you should tie him down, so he can’t get away.”
“Look, I know you and Nate are into some fucked up shit, but I’m not tying him to a chair like he’s one of your torture victims.”
I swear I can feel her rolling her eyes. “It’s a great way to make someone listen.”
“Not happening.”
There’s a shriek then, “I gotta go, Cupcake just peed on the bed.”
“Gross. Enjoy domesticated life.”
“Enjoy being locked up with lots of sexy men and no vibrator.”
“Bitch.”
“Love you, Tess.”
“Love ya.”