Chapter Fourteen #4
Kade shoots him a look that shuts him up instantly.
I breathe out, letting my eyes close for a moment. Just a moment. The room feels safe. The couch feels soft. Kade feels like the only thing keeping me upright.
He presses a kiss to the top of my head, gentle, lingering. “We should get you home.”
I shake my head weakly. “I don’t want to leave yet.”
“I know,” he whispers. “But you’re falling asleep sitting up.”
I open my eyes again, blinking slowly. The room tilts just slightly, not enough to scare me, just enough to remind me how drained I am. I look at my friends, their faces softening, their voices quieting, their chaos settling into something gentle.
Shae smiles. “We’re not going anywhere. You can come back tomorrow.”
Jace nods. “Or the day after. Or whenever. Just go rest.”
I look up at Kade. His eyes are already on me, dark and steady, full of that quiet protectiveness that makes my chest ache.
“Okay,” I whisper. “Take me home.”
He stands, helping me up carefully, his hand firm around mine, his other hand steadying my waist. My legs feel heavy, but he keeps me upright, guiding me toward the door with slow, patient steps.
I glance back once. Shae waves. Jace lifts his churro in a salute. The studio glows warm behind them, familiar and safe.
But Kade is beside me. And right now, that’s all I need.
The car pulls away from the studio, the soft rumble of the engine settling into my bones.
I sink into the seat, head leaning toward the window, eyes half-closed.
The city lights smear into long streaks of gold and white, blurring together until they look like they’re melting.
I try to stay awake, try to keep my eyes open, but everything feels heavy. My limbs. My thoughts. My breath.
Kade keeps glancing at me. I feel it even when my eyes are closed. The way his attention flicks from the road to me, checking, measuring, making sure I’m still conscious. His hand finds my thigh, warm and steady, thumb brushing slow circles that make my chest loosen.
“You’re falling asleep,” he murmurs.
I shake my head, but it’s barely a movement. “I’m fine.”
“You’re not,” he says softly. “You’re exhausted.”
I don’t argue. I can’t. My eyelids flutter again, dipping shut for a moment before I force them open. The world tilts slightly, not enough to scare me, just enough to remind me how drained I am. I breathe out slowly, letting the hum of the car lull me deeper.
Kade adjusts his grip on the wheel, jaw tight, eyes soft. He drives slower than usual, careful, like the road might jolt me awake too harshly. The city thins out, the lights fading into quieter streets, familiar turns leading toward the penthouse.
I drift.
Not fully asleep. Not fully awake. Just floating somewhere in between, held together by the warmth of his hand and the sound of his voice when he whispers, “Almost home.”
The car stops. I blink, disoriented, the world tilting back into focus. Kade gets out, the door opening beside me a moment later. Cool air brushes my face, pulling me back from the haze.
“Come on, Bunny,” he says, voice soft enough to anchor me. “We’re home.”
I reach for him without thinking. He takes my hand immediately, fingers curling around mine, guiding me out of the car. My legs wobble, but he steadies me, one hand at my waist, the other holding my fingers tight.
I lean against him, forehead resting on his shoulder, eyes closed.
He doesn’t say anything, just holds me close, thumb brushing slow circles against my hip.
The doors open with a soft chime, and he leads me down the hall, unlocking the penthouse with one hand while keeping me upright with the other.
The moment we step inside, the familiar scent hits me. Warm. Clean. Him. The lights are low, the space quiet, safe, untouched. My body relaxes instantly, muscles loosening, breath softening.
I sway on my feet. Kade catches me before I can fall.
“Bed,” he murmurs.
I nod, too tired to speak. He guides me down the hall, slow and patient, like he’s afraid I’ll break if he moves too fast. My boots feel heavy. My flannel slips off one shoulder. My eyes keep closing.
We reach the bedroom. He helps me sit on the edge of the bed, then kneels to untie my boots, sliding them off gently. I watch him through half-lidded eyes, the room tilting softly around me.
“You’re falling asleep sitting up,” he says, voice warm, amused.
“I’m tired,” I whisper.
“I know.” He pulls the blanket back, guiding me under it. “Sleep.”
I sink into the mattress, the softness swallowing me whole. He tucks the blanket around me, fingers brushing my arm, my shoulder, my cheek. I grab his hand weakly, holding it for a moment.
“Stay,” I whisper.
He leans down, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I’m not going anywhere.”
I let go of his hand, my eyes closing fully now, the world fading into darkness. The last thing I feel is the bed dipping beside me as he lies down, his arm sliding around my waist, pulling me close, holding me steady.
Home. Safe. Warm. His.
Sleep takes me before I can think another thought.