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"Also," I continued, cheeks hot. "There's no need to worry about me trying to kick you off the ship or out of the room. I was being stubborn and hotheaded, but this mission must be successful. And I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen … even if it means sharing a bed with you."
I let the last bit hang and turned to stare out over the ocean, shoulders stiff.
"Kaiya, that almost sounded like an apology." Warm fingers curled around my forearm, and he cleared his throat. "Thank you."
Swallowing against the strange heat unfurling in my chest, I focused on the ocean ahead. "Yes, well, don't let it get to your head! This isn't some invitation to —"
Firm fingers pressed into my chin, tugging me until my eyes met his soft gaze.
His eyes traced the lines of my face. "I'm also sorry for what I said. Sincerely."
My heart stuttered and that heat from before sank low in my belly, unfurling into a throbbing warmth that made me press my thighs together.
"Stop it!" I knocked his hand away and stepped back. "I can't believe you tried to charm me while I was in the midst of apologizing! That's exactly what I was saying not to do!"
"Charm you?" He chuckled softly, brows lifted. "We both know my charisma doesn't work on you, Princess. Whatever you feel around me is all you."
I gritted my teeth as my cheeks flared with heat. "Ha! Maybe that roll I ate for breakfast just didn't agree with my stomach."
The bastard smiled.
"Look," I said, forcing my voice to remain steady. "If we're going to share the room, I propose we split its use. I need to do some reading and other preparations for the mission. I assume you also have preparations that need to be done?"
Jaiel shrugged.
"One of us should take the mornings, and the other the afternoons. When it isn't your shift, you can do stuff about the ship. Then, when it is your turn, you'll have the room to yourself. If either of us needs the room while the other has it, we'll just knock and ask."
"Sounds reasonable enough." He shrugged. "What about after that?"
"After dinner." I narrowed my eyes. "We'll take turns in the room, washing up and such."
He nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "And then …"
"Then we share the bed," I said, voice breaking. "As you suggested, we'll use the pillows as a wall between us."
"Almost to the exciting part now." He leaned closer. "Go on!"
"And then we both go to damn sleep," I hissed. "With me stabbing you if you even so much as think of crossing that barrier."
He chuckled softly. "Okay then. In that case, you can have both the morning and afternoon shift, as I'm sure you'll be doing enough prep for the both of us. Meanwhile, I'll explore the ship and take in the ocean air."
I cleared my throat and nodded. "Thank you. That would be very helpful."
"No worries, Princess. See you tonight …" He leaned in slowly, letting the word hang until his breath brushed the shell of my ear. "In bed."
Then he was gone, striding off down the hall like nothing happened.
Clearing my throat, I fixed my bun and turned to stare at the retreating dock and the Capital beyond.
Two days. I just had to survive that man — and my traitorous body — for two damn days.
Chapter 15
Kaiya
Room 11.
I stared down at the knob, and my stomach twisted. I could do this. He was probably already asleep.
