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Turning, I finished packing my bag, each movement sending a shot of dull pain through my skull. Another sign that my control over the creature was nearing its limit.
Tea wouldn't be enough today. I needed some saints forsaken koffee. Yes, a brilliant plan.
I strode out of my room and down the familiar stairs. Kaiya's door was still closed, but I had yet to see her late for a meeting. She must be up and moving already.
Perhaps she could help —
No. I just needed to hold it together a few more days.
Besides, she hadn't accepted any of my advances, so it didn't feel right bringing it up. Especially since I knew she'd do anything for the mission. That pressure may make her agree to something she didn't want. And she'd said she was okay with one night stands, but I didn't know if I could do something so small with her. Something told me once I had that woman, there was no way I could ever let go.
And she was far too good to be with someone like me — especially with what my future held.
A soft snore drew my attention as I passed the door to the house's library.
Had Liam fallen asleep reading again?
That idiot really needed to get his head back on straight. That stick up his ass was going to poke right through to his brain if he wasn't careful.
Curious, I peeked in. Another soft snore sounded, and I located the source in one of the chairs by the wide picture window.
Kaiya was in her nightgown, sprawled across the chair with a book atop her face, blocking the early sunlight streaming in.
Saints. Did she never stop? If the pace of the past two years felt like a lot to me, she must be worn down to nothing.
She shifted slightly as I stared, tucking one of her feet beneath her and moving the book off her face.
Her legs were crossed slightly, and her ass was practically hanging off the chair.
Hells. That couldn't be comfortable.
She wouldn't like me touching her to move her to a more comfortable position, though. I'd learned that lesson the hard way.
Resisting the urge to help, I turned and made my way downstairs. I'd grab her a koffee instead, keeping our co-worker boundary safely in place.
Comforting her yesterday had been a one-time thing, and while I couldn't bring myself to regret it, it tread close to dangerous territory.
I had no problem fucking people, but this thing between us was getting far too close to being a … something. And somethings were not something I did.
Shaking my head, I walked out.
I definitely need to keep distance between us.
Mrs. Harlsted stood over the stove in the kitchen, already heating a pot over the flame. "Thanks for the tea earlier," I said, voice rough with sleep. "Any chance I could charm you into a couple cups of koffee, too?" I asked, putting on my famous smile.
She looked over her shoulder at me, lips curled in a smirk. "Of course, dear. Drink a bit too much with the young lord, did you?"
I nodded, rubbing my temples.
"You know, Mr. Harlsted has a mean concoction that will take that pain right away. It's nasty, but it works wonders."
I'd tried that concoction before, and she wasn't kidding. "Perhaps later. I'll try koffee first."
Nodding, she poured the water over a funnel with ground beans inside, and we waited in peaceful silence.
"Everything all situated for the trip?"
"Mostly."
