Page 85 of Rise Above

up.” The shaking continued.

I groaned, rolling onto my back to face whoever

was pestering me. Striking hazel eyes met mine. Aife’s plump, pink lips looked so tantalizing right now. Plus, she looked ridiculously cute in her work clothes. I frowned at her long sleeves. She always wore long sleeves to cover her arms. Aife looked at me again. She was truly stunning.

“Talon, you need to get up.”

“No.” I didn’t want to get up. Everything hurt and

her bed was comfy. Pain wrapped around my wrist, aching and intense.

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Yes. You

cannot sleep in my bed. You need to go home.”

“Why?” I felt like a petulant child. “I want to stay

here.”

She sighed and looked me over. I could tell dozens

of thoughts were running through her head. I wasn’t lying; I did want to stay here. Aife was comfortable to be around. Her mere presence calmed my racing mind. Aife unfolded

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her arms and roughly ran a hand through her hair. She closed her eyes tightly and breathed through her nose.

“I can appreciate that, and I’m glad you’re

comfortable around me.” Aife let out a deep breath. “You distract me though. During the week, you need to be at your own home.”

My ears perked up. “Distract you?” The covers fell

off as I sat up. Aife sucked in a breath and turned away. I smirked. “So, I can come and stay Friday and Saturday?”

Aife banged her head on her bedroom door. It

sounded painful, but she did it twice more. “Fine. But!”

“But?” Why was there always a but with this

woman? I smiled, watching her braid fall over her shoulder.

“You have to be fully clothed.”

Laughing, I climbed out of her bed and stood

directly behind her. Leaning down, I spoke softly into her ear. “You think I’m attractive or something?”

She audibly gulped. “Talon, you’re like a fucking

gladiator and an actor rolled into one.” Aife turned, squeaking when she ran into my bare chest. Her mouth dropped open, and she blinked rapidly. She sucked her bottom lip into her mouth, eyes trailing over my body.

“Jesus fucking Christ.” Her hand reached out before

she shook her head and dropped her hand. “For the love of Johnny Christ, put clothes on.”