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When the kitchen was clean, he shut off the light and went into his bedroom to find some pajamas for himself. Grabbing a pair of sweats and a T-shirt, he headed into the attached bathroom and changed. Remi was standing by his bed when he opened the door, and he paused to look at her.
He’d known her for her entire life, but he couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen her bare-faced, and there she was with not a trace of makeup on her skin. She turned to look at him, her dark brown eyes traveling up his body until she met his gaze. She took his breath away. Her skin was so creamy and smooth, and her long dark lashes lined her wide eyes perfectly. She looked so innocent. So adorable. And the pink pajama set she was wearing was just the cherry on top.
“It’s strange seeing you in pink.”
Her lips pulled back into a soft smile. “Do you think I’m weird?”
Walking over to her, he brushed a wet strand of hair away from her face. “No. I think you’re perfect. I won’t say I’m not surprised because I am. I never expected this side of you but it’s a good surprise.”
He wanted to ask her so many questions. How old was her Little? What did she like to do when she was in that headspace? Did she like sippy cups and pacifiers? He considered asking her all of that, but when she swayed slightly, he realized those questions would have to wait because she needed to go to sleep.
He went over to his bed and pulled the blankets back. “I just changed the sheets yesterday but I can change them again if you want.”
She shook her head and climbed up onto the mattress. “No. I’m fine. Thank you. But I really don’t mind sleeping on the couch. You’ll be so uncomfortable.”
“I’ll be just fine. You saw how big my couch is. Besides, there’s no way in hell I’m letting you be between me and the front door. I’ll always be the one who’s between you and danger. Now, do you need anything before you go to sleep?”
“Can you hand me my bag?”
He went over to the chair, grabbed her bag, and brought it to her, watching as she dug through it and then looked up at him shyly before pulling out a small stuffed bat and a teddy bear. Not just any teddy bear, either. It was the teddy bear he’d given her when her dad had been in the hospital and he’d found her crying in the hallway. That had been one of the only times she’d let down her guard around him and let him hug her. Up until now, at least.
“You kept him.”
She nodded and clutched the bear to her chest. “He’s one of my favorite stuffies. You gave him to me when I was the most sad I could ever remember being, and it cheered me up. He and Binks are my two favorites. Although I love all my stuffies.”
He watched her turn animated as she told him about her stuffies, and he knew her Little side was showing. It was the sweetest thing he’d ever witnessed. “Who is Binks?”
Her bare cheeks turned bright pink as she held up the stuffed bat. Of course, his little Goth girl would have a stuffed bat. It fit her perfectly.
“He’s cute.”
Giggling, she shook her head. “Binks is a girl, silly.”
Oh, yeah, her Little was there, and it was freaking adorable. And if he didn’t leave the room soon, he was going to tuck her in, kiss her forehead, and then it would be impossible to leave her, so instead, he smiled and nodded. “Silly me. Get some rest, Princess. I’ll be out in the living room if you need anything.”
She slid down under the covers and pulled both stuffies under with her. “Night, Kade.”
“Night, Remi.”
“Kade,” she whispered.
He turned and looked at her from the doorway. “Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, baby girl. Night.”
EIGHT
REMI
She couldn’t sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she kept seeing those letters and photographs. Who would do such a thing? And if that person had been taking photos of her from right outside her apartment, had they been inside her apartment at some point without her knowing? A shiver coursed through her and suddenly, she was on her feet with her teddy bear dangling from her hand as she made her way out to the living room.
The house was dark except for the dim light of the hallway bathroom, which she guessed he’d left on for her benefit since she was pretty sure Kade wasn’t scared of the dark. Neither was she. Not really anyway. Okay, maybe just a little. Especially right then when her mind was going crazy thinking about everything.
As soon as she stepped into the living room, she heard Kade move.
“What’s wrong, Princess?”
