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“You don’t get a say in what I do.” I took a deep breath and threw the covers back to stand up. “I’m sorry I gave you the impression I’m a pushover. I’mreallynot.”
Gavin caught my elbow, hauling me to a stop, then dropped his hand as if he’d been burned. “Stop being a selfish brat for five seconds and listen.”
His big body blocked the door, so I crossed my arms, tilted my head, and waited for his bullshit.
“When Mase can’t sleep, he takes over the couch and plays video games all night. We have an unspoken rule to leave the space for him when he needs it. My bed is big enough for both of us to stretch out without touching each other.” He raised a brow. “Unless you can’t keep your hands to yourself.”
My lips pressed together in an effort to keep my violent thoughts inside. I didn’t want to alienate my roommates any more than necessary on the first night, and I didn’t want to give in to Gavin’s taunting. His challenge shouldn’t work on me, but dammit, he’d nailed the fear at the heart of my refusal.
I wasn’t sure Icouldkeep my hands to myself. Mase was enough to get me to stay, but I couldn’t let him know he’d hit truth with the other reason.
With a sweet smile, I sauntered past him toward the door. “Since you’re concerned, I’ll go see if Cole has space. Or Reece. He seems like he’d have a nice big bed.” I barely got the words out before Gavin slapped a palm against his door, holding it closed.
“My bed or no one’s, Princess.” A growl replaced the teasing in his voice.
I pushed against his chest, but he didn’t move an inch. “Why do you care?”
“Because I don’t want you fucking with their heads.”
The way you fuck with mine. He didn’t say the words, but I could see them written across his face. At least I wasn’t the only one. A tiny zip of satisfaction raced through me, enough to help me claw back some control.
My fingertips burned where they rested on his skin, but I kept my eyes locked on his, ignoring the urge to explore the dark strokes of his tattoo. I’d seen plenty of naked chests in my life without making stupid decisions—this one didn’t have to be any different.
I hated capitulating, but Ireallydidn’t want to sleep on the floor again. “Fine. You can stay.”
Gavin’s lips tipped up as I broke the staring contest. His arm dropped when I slid away to crawl back into the bed, but he stayed there facing the door for a long moment. I hoped he was reconsidering his stupid demands.
His shoulders rose and fell with a deep breath, then the light snapped off. In the dark, I could barely make out his shadow as he circled the room. I curled up on my side, facing away from him.
The quiet thump of clothes hitting the floor made my back tense up. I clenched my eyes closed, willing my breathing to stay even despite the sudden rush of my pulse. The mattress groaned under his weight, and the blankets pulled taut for a second. My imagination was having a field day trying to decide if he slept in his undies or went commando.
Heat licked at my core, and I squeezed my legs together. No way. I wasnotgetting hot and bothered by the thought of Gavin sprawled out naked behind me. I simply hadn’t been with a guy since Mac at the end of spring semester, and my body didn’t give a fuck who was rustling around under the covers.
Gavin sighed, and his warm breath hit my shoulder, sending goosebumps rippling down my arms and back. A montage of all the times we’d sparred with each other flashed across my mind, ending with the hot as fuck kiss earlier.
Fine. I knew exactly who was taking up all the space behind me. Gavin’s body may have been made for dirty fantasies, but I couldn’t forget what he’d done to Kayleigh. He was a selfishasshole through and through. One I couldn’t stop thinking about.
At this rate, the floor would have been better. At least I would have gotten some sleep.
“Relax, Princess. I won’t bite unless you ask nicely.” His husky voice broke the heavy silence.
I wanted to pretend I was asleep, but my faking game was weak. “I hate that nickname. I’m no princess.”
“No? You seem pretty haughty from where I’m lying.”
“If we’re going with medieval titles, I’d prefer spymaster… and you’d be the dirty thief trying to gain access to the castle.”
He scooted closer, his warmth invading my space. “You’re right about one thing…” His lips brushed the shell of my ear, and I couldn’t contain the shiver. “I can be very dirty.”
With careful effort, I managed to keep my breathing even. I knew he didn’t mean what he was implying. He was trying to get a rise out of me in the only way he knew how. My own fault for giving him ammunition. I never should have kissed him.
When I didn’t respond, Gavin’s voice lowered. “Are you going to give me access, Princess?”
I closed my eyes for a brief second—steeling myself against the temptation of surrender—then rolled over and smacked him in the face with the blankets. “Not today, Satan. Now move back and toss me those extra pillows.”
His lips twitched as he retreated to the far side. “Why?”
“Because I need at least two for the wall between us, one for my head, and one to smother you with.”
