AllFreeNovel
Share Us
28
KAYDEN
“Stop it,” I said with a laugh, batting at Holden with a soapy hand. I’d spent the night in his room, wrapped in his arms, and waking up together was something I could easily get used to.
“I can’t help myself,” he growled, scraping his teeth along my shoulder as he fondled my breast from behind. We’d already had one round in the shower, unable to keep our hands off each other.
“I know,” I whimpered as he brushed his fingers over my inner thighs. “But we’re going to be late for breakfast if we don’t hurry.”
Reluctantly, Holden let me finish washing my hair, then gave me a robe to wear as I stepped out of the shower. I went up on tiptoes to kiss him, grinning.
“What?” he asked, his hands resting on my waist.
I shook my head and turned to start brushing out my hair, not sure I wanted to voice my feelings. But as we stood together in his bathroom getting ready, I kept glancing at him in the mirror, checking out his carved body and the sexy vee of his lower abdomen where a towel was slung low around his hips.
I could definitely get used to this.
I finished braiding my hair and put on some clothes Holden had called Faye to have delivered. So much for keeping our night together a secret. As we left his apartment to go to the dining hall, he took my hand and squeezed it.
“Jessica will be going home today.” He gave me a sad smile. “I know you two had become friends, so I wanted to give you a chance to go to the infirmary after breakfast to say goodbye.”
My shoulders dropped. I knew she’d be leaving, but that didn’t mean I’d come to terms with it. She was the only person I truly trusted here, aside from Jenna, who I never got to see. At least I’d be able to tell her goodbye.
“Thank you.”
When we reached the dining hall, Holden led me inside just as Willow was making the daily announcements. We quickly took a seat together, but our entrance didn’t go unnoticed.
“Excuse me.” Sydnee’s snotty voice echoed through the hall, interrupting Willow. “But what’s going to be done about all the rules being broken? It seems like every time I turn around, someone is getting away with murder.”
My shoulders stiffened at her words, and Holden’s hand went to my knee under the table, giving it a reassuring squeeze before standing up and directing his attention to Sydnee.
“I’d like to ask you to refrain from commenting until we can speak in private later.”
Sydnee opened her mouth, then thought better of it and smiled sweetly. “I look forward to it.”
I bet you do.
The rest of breakfast was mercifully uneventful. Holden leaned in and brushed a kiss over my ear as he said, “Faye will escort you to the infirmary to visit Jessica. I have business to attend to, but I’ll see you at dinner.”
I nodded, watching him turn and go, already feeling alone without Jessica to attend PT with. Faye appeared at my shoulder a moment later, and we made our way to the infirmary. The minute I stepped inside, I rushed to Jessica’s side, taking her hand and holding it in both of mine.
“You’re awake,” I choked out, my emotions getting the better of me.
She smiled, her kindness shining even through her obvious pain. “Only thanks to you, from what I hear.”
I blinked back hot tears. “Any friend would have done the same.”
“They wouldn’t have,” she said softly, her eyes filling with tears. “Which is why I know you’re a true friend. I’m going to miss you, Kayden.”
I sniffed and squeezed her hand. “I’ll miss you too. What am I going to do now?”
“You’re going to win the Contention, that’s what. And besides, I know we’ll see each other again soon once all this is over. Holden offered me a position on the council.”
“That’s wonderful.” She was getting exactly what she wanted. After giving her a careful hug and saying a tearful goodbye, I had to leave her and get to PT.
I barely made it there in time. Dalton set me up with a weight machine that focused on my arms since my leg would be healing for another day or so. As I began my fifth circuit of exercises, Sydnee walked in, pitching her voice to be heard throughout the gym.
“So sorry I’m late. Holden took me on a walk—a morning date just after breakfast.” Her eyes found mine in the mirrored wall, her eyes full of triumph.
