Page 24 of Property of Chux

Another pause from Kelly. Then, in a quieter voice, “I don’t like this.”

I swallow hard. “I know.”

“But you’re my best friend,” she says, voice full of something I can’t explain. “And I’ll do anything.”

Something in my chest tightens.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

She sighs. “I love you, Ally. I just want to know what’s going on.”

I force a weak smile. “I know and I love you too.”

Chux reaches over, ending the call before she can say anything else.

I exhale shakily, handing the phone back. “Happy now? I didn’t tell her anything.”

He studies me for a moment. “No.”

I frown. “Why?”

His jaw tics. “Because she’s right. You do owe her an explanation. And eventually, you’re gonna have to give it.”

I look away, staring at the dark wood of the table.

“Yeah,” I murmur. “I know.”

How can I explain something I don’t understand?

CHAPTER 9

DAMIAN

“It’s early.”I explain knowing she’s used to this getting to work before the sun comes up. “Kelly is sorted. Now lay back down.”

She studies me, hesitating before she finally comes back to bed. I toss the phone I got from Riot to my nightstand. She tries the same thing from last night, rolling to her side, her back to me. And like before, I roll into her scooping her against me and rolling us both, me to my back and her draped over me. This time, I run my hand softly against the back of her neck until she settles and falls back into a slumber.

The first thing I hear when I wake up is the soft sound of her breathing.

The second thing?

The low growl of her stomach.

A slow smirk tugs at my lips. Guess she’s human after all.

I shift, sliding my arm from beneath her, careful not to startle her too much—though I know she’s going to be rattled when she realizes where she is again. That’s what happens when reality hits. The fear creeps back in.

I sit up, rubbing the back of my neck before swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. I don’t bother looking at her yet—I can feel her staring.

She’s tense. Waiting. Watching.

Anticipating

Let her.

I push up from the bed and make my way to the dresser tucked against the far wall. I don’t miss the way her breath catches when I pull open the top drawer and grab a pair of gray sweatpants. Yeah. She wasn’t expecting that. Jeans are good for riding, not for lounging around the house.

I slide them on, taking my time, letting the silence stretch.

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