Page 28 of White Charms and Dark Secrets

“I can’t. It’s not fair on you.”

“How about you let me make that call. You get to decide how you feel, and when and if you want to tell me the details of what happened. I get to choose if staying here to comfort you is unfair to me. Does that sound even to you?”

“Fine.” I relent, relaxing back into his arms. “But you can carry me up the damn stairs. The sofa isn’t big enough for us both to sleep on, and I may die if I try to stand again, much less climb all those stairs,” I joke, needing to lighten the mood somehow. The strain and oppressive emotions are killing me.

He pushes out a laugh, somehow knowing exactly what I need. He stands, lifting me with him with ease. I always loved how small he made me feel, he could throw me around like a doll if I wanted.The strength he possesses but restrains most of the time is sexy as hell.I bite my lip as I try to erase that thought from my mind.

“I think I can manage that,” his response low as he carries me towards the stairs.

Fifteen

Lost Friends

When I finally wake up, I'm alone. As I sit up and glance around the dark bedroom, I'm not sure why I feel the pangs of disappointment that I do. I mean, it's probably a good thing he left, saves us both from the awkward conversation that would have occurred otherwise. I'm not sure how many ways there are to say I don't want to be in a relationship with you. I chew my bottom lip.Why am I lying to myself, even in my own head?

“Because you're so far inde-nialyou're drowning,” I mutter the terrible joke aloud. I sigh as I drag myself out of bed and head across the room to pull some towels out of the closet. After grabbing my fluffiest towel, I shimmy out of the clothes that I’ve been wearing for way too long now. Days too long. Cringing as I throw them in to washing basket, I try not to think too hard about Darren snuggling up to me like this without a word of complaint.

Darting into the ensuite bathroom, I turn on the shower and jump in the second the water heats up. I rush through my shower, despite wanting to slow down and enjoy the warmth. I have a lot of shit to get done today, and I'll get nothing accomplished by hiding in the shower.

After drying off, I wrap the big fluffy towel around myself and open the door to head back into the bedroom. I freeze in the doorway when I see someone sprawled across my bed.

“What the hell areyoudoing in here?” I groan.

“Is that any way to greet your employer, Kayla?” Rhydian chides in an amused tone.

“Is breaking into their house and then jumping into their bed uninvited any way to greet an employee?” I counter, rolling my eyes.

“Touché.” He grins, sitting up. “I did bring you a present though.”

“I don't want anything from you, other than hazard pay. I definitely want hazard pay.”

“You want to keep working for me?” he asks, looking a little baffled by my decision.

“Yeah, one can't quit a job every time they get accused of a murder they didn't commit,” I joke, subtly tightening my towel around myself.

I'm determined to act casual. The more relaxed I appear, the less tension there will be. It’s bad enough we’d kissed that time, and that he’s a tireless flirt, before throwing him showing up uninvited in my bedroom into the mix. The kiss flashes in my mind. I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts.Don't think about that kiss. Don't think about it, damn it!

He laughs, the sound filling the room. “You know, you really are the perfect employee. You don't kick off and argue when you accidentally get picked up in a raid,andyou look good in the outfit. What more could I ask for?”

“Oh, I am kicking off. I wasn't kidding about the hazard pay,” I respond, choosing to ignore the comment about the outfit. I know I looked good in it. Well, until it got all gross and ruined from my time in the underground prison.No wonder they call that place The Tomb.

“I’m sure we can work something out.” He grins. “I’m also sure you’ll want your present. If you want to get technical, it’s three things, so three presents,” Rhydian adds.

“Can I please get dressed first?” I implore, gesturing to the fact I’m currently wearing nothing but a towel. Although, I’m sure he’s already very aware of that.

“I’d rather you didn’t, but if you insist...” he trails off, waving his hand at me in a casual manner. My towel drops, and I screech, starting to cover myself, only to find that I’m wearing clothes.

I look down at the super-tight black jeans, and the low-cut, deep green top that clings in all the right places. I’m even wearing cute little heeled ankle boots, that by some miracle, don’t seem to hurt my feet. I can feel that I’m even wearing underwear too.

“Did you just...dress me?” I choke out, looking at him in disbelief. That was complex magic, and he did it with just a flick of his hand.Where did the clothes come from? He must have called them from somewhere.It’s also a little damn disconcerting how well they fit me.

“I know, I can’t believe it either. I’ve always imagined undressing you, and now here I am putting clothesonyou, which is the exact opposite,” he sighs wistfully.

“You’re incorrigible.” I roll my eyes.

“I am, but as I've told you before, I cannot change what I am. Now, time for presents.” His grin wide and mischievous, he gets up from the bed. He strides across the room to me, and I can't help but notice his empty hands.

“I don't see any presents,” I point out. He gives me an incredulous look, and gestures to my clothes. It clicks. “Oh yeah.” I suppose he could just make them appear.

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