Page 78 of Fault Line

She nuzzles into my neck, her body heat radiating into me, and I feel her breaths slow and deepen as she drifts off to sleep.

I lie there for a while, listening to the quiet sounds around us, enjoying the way her body presses against mine. It’s moments like these that make me feel like I may be able to break through her impenetrable walls. That it’s worth it to put my time and effort into something that’s uncertain, that’s hard, that’s risky.

I want this girl. I want her in all the ways that matter. I want to be the one she turns to when she’s feeling down, the one she laughs with, the one she dreams with. The one she trusts with every tiny secret and insecurity.

I close my eyes, my own body relaxing as I let myself get lost in the rhythm of her breathing. But even in this moment of quiet peace, it’s difficult not to think about the challenges that lay ahead for us. Of the upcoming visit from her sister and the anxiety it’s already causing her.

I know I’ll have to be there for her in a different way, not just as a comfort but as a shield from whatever mayhem might arise. But I’m ready for it. I’m ready to show her that I’m not just a guy who’s in this for a good time—for the sex, for the novelty, for the fun of it all—but someone who’s in it for the long haul.

Eventually, I drift off to sleep, my fingers curled tightly around her hip, indulging in the sweet lavender scent that’s starting to feel a lot like coming home.

27

KAIA

This past weekhas flown by, a whirlwind of endless nights and lazy mornings that all blend together into one.

Holden’s become a regular presence in my life, coming over every evening to spend our nights talking, occasionally bickering, and studying for hours. We’ve reached a level of comfort where silence is louder than words.

Most nights, we explore each other’s bodies until we’re completely sated, but it’s not always about sex. Sometimes we just lie there, enjoying the warmth and the closeness. It’s like we’re discovering each other in a new way, exploring every nook and cranny, every inch of each other’s skin.

It’s intimate and sweet and exactly what I need right now.

As I walk Holden to the door again this morning, my heart swells with happiness. It’s funny how just a week ago, I was convinced that I didn’t want a relationship, that I was content with simply hooking up behind closed doors.

But now, being with him feels like the most natural thing in the world. He’s become my safe haven, my lighthouse in the storm.

After kissing him goodbye, I barely make it two steps back down the hall when Lizzie appears in her doorway, arms crossed tightly over her chest. It startles me, rattles me a little, because I didn’t even realize she was home.

“Kaia, we need to talk,” she says, her tone cold.

I give her an odd look, raising a brow. “Okay?”

“Look, I understand that you want to spend time with Holden. Who wouldn’t, right?” She gives me an overtly fake laugh, one that grates on my patience. “But he’s been staying over every night, and that’s not fair to me. He’s practically living here rent-free.”

I reel back at the accusation. “He isn’t living here, Liz. He’s just staying the night. And it’s not like he’s causing any problems.”

She shakes her head, lips pressed together in a flat line. “He’s using our utilities, taking up space in our apartment, and I never agreed to have a third roommate. I think it’s only fair that you start paying extra rent to cover the costs.”

My irritation rises, but I force myself to stay calm. “He isn’t using that much of our resources. He doesn’t even shower here. I don’t see how me paying extra rent is justified.”

She sighs, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers. “This is our home, and I have a right to feel comfortable here. I didn’t sign up to share this space with the guy you’re fucking. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask for some compensation.”

I grit my teeth and take a deep breath, attempting to push down the anger that threatens to bubble up. “It’s been aweek, Liz. And you’re acting like he’s some sort of freeloader. He’s not even here during the day, and he doesn’t interfere with your life whatsoever. So why should I pay more?”

“Because it’s the principle of the matter,” she says, her voice raising slightly. “If you don’t start paying extra rent, then I don’t see any reason why I should continue to pay the same amount as you. It’s just not fair.”

I let out a frustrated groan. “You’re blowing this way out of proportion. It’s not like he’s moving in permanently or anything. And you’re barely ever home as it is. I didn’t even realize you knew he was coming around.”

“That’s not the point.” She narrows her eyes at me. “The fact remains that he’s here almost every night, and I’m not okay with that. I don’t think it’s too much to ask you to contribute a little more to cover the costs.Holden Beckercan afford it, I’m sure.”

I stare at her, trying to come up with a solution that will satisfy both of us. After a moment, I let out a defeated sigh, unable to keep the sarcasm from my tone. “Fine, you want me to ask him to make the check out to you directly?”

A wry smile forms on her lips, and a scoff escapes her as she says, “I just want things to be fair for both of us.”

“You know,” I say, ticking each finger off as I list her expenses. “I’ve paid for your groceries, your Ubers, our cleaning service, your drinks when we’ve been out before. And I don’t understand where this is coming from. Areyoupaying portions of the rent when you stay over at a guy’s house?”

“No, because I’m not just atoneguy’s house.”

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