Page 11 of Breeze and Melodie

“Aye, Mel,” I whispered.

“Mmm.”

“Mel, wake up.”

“Mmm.”

It seemed impossible for her to have fallen into a deep sleep that quickly, but she’d had a rough night, and the adrenaline had probably worn off. I placed the ice bag on the coffee table, lifted her bridal-style, and carried her to her room.

I managed to pull the comforter back before gently putting her down. She adjusted her body as I tucked her in. I leaned in and kissed her forehead, and before I could move, she grabbed my forearm.

“Stay,” she whispered.

Her request surprised me, and I thought she might be talking in her sleep because her eyes were still closed. However, when I tried to leave, her grip tightened.

“Mel?”

“Stay,” she repeated.

I sighed as I contemplated her request, looking around her bedroom. “Okay. Let me go lock up.”

I groanedwhen my alarm sounded and quickly reached for my phone. However, not only was I wrapped in a set of strong arms, but the soreness in my body stilled my movements. Initially, I didn’t recall what caused the soreness, but then I yawned, and the pain in my face jogged my memory.

The alarm was silenced, and a set of lips kissed my forehead. I managed to smile when I thought about how Breeze had come to my rescue last night, but I had no idea how he ended up in my bed.

“Good morning. What are you doing here?”

“You asked me to stay.”

“I did?”

“You don’t remember?”

“I don’t, actually, but thank you for staying.”

“How do you feel?”

“My face and body are sore.”

“Maybe you should stay home today and chill.”

“Why?”

“You’ll have to explain your bruises.”

“I don’t have anything to be ashamed of. He’s the one who should be embarrassed.”

“He should be, but niggas like him and the people they surround themselves with don’t think anything is wrong with what happened.”

“It’s our second day of business in the new building. I’m going to work.”

“Suit yourself. It was just a suggestion. I need to get going. You good?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. What time is it?”

“A little after seven.”

“What? That must have been your alarm because mine is set for eight-thirty.”

---