“Good luck with that,” I mumble too low for Grayson to hear, and then I feel Brazen scooping me up to toss me on the bed.
I laugh lightly, and he goes to shut the door before pulling off his shorts. He dives into the bed beside me, and I laugh again at his silliness while he pulls me into his arms.
“That’s the sound I love more than anything,” he sizzles out.
“My laugh?” I chuckle out.
“Your happiness,” he smolders, and then the humor leaves my face as I pull his lips against mine.
“You’re the reason I’m happy right now. I’d be falling apart without you,” I murmur with more honesty than I intended, and his lips devour mine instantly.
“I’m always here for you, baby,” he coos, and then his lips gently reclaim mine before he pulls me to his body. “Go to sleep.”
I smile as I nestle into him, and I hear the shushed giggles coming from Angelica and Grayson. Hearing them together is so refreshing because it reminds me of that initial flirtatious period. At the same time it’s heartbreaking because it reminds me of the initial bond between me and Hale.
Brazen’s lips stroke mine lightly to cure my troubles, and then I close my eyes to the world that has tainted me. I revel in his scent, his touch, and his ability to make me forget the pain I’m always in as I feel the comfort his arms so willingly bring.
The girl staring at me has too much anxiety, pain, worry, and fear drenching the blue of her eyes. The purple hue lining the undertones of my eyes makes me different than all the others, but I dismiss it. I’m so tired of being different. I’m tired of being in pain, and I’m tired of… I’m just tired.
I look away from the mirror after assessing my very unprofessional wardrobe. I hadn’t prepared on a meeting with the formals, so I only packed casual wear. I stride toward the door in my low cut purple halter top that shines my cleavage and at least an inch of my stomach. My sexy jeans are tucked into my black boots that rise to my knees while my gaudy jewelry begs for attention.
I walk out the door, and I’m instantly intimidated by all the business suits. I had snuck out early to grab my stuff from my previous room, and I had been lucky to avoid anyone else. Right now, everyone is clambering in the halls on their way to the meeting that starts in ten minutes. I was hoping to arrive almost late and then hide in the back row. I don’t think there’s going to be enough room in the back row for all of us, and I have no idea where Brazen is. I’ve been texting him all morning to no avail.
I slink in behind a group of men heading into the oversized conference room that slants at a casual angle to put the speaker talking up to us just barely. Just as I’m about to sneak in, I feel someone tugging at my back belt loop. I smirk as I turn around to see Brazen’s pale eyes dancing menacingly as he pulls me into his arms. His lips cover mine, and his hips pin me against the wall as the respectable members of the United officials continue to pour in. They offer me their disapproving gazes, but I don’t really give a fuck.
“I told you I’d find you,” he murmurs against my lips.
I smile my girly grin while returning his showy affection, and then he presses my body against the wall as I grip his black collared shirt. The crisp fabric wavers beneath my grasp, and the black buttons shiver at the thought of being ripped from their placement.
“Do you think we can find a back spot?” I ask hopefully.
“You have something planned?” he menaces, his eyebrows dancing up and down.
I stifle my laughter while playfully slapping his chest.
“No. I was just hoping to evade the eyes of all the professionally dressed people here. I wasn’t ready for something like this, and you look so good,” I grumble.
He smirks cockily before bending down to kiss me lighter, and I wrap my arms around his neck while smiling against his perfect lips.
“You look incredible, baby. Don’t worry about the meeting. I’ve seen some people sneak in with their pajamas still on. It was spur of the moment.”
I laugh again, and then Hale’s incredible scent rushes my nose, forcing me to turn and see him walking toward us. Brazen stares him eye to eye. They exchange a silent, burning conversation through their locked gaze. Hale shakes his head, fighting off a vicious thought, as he turns to enter the large room. Brazen just rolls his eyes and then turns back to face me.
“What’s wrong?” I ask curiously.
“I tried asking him what he did to upset you, and he told me just to enjoy it while it lasted. We sort of… had a tousle.”
“A tousle? You fought?” I gasp.
“We might have thrown a few punches, but it wasn’t anything major. I promise. We both feel better, and Clay dismissed the charges against both of us while saying we needed to get it out our systems. He’s right.”
I roll my eyes now, and then I scowl at him.
“If I wanted you to know, I’d tell you. You shouldn’t be going to him and asking for answers,” I lightly scold.
“Baby, I just want to know what he said which upset you as bad as it did. I’m happy you turned to me, but I need to know if he crossed a line.”
He didn’t insult my entire species.
