Gem in the Rough

Chapter 31

*Mature content ahead.

I awake to a warm body next to mine, groaning, the room still dark. Sweat coats my skin, my sweatshirt sticking to my back. Moving slowly, I make sure not to wake Kieran who is softly snoring. I peel the sweatshirt off, throwing it to the ground. I do the same with my sweatpants and push the blankets off me.

I'm left in a tank top and panties. I spread across the bed, unclothed, and uncovered. My trusty fan is thankfully on at the end of the bed, hitting my bare body at the perfect angle. I sigh, content. I lie in silence and realize then, that it's silent. Kieran stopped snoring.

My eyes open, adjusted to the darkness already, finding his on my body.

"This is a nice thing to wake up to," he greets me hoarsely, rough with sleep. His head turns towards me, lying on his back with an arm behind his head. I notice that he's shirtless and dressed in only his boxer briefs. Hot damn.

"I'm really hot. Alice's damn nest," I grumble.

"Yes, very hot. Not because of the nest."

I can sense his smirk. I roll my eyes in response.

"Don't roll your eyes at me."

"I didn't."

"Liar."

"You can't see me."

"I don't need to."

I almost roll my eyes again but stop when Kieran's hand reaches over to rest on my stomach.

"I said don't roll your eyes at me."

I take a deep breath. "How do you do that?"

His head moves, his mouth against my ear, "do what?"

"Know my every move," I whisper. I shiver involuntarily at his hot breath on my neck. I was finally cooling off and this isn't helping.

"I'm observant."

We're both quiet, listening to each other's inhales and exhales, until he speaks up again.

"I really want to kiss you, but I know you don't like my morning breath."

I try hard to resist but I can't. My head turns, my lips just barely touching his.

"Technically it's the middle of the night, not morning yet," I speak lowly.

Kieran meets me the rest of the way, his mouth gliding over mine sweetly. The sweetness turns spicy very quickly. I can't blame either of us considering we're practically naked.

We both turn on our sides, Kieran's hands finding my bare hip, squeezing my love handle. My body reacts and I thrust forward, wanting him to touch me. He begins to oblige my command when he suddenly stops.

"What's wrong?" I ask hurriedly.

"Are you sure you want this right now?" Kieran is looking into my eyes now, brushing a piece of hair behind my ear. "I just don't want to do anything that will hurt you."

I smile widely. "That's why it's okay. You don't want to hurt me, so you won't. Now, touch me." I need him right now. No matter what internal battle I'm fighting, Kieran is my safe place. It's scary to think how fast that happened, but I'm admitting it. He makes me feel safe and I know I'm okay in this bed with him.

I'm waiting patiently for Kieran to make his next move and it doesn't come.

"Kieran, what are you doing? Touch me." I practically whimper and wiggle against him. I know he hasn't fallen asleep because his gaze is on me, filled with lust.