Weight of The Untold

Chapter 26

"You drank your water?"

I internally rolled my eyes, the sound of the movie barely masking my irritation.

"Zach, I'm trying to concentrate on this movie. Please keep quiet."

Caleb had been very clear before he left earlier this evening-Zach was officially promoted to Health Monitor, responsible for my water intake, meals, and apparently my sanity.

"It's just a yes or no question."

God. He was exhausting.

"Yes. Can you please shut up now?"

Instead of answering, he smiled-slow, smug-and leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. My annoyance evaporated instantly, heat blooming under my skin like it always did when he touched me.

"Why do you like these movies anyway?" he asked, eyes flicking back to the screen. "Aren't you ladies supposed to love romance or something?"

I'd literally just told him to shut up.

I giggled anyway, reaching for a handful of popcorn. "Guess what? I'm a rare breed. Romantic movies are so predictable, if we're being honest."

I felt his chest vibrate with a chuckle. "So is every other movie. We all know the bad guy gets beaten and killed in the end."

I laughed softly and turned to look at him.

"The beating part is exactly why I love action," he said. "I get to learn new moves. Well... that, and they're entertaining."

I frowned. "New moves?"

He nodded, eyes glued to the screen. "My mom made me take self-defense classes when I was really young. She wanted me to know how to protect myself-bullying, danger, anything. And sometimes I teach myself by watching stuff like this." He shrugged. "I guess you could say I'm in class right now."

I turned fully toward him, surprised.

"So you're telling me you know more than just throwing a good punch?"

I giggled, nodding. "Yeah. How do you think I beat Linda in high school?"

His eyes widened.

"Of course," he said slowly. "That actually makes sense now. I kept wondering who taught you how to fight like that. Caleb told me you almost killed her-I knew it couldn't have been just a punch."

I burst out laughing, unable to hold it in.

"Well... now you know."

He shook his head, chuckling. "I really wish I could see you kick some ass. I bet you look insanely sexy being a total badass."

I froze.

Heat crawled up my neck, flooding my cheeks. I gulped, quickly turning back to the screen, pretending I was suddenly very invested in the explosions.

"I think I can safely say watching a movie with you is not a good idea," I muttered.

He snorted softly, leaning closer. "Am I making it hard for you to concentrate, princess?"

His voice dropped, deep and smooth, his chest brushing my shoulder. He leaned in near my ear, the warmth of his breath sending shivers straight down my spine.

"Y-you're too loud," I whispered, releasing a shaky breath. "So yes."

He chuckled softly behind my ear before finally pulling away.

I exhaled deeply, realizing only then that I'd been holding my breath.

This man was going to be the death of me one day.