Blade

Chapter 45: Defeat

Blade

"I know how to fight," Sienna whispers, resting her head against my chest as her fingers toy with mine.

Since we slept together, neither of us has found the strength to get up and shower.

We’ve stayed tangled in bed all day, and now it’s nearly 5:30 in the evening. I don’t mind. Lying beside her, counting her breaths, feeling the steady rhythm of her heartbeat beneath my fingertips—this is the best moment I’ve ever had.

Something about her makes my heart stumble in the strangest way. I’ve never felt anything like this for anyone before. It feels foreign, unsettling, and it terrifies me when I think about the choices I’ve made these past few weeks.

And yet, I feel no trace of regret for what has happened between us. That might be the most surprising part of all.

I feel content. Happy even. It's so odd.

"Stop lying to impress me, Sienna. You wouldn’t even hurt a fly," I tease with a snicker.

She rests her chin against my chest, her scowl etched onto that deceptively cute face while her eyes hold mine.

"Don’t get cocky, Armani. I’m not trying to impress you. I know how to fight. Let me show you what I can do in training today," she says with a smirk, and my gaze flickers to her pink lips.

"Fine," I answer, startling her with how easily I give in.

"Really?" she asks eagerly, messy blonde hair spilling around her beautiful face.

"Of course, baby." I press a kiss to her forehead, and the faint blush rising to her cheeks stirs something in my chest.

Damn.

She’s breathtaking.

Her lips curve into a smile, but it fades too quickly, leaving a heavy silence between us.

I cradle her face in my hands, brushing my thumbs gently over her cheekbones. "What’s wrong?"

She exhales softly and turns her face into my chest, her cheek resting against me. "You haven’t spoken to Camila yet, have you?"

I sigh and nod, and a faint frown shadows Sienna’s face.

"Well, why haven’t you?" she asks, sitting up beside me on the bed, unconcerned with her own nakedness. Her blonde hair tumbles carelessly across her shoulders, and her bare chest rises and falls with each breath. "Did you forget?"

"No, I wouldn’t," I answer, pushing myself upright until I’m leaning against the headboard. "I... I don’t know what to say to her, Sienna. Should I apologize? Should I admit I don’t regret it because I would do anything to protect her? I can’t stop replaying that goddamn incident, can’t stop thinking about how I failed her at some point."

"Blade," Sienna says, and when I don’t look at her, she cups my cheeks and gently turns my face toward hers. "You don’t have to overthink it. Camila will understand. Just let the words come naturally. There’s no need to make it complicated."

I lick my lips and let out a quiet breath. Maybe she’s right. "Okay. I’ll talk to her."

Sienna smiles and presses a soft kiss to my forehead before rising from the bed, completely naked. My throat dries at the sight of her, my gaze caught on the curve of her body and lingering on her bare ass as she walks toward the bathroom.