ENDURING {Sequel to Everlasting} ❗️EDITING ❗️

Chapter 76

Hitting play on my phone, I set it on the toilet seat as I jump under the hot water, swaying my hips to the beat as I tilt my head back and close my eyes. The water pouring through my hair.

"Early in the morning I still get a little bit nervous,
Fightin' my anxiety constantly, I try to control it,
Even when I know it's been forever I can still feel the spin,
Hurts when I remember and I never wanna feel it again." I sing along to the beat, my soft voice overpowering that which echoes from my phone.

"Don't know if you get it 'cause I can't express how thankful I am." My voice rises slightly, and the words make me think of Hardin.

"That you were always with me when it hurts, I know that you'd understand."

I feel a twinge of pain go through me, my hand lowering to my stomach as I briefly think of the pups we'd lost. Why did I choose such a depressing song?

Still, I belt out the next verse as if I'm on a stage with a million people listening.

"I don't wanna lose control,
Nothing I can do anymore,
Tryin' every day when I hold my breath,
Spinnin' out in space pressing on my chest,
I don't wanna lose control."

Squirting shampoo into my hand, I smother my hair in it, massaging it in as I sing to the song. Thankfully it changes to something that instantly makes me think of sex.

I've heard this song in the background of fifty shades of grey, so naturally, sex is the first thing that comes to mind.

"You don't have to be so cautious,
If you practice what you preach,
Counting up the stacks on the counter,
A fucking disease." I sing, my hips moving to the beat as I rinse the shampoo out.

"But don't ask me to be righteous
If you practice what you teach
Counting all your blessings
The second you're down on your knees." Reaching for the bottle of conditioner, a squeak echoes from my mouth as I jump in surprise.

Hardin leans against the sink, arms crossed over his bare chest, with a look of amusement and hunger. Silver eyes dark as his gaze slides over my body, watching me move to the music.

"Hardin!" I complain, my cheeks flushing.

"Don't stop on my account." He has the arrogance to smirk.

Turning my back to him, I squeeze some conditioner into my hand and lather the ends of my hair up to my shoulder.

"It was sexy, Kat, we should dance more often." I can hear the suggestive insinuation, the smirk that tells me he's enjoying my brief moment of embarrassment.

"Get out!" I laugh, massaging the conditioner through the ends of my hair.

His deep chuckle echoes as he exits the bathroom, although I hadn't actually expected him to go.

I'd be lying to myself if I said I'm not in a good mood because of yesterday's ball. I do enjoy dancing with him, I could never dance before, not until the Elders had me take lessons to better help with my job. I can practically fit into any persona they need.

Finishing my shower, I wrap myself in a towel and exit the bathroom. Hardin is laid on the bed with his phone extended above his head.

"Do you remember what you said? About...about me coming here?" I quietly ask, holding my towel in place as I straddle his hips.

"Do I remember asking you to live here with the promise of protecting your animals? Yes, Katalayha, I remember." He responds calmly, dumping his phone aside.