Saving Calen

7.

Calen's POV

That girl.

Her skin on mine almost had me melting in her hands. I haven't felt that much affection...well, ever.

If only she knew how easy it would be to have me be a puddle at her feet.

...

She goes about the rest of her day in silence as I follow behind.

By the time night hits, my head pounds and I need a shower. I ask Aylah who silently shows me to her bathroom and hands me a towel.

I let the scorching heat sear into my skin. My body relaxes finally.

I step out of the steaming shower in my towel and start to get dressed. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

Property of Galantes Family is branded down my side. A deep feeling of self loathing sets in as I stare at my butchered torso.

As I stare, I catch a glimpse of another set of green eyes staring at me through the reflection. I quickly slide my shirt on and head out.

...

"You can't sleep in that chair, and you need actual sleep if you're going to be of any use." She says.

"I have insomnia. I don't sleep that often." I reply.

She sets her jaw. "Okay, but when you do, you can't sleep in that chair. So I put a lazy boy where that chair used to be. At least this way you'll be comfortable."

I nod a thank you and walk outside her room.

It's a nice fucking chair.

I lower my body into the soft leather and sink in. I hit the recline button and notice that there are built in massagers. I press a button and practically melt into the seat.

My eyes flutter shut for a second as I revel in the little massagers that knead my sore muscles.

...

Aylah's POV

I watch his chest rise and fall with each relaxed breath that he takes. His eyelashes rest on his slightly freckled cheeks.

His features soften immensely when he sleeps. He actually looks his age.

I lightly shake his shoulder.

"Riot."

He bolts up and grabs my waist, shoving me behind him and drawing his gun.

I gently grab his shoulder.

"It's just me. I was just saying it's time to go meet Dorian."

He pinches the sides of his nose before standing and stretching his body.

"I apologize. Won't happen again."

I just nod and head downstairs.

...

Dorian stands with my father. He's tall and tan and pretty, but there's an air of cruelness that radiates off of him.

"Hello, Aylah. I'm Dorian." He smiles and extends a hand.

"I know who you are." I say, pushing past his hand. I notice his jaw clench, but I don't care.

"Hello, Riot." He nods behind me.

Calen just nods.

"Excuse my daughter's manners." My dad apologizes and leads us all outside.

Before I leave the building, Calen grabs my arm with enough force to have me wincing.