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NIKA MÜHL (narrative)
The night before a game was supposed to be peaceful, a time to focus and recharge. But with Rylee? Peace wasn't exactly an option.
"Rylee," I said, my voice stern, though it was hard to maintain when she was sprawled across my bed like she owned it. "You said you'd let me sleep early tonight."
She grinned, her head propped up on her hand as she lazily dragged her finger across the blanket. "I am letting you sleep. I'm just... enhancing your dreams by being here."
I rolled my eyes, tugging the covers tighter around myself. "You're impossible."
"And you're cute when you're cranky," she teased, scooting closer.
Her hand found its way to my arm, her touch light and playful as she trailed her fingers down to my wrist. I sighed, not out of frustration but because I knew exactly where this was going.
"Rylee," I started, attempting one last time to sound serious. "I need to be well-rested for tomorrow. It's a big game."
"And you will be," she said, her grin widening. "But only after I've had my fun."
Before I could protest, she leaned in, her lips brushing against my collarbone. It wasn't the first time she'd been this bold, but tonight there was something extra mischievous in her eyes.
"Rylee, don't even think about—"
Too late. She kissed me again, slower this time, just below my collarbone. Her lips lingered, her breath warm against my skin, and I felt her smirk against me.
I pushed at her shoulder, half-laughing, half-exasperated. "Are you seriously marking me right now?"
"Maybe," she murmured, pressing another kiss to the same spot.
"Rylee!" I swatted at her, but she ducked, laughing as she caught my hand.
"What?" she said innocently, though the devilish glint in her eyes gave her away. "I just want everyone tomorrow to know you're taken. Is that so wrong?"
I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head in mock protest. "You're impossible!"
"And yet, you love me," she said, tugging the blanket down just enough to peek at my face.
I tried to keep a straight face, but the way she was looking at me—so smug yet so endearing—made it impossible. I rolled my eyes again, but a smile crept onto my lips despite myself. "I'll love you more if you let me sleep."
She pouted dramatically, resting her chin on my shoulder. "Fine. I'll behave. For now."
I didn't trust her one bit, but she seemed content to settle down beside me. I could feel her warmth, her presence soothing despite her antics.
"Goodnight, troublemaker," I murmured, closing my eyes.
"Goodnight, my girl," she whispered back, kissing my cheek.
