Go to Hell (on hold)

FIFTEEN

I had the best night's sleep in my afterlife. For once, no nightmares plagued me. I woke slowly, first feeling the weight of Kota's arm around my waist, then his gentle breath on the back of my head. Waking up with Kota felt like I was indulging in something I didn't deserve. My leg cramped and I wiggled it a bit to get rid of the discomfort. My movements roused Kota. He shifted behind me, lifting himself onto one arm.

"Morning," he rasped. I turned to look at him. His eyes were a stunning emerald.

"Good morning," I said. "How did you sleep?"

"Incredibly." He pushed a lock of hair behind my ear. "And you?"

"Well, thanks. I didn't have any nightmares."

He scrunched his brow. "How often are you getting those?"

"Nearly every night."

"Hmm. I guess I'll have to sleep over more often then."

"That might help," I giggled. A knock sounded on the door.

"It's North," Kota whispered. "Stay here." He climbed around me and opened the door a crack. "What do you want?"

"It's my day with her, and I'm busy later so I have to spend time with her now," North said. I flinched. Sometimes I forgot I was just another chore they had to do.

Kota glanced back at me. "I'll take your day." I smiled. Maybe it was just a chore for some of them.

"It's fine. I got it." North pushed past Kota enough to stick his head through the door. "Meet me out here in twenty minutes."

"Okay," I said.

North left and Kota turned to me after he shut the door behind him.

"If you're not comfortable around him, I can taker him off the schedule," he said.

"I'm alright for now. But I'll let you know if that changes."

Kota sat on the bed. "I'll let you get dressed. See you later?"

"Yeah." He kissed my cheek and left. I pressed my palm to the spot he kissed, trying to imprint his warmth into my skin.

I changed quickly and met North in the hallway. He took us down to the kitchen, and nodded at a stool. I sat and watched him as he gathered food onto the counter and began preparing scramble eggs. His brow knitted together as he whisked the eggs. I offered to help, but he brushed me off and continued making breakfast.

"Thank you," I said when he placed a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and strawberries in front of me. It smelled divine.

North simply grunted in response and dug into his food.

"You don't eat enough," he said in between bites. "You might not die of starvation here, but it'll still be uncomfortable."

"I'm no where near starving."

"Not yet. Besides, the thing with Silas sucked. I wanted to make sure you're okay."

I grinned behind a forkful of cheesy eggs. This was as close to an apology as I was going to get.

"I'm fine."

Karen scurried in and bowed before North.

"Sir," she said. "Ms. Williams is here to see you."

North swallowed and rubbed the side of his face. "Now? She's four fucking hours early."

"Should I send her in, sir?"

"Yes."

Karen left as quickly as she had come.

"Who's Ms. William?" I asked.