The Fatal Flaw | LT

XIV

"You can take the bed; I'll sleep on the floor," Louis said as he pulled his shirt over his head.

I had to blink—several times—to ground myself back in reality. But, honestly, how could I?

Holy. Shit.

This man was sculpted like a Greek god.

I swallowed hard, forcing down the sudden lump in my throat, and did a quick mental check to make sure I was composed enough to speak. My heart was hammering like I'd just sprinted a marathon.

"N-no." Damn it, why did I stammer? "We can share the bed if you want. Just keep your hands to yourself, Tomlinson."

His lips twitched into a smirk. "You sure?"

I widened my eyes at his audacity, but before I could retort, he chuckled. "I meant, are you sure you want me in bed with you—not whether you want me to keep my hands to myself."

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head, and nodded. My body was growing heavier with exhaustion, my eyelids fluttering shut. I barely registered the warmth of his breath before his lips pressed against my forehead, soft and fleeting, right before sleep claimed me.

—

"Morning."

Oh. No.

His morning voice.

I had read that deep, raspy morning voices were attractive, but nothing—nothing—had prepared me for this. It was smooth, low, and utterly sinful. If I hadn't already been lying down, my knees would have given out beneath me.

I felt him shift, getting out of bed, and I regretted—no, I regretted nothing. Except for maybe not being emotionally and physically prepared for what I was about to witness.

My dear lord, you can take me now.

His abs were on full display, toned and defined in the soft morning light. And then—oh God—he turned around.

I nearly choked on my own breath.

His ass.

I slapped a hand over my eyes, afraid I might blurt out something wildly inappropriate. My innocence was hanging by a thread, but Louis Tomlinson was single-handedly dragging out my inner Anastasia Steele.

And just when I thought it couldn't get worse—he bent down.

I gasped.

The man actually bent down to pick up a random shirt from the floor, giving me an even clearer view of his very... well-defined backside.

I was done. Truly. Completely.

I yanked the covers over my head and groaned in frustration at my own thoughts. I felt the mattress dip as he climbed back in beside me. Before I could react, his fingers ghosted over my side, making me jolt.

His smirk was instant.

Oh, hell no.

The next thing I knew, his hands were at my waist, tickling me mercilessly.

"Louis, stop!" I gasped between helpless laughter, squirming under his grip, but he was too strong.

"Nope! Not until you admit you were checking me out earlier."

My eyes widened in horror.

He saw that?!

"No! I was not!" I shrieked, trying to push him away.

"Yes, you were!" His laughter was unrestrained, pure and genuine, and for a moment, I forgot to fight back. I'd never heard him laugh like this before. It was warm and unguarded, and I felt my heart stutter.