The morning sun filtered through the curtains of Alexis's bedroom, golden and cruel, lighting up the chaos from the night before.
Clothes were everywhere. Her towel was abandoned on the floor. Sheets twisted. Her body ached in places she didn't know could ache.
And Kai… was still in her bed.
He was on his back, one arm behind his head, the other resting low across his stomach. Bare. Unbothered. His eyes were closed, but she knew he was awake, he was too still not to be. Too predator-like in his calm.
She sat on the edge of the bed, blanket pulled tight around her.
"I need coffee," she muttered.
He opened one eye. "Or round two."
She didn't respond. Instead, she stood up, feeling the soreness between her thighs, the burn on her inner hips where his grip had left its mark.
"Don't tempt me, Kai."
"Why not? Temptation looks good on you."
She rolled her eyes, stalking toward the kitchen.
She wasn't supposed to like this. She wasn't supposed to wake up still wanting him. It was supposed to be a one-night thing. Or two. Or three, but not this, not him sleeping over, not her making coffee with him naked in the next room.
He appeared behind her while she was staring into the fridge.
"You don't eat," he said.
"You don't breathe."
He grinned. "Touché."
She closed the fridge and turned to find him still bare. Still hard. Still Kai.
"Put on some pants," she said flatly.
"Why? Planning to take them off again?"
"I have plans today."
"So do I," he said, walking toward her. "They include you. And that counter."
He kissed her before she could protest, lips rough, tongue demanding. She melted into him before she could remember why she shouldn't.
He hoisted her onto the kitchen counter without breaking the kiss. Her legs wrapped around his waist instinctively.
"This is a bad idea," she whispered.
"Then stop me."
She didn't.
He pushed into her hard, making her gasp against his mouth. Her back arched, and his hands gripped her thighs, pulling her closer, deeper.
The coffee machine beeped and sputtered behind them, forgotten.
Their bodies moved in sync, frantic and familiar. The sound of skin against skin, the slap of flesh, the groans swallowed into kisses, all of it echoed in the kitchen.
He made her come fast. Then again, slower, with his forehead pressed to hers.
When it was over, she leaned back, panting, her hair stuck to her neck.
"I can't keep doing this," she murmured.
"Then don't," he said simply. "But I'll still come back."
Her eyes narrowed. "You think I'm that easy to claim?"
"No," he said, brushing a thumb over her lip. "I think I already have."
She pushed him away, sliding off the counter, still trembling.
"I have things to do, Kai. You can't just show up and fuck your way into my schedule."
He stepped closer, cupping her jaw. "You want me to leave?"
Her mouth parted.
He kissed her again. "Didn't think so."
She stood there long after he left, knees still weak, heart still hammering, coffee growing cold.
This was getting dangerous.
And the worst part? She didn't want it to stop.