Chapter 3
KAIUS'S POV
When she kissed me, I couldn't describe what I felt…. not properly.
Confusion, definitely. A sharp jolt of disbelief, too.
Was I not intimidating enough?
It wasn't arrogance. I didn't enjoy fear, nor did I chase it… but the distance people kept from me had always been convenient, comfortable.
Predictable.
What they imagined about me was always far worse than the truth.
But with her… it was different.
Her touch wasn't hesitant.
Her taste wasn't fear-tainted.
And that scent, lavender softened with peaches. It wrapped around my senses and loosened something in my chest I didn't know needed loosening.
Most women stayed cautious around me, more terrified than tempted.
But she didn't.
Not even for a second.
---
I laid her down on the bed, and for a moment, everything else faded. My eyes stayed locked on hers, drawn in like a man standing too close to the edge.
Her fingers brushed my jaw, and heat shot down my spine.
The kiss deepened; slow, then hungry sparking through me like a wildfire looking for something to devour.
The room was spinning from the alcohol, but the only thing steady between us was her heartbeat; strong, wild, matching mine beat for beat.
Something inside me came alive… something I'd kept buried for years.
And then her eyes fluttered.
Her body relaxed.
And she passed out completely.
Just like that.
The storm she had stirred still thundered through me, but she slept peaceful, unaware, untouched by the chaos she had ignited.
A low groan escaped me as I ran a hand over my face.
Of course.
Of course she would knock out right when I...
I exhaled sharply, forcing my gaze away.
Her soft snores filled the room, and somehow that made it worse. A punch to the gut. A reminder that she had no idea how deeply she'd gotten under my skin.
Frustration tangled with desire.
Desire tangled with something I refused to name.
Whatever it was, I needed distance from it.
Before it drove me into a mistake, or a truth— I wasn't ready to face.
"I need a cold shower," I muttered, already pushing to my feet.
Maybe icy water could drown the chaos she left behind.
Maybe.
But as I headed toward the bathroom, her scent still clung to me… stubborn and sweet.
And I already knew,
A cold shower wouldn't be nearly enough.
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Few minutes later Kaius stepped out of the shower, water droplets clinging to his skin as he padded softly toward the bed.
He lay down beside the lady shirtless, watching the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she slept. Her peaceful expression was a stark contrast to the turmoil that had ravaged her earlier.
Suddenly, she jerked upright, her eyes wide with distress. Kaius's instincts kicked in, but before he could react, she vomited all over his chest.
Irritation flashed through him, but he sighed, rubbing the tension from his temples. He carefully shifted her away from the soiled area and swung his legs over the side of the bed.
With a gentle touch, Kaius lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bathroom. He cleaned her up, his movements methodical and soothing. As he helped her into his oversized shirt, the fabric swallowed her tiny frame, making her appear vulnerable and fragile.
He cradled her in his arms, the warmth of her body a comforting presence. After cleaning himself, he carried her back to the bed, laying her down gently. He slid in beside her, watching as her chest rose and fell with each soft breath. A gentle snore escaped her lips, and Kaius's mouth curved into a warm smile.
His eyes drifted shut, and he let the soothing sound of her breathing lull him into a peaceful sleep.
Kaius woke before dawn, the soft glow of the morning light creeping through the windows like a gentle whisper. He lay still for a moment, watching the lady sleep peacefully beside him. Her chest rose and fell with each soft breath, and her lips curled into a subtle, serene smile.
He wished he could linger, talk to her, and learn more about this mysterious woman who had unexpectedly entered his life. But duty called, and as the CEO of his company, he had responsibilities to attend to. The weight of his obligations settled heavy on his shoulders.
With a quiet sigh, Kaius carefully slid out of bed, trying not to disturb her. He moved with practiced ease, his movements honed from years of practice.
He quickly dressed in the dim light, his fingers deftly tying his tie and fastening his cufflinks.
As he prepared to leave, Kaius pulled out his phone and dialed his assistant's number. Mr. Aaron answered on the first ring, his voice crisp and alert.
"Good morning, sir," Mr. Aaron said.
Kaius got straight to the point. "I need a favour, Mr. Aaron. Could you arrange for a dress and any necessary amenities to be sent up to my room? Discreetly, please."
There was a pause on the other end of the line before Mr. Aaron responded. "Of course, sir. I'll take care of it immediately."
Kaius nodded to himself, even though Mr. Aaron couldn't see him. "Hmm."
With that taken care of, Kaius headed out the door, leaving the lady to sleep undisturbed. He closed the door softly behind him and made his way to the elevator, his mind already focused on the day's tasks and responsibilities.