Chapter 375

All of a sudden, every cell in my body ignited, a desire spreading through me I couldn't articulate. This overwhelming feeling left me ashamed, as if I weren't being a "good girl." I had never felt this with Jace. Even intimately, it was just nerves, never this deep, raw hunger, this fire. But with Hayden, something unleashed within me, something I didn't know existed.

I couldn't wait. I reached for his lips, but he pulled back, teasing me. Frustrated, I wrapped my arms around his neck, whispering, "Hayden…" My voice sounded desperate, needy, unfamiliar. I'd never sounded like this before. It shocked me, but I couldn't stop. This burning desire was too strong to ignore, and with Hayden, I didn't want to hold back. With him, I felt free to be myself, without pretense.

"Hayden…" I whispered again, kissing his cheek, his jaw—my lips hungry for him. His hand gripped the back of my neck; his breath was hot and uneven. "Kiki, wait… let's go home," he rasped, his voice thick with restraint. But I didn't want to wait. The need was intense, fleeting—if we waited, it might vanish. I knew we were in a parking lot, visible to anyone. My mind urged rationality, but my body craved more.

Reason fought through. I channeled my frustration into a hard kiss on his neck, sucking his skin, marking him. I stayed pressed against him, my chest heaving. He didn't move, only tightened his hold on my waist, pulling me close until we felt like one. We remained like that for a while, the tension simmering. Finally, he loosened his grip, opened the car door, and gently slid me inside.

Now that the heat had cooled, I felt only weakness and a strange shame. I couldn't meet his eyes. This must be why people prefer the lights off—it hides the awkwardness, the raw vulnerability. I curled up in the seat and closed my eyes, trying to steady myself. Just as I was about to drive off, Hayden leaned over and kissed my forehead softly. "That was my fault."

Confusion washed over me. "What do you mean?"

"I shouldn't have gotten you all worked up," he added.

Was he serious? Wasn't I embarrassed enough?

I shoved him lightly. "Stop talking, you're distracting me."

"Alright, I'll make it quick," he teased, his laugh deep and soft, making my face flush again.

I swatted him, flustered. "That's not what I meant!"

He grinned, enjoying himself. "Then what did you mean?"

I had no reply.

"Hayden, I've realized something—you're really good at pretending," I muttered, pressing the gas pedal a little too hard.

As the car moved, I heard him murmur, "Some things are just in your nature, Kiki. It's in the bones." His words sent a shiver down my spine. I thought of Lena's words—that everyone shows their truest, most primal side in bed, regardless of outward appearance.

Was Hayden trying to comfort me, to ease my embarrassment? It didn't matter. I wouldn't reply.

We pulled up to the apartment complex; it was pitch black—no streetlights, no lit windows. The place felt deserted, abandoned. Most residents had moved out since the building was slated for demolition, leaving it eerily quiet.

As I sat lost in thought, Hayden got out and walked around to my side, opening the door. Before I could step out, he scooped me up effortlessly.

"I—"

He cut me off, his tone playful. "I didn't want you to trip. Your legs might be a little weak."

I smacked his chest lightly but didn't resist as he carried me toward the building. The quiet emptiness felt eerie, and a hint of melancholy settled over me. Resting my head against Hayden's shoulder, I glanced around—and then I saw it. A familiar car.

My grip tightened. "Wait a second…"