Chapter 436

I wasn’t sure what was happening in Lena’s room, but judging from earlier? Yeah, it was probably getting just as heated as things were with Hayden and me. Getting interrupted during that moment, especially their first time, would definitely leave a mark.

I pressed down on Hayden, who was beyond ready. “Hold up a sec.” His chest rose and fell, and his eyes were smoldering. “Hmm?”

I nodded toward the door with a pout. “You hear that? Someone’s trying to ruin the vibe next door.”

His gaze stayed locked on me. “So?”

“Come on, a hero’s gotta step in when there’s injustice,” I said, already wriggling out from under him.

“And what about the injustice happening right here?” he asked, making me grin.

I cupped his face and gave him a quick kiss. “Just hang tight, babe. I’ll go handle the villain.”

I knew I sounded ridiculous, but honestly? That’s how I felt with him—like a carefree kid. It’s wild how true that old saying is: when you’re with someone who really loves you, you just start to feel lighter, younger, like you’re rewinding time in the best way.

That’s exactly how I am now. With Jace, I always had to act all grown-up and distant, trying to fit into that ‘future CEO wife’ mold. I spent so much time keeping up appearances, making sure I didn’t mess with Jace’s image, that I felt old before my time.

Lena used to point out that Hayden didn’t have Jace’s wealth or status, but honestly? That’s what makes being with him feel so freeing. Sometimes you have to lose something to gain something better, right?

Like a ninja, I slid off Hayden and quickly straightened my clothes, rushing to the door. But just as I opened it, Nate’s door across the hall swung open, too. And it wasn’t Nate who stepped out—it was Lena.

I paused in the doorway, deciding to stay out of it for now. If things went well, I’d just enjoy the show. If not, I’d jump in.

“Where’s Nate?” Retta asked Lena bluntly.

“He’s in the shower,” Lena replied, super chill. It was a simple answer, but the way she said it had a different vibe now.

Retta didn’t even blink. She just gave a little smile. “Yeah, he does love his nightly showers.”

Oof. That was definitely a subtle dig, like she knew Nate’s habits better than Lena. Total pot-stirrer, this one.

Lena didn’t even flinch, though. “So, you didn’t come here for Nate, huh? Looks like you came for me.” Years of dealing with difficult patients must’ve sharpened Lena’s wit—she could read people like a book. Retta, wearing some fancy silk nightgown, tried to play innocent, but then… I almost gasped.

When we left dinner, Lena was in this elegant evening dress. But now? She was standing there in a white men’s dress shirt. Nate’s shirt.

Well, damn. Looks like they moved way faster than Hayden and I, who hadn’t even gotten through a third of the foreplay yet. Guess being with someone in their thirties speeds things up, huh?

While I was thinking this over, Retta’s voice turned icy. “Why would I need to see you?”

Yep, classic Retta—trying to make Lena feel small, like she didn’t even matter. It was a tricky line to come back from, but Lena? She didn’t take the bait, though. She just smiled coolly. “So you came here for Nate’s shower, then?”

I paused, fighting the urge to laugh. That’s Lena—sharp as a tack.

For the first time, Retta’s confident mask slipped, but she quickly fired back, “Lena, I’m someone who understands decency and propriety.”

The shade was clear—she was basically calling Lena out for spending the night with Nate.