Kieran bent close. “Alright. Sleep. I’ll stay.”
Rose smiled drowsily, squeezing his hand against her body. She turned, breathing in the pillow’s scent—cool fir notes, uniquely Kieran’s.
His room. She’d lived here almost half a month now, surrounded by traces of his life. He’d shown her his most private self. Work abandoned for “recovery,” she spent entire days here. Her heart melted with tenderness, overflowing with love. She wished she could live here every day, watching Kieran leave for work and return.
She’d heard that if Alarieka wanted to come here, she had to beg and plead with Kieran for ages. Even then, she couldn’t sleep in Kieran’s room—only the guest room. By now, she had no doubts left about who mattered more to Kieran: herself or Alarieka. It was crystal clear. No point dwelling on it further; that would only damage her relationship with Kieran. Not worth the cost.
Hearing Alarieka’s voice during her call with Kieran hours ago had unsettled her slightly, but just slightly. She was certain it was nothing but Alarieka’s cheap tricks, meant to drive a wedge between her and Kieran. She wouldn’t fall for it!
Though she slept in the master bedroom, Kieran didn’t share the bed with her. But she believed, given time and growing affection, Kieran would eventually join her. No man could refuse the invitation from the woman he loved. She figured Kieran was probably keeping his distance out of concern for the baby in her womb. That’s why he hadn’t touched her all this time. So, once she gave birth and finished her recovery period, she’d immediately bridge that final gap between them. She would become one with Kieran.
Lost in these thoughts, Rose’s drowsiness vanished. Her body warmed, cheeks flushing crimson with shyness. Her throat tightened slightly, heart racing. Fragmented, chaotic fantasies flooded her mind—her and Kieran tangled in bedsheets… She dared not imagine further, afraid Kieran might notice her agitation.
Licking her dry lips, she murmured softly, “Kieran… it’s so late now. Why not… stay here tonight? No need for the guest room. I… I don’t mind. This bed is quite spacious.”
She looked at Kieran Argent with nervous, shy eyes, her palm sweating slightly as she held his hand, her heartbeat uncontrollably quickening again, her breathing rapid. She hardly dared to breathe, afraid of disturbing Kieran Argent.
Kieran Argent opened his mouth, but suddenly his phone vibrated in his coat pocket. At this late hour, it was probably a message from the people sent to find Alarieka Huston.
“Kieran…”
After a long silence without response, Roschelle Whitaker tentatively called out to Kieran Argent again.
Kieran Argent gathered his thoughts, pulled the quilt over, tucked it in securely around Roschelle Whitaker’s shoulders, and said gently, “No, I’ll leave after you fall asleep.”
Roschelle Whitaker couldn’t hide her disappointment, her heartbeat gradually calming: “Oh… alright then, I’ll try to sleep quickly.”
Kieran Argent hummed in acknowledgment.
Roschelle Whitaker lay in the soft, comfortable bedding, gazing longingly at Kieran Argent for a long moment before slowly closing her eyes. She thought, it’s fine, take it slow. Kieran Argent would recognize her worth someday. She and Kieran Argent still had plenty of time. With their high school bond, she believed Kieran Argent would eventually choose to be with her willingly.
Late into the night, Roschelle Whitaker’s body clock urged her back to sleep. Half–asleep, she felt the warm, broad hand slowly and carefully withdraw from her palm. Though it was a parting gesture, she sensed Kieran Argent’s caution—trying not to wake her, hoping she’d keep sleeping soundly. Roschelle Whitaker watched Kieran Argent’s retreating figure through bleary eyes, then drifted off with warmth in her chest.