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Chapter 28 - His Arms, Her Words

Y/n

I didn't sleep at all last night, but at least I wasn't scared. Not with Kayden beside me. I turned my head slightly, watching him as he slept peacefully, his soft breaths tickling my skin. His arm was draped over my stomach, holding me close, as if even in sleep, he didn't want to let go.

A warm feeling spread through my chest. I hesitated before gently trying to move his hand, but the moment I did, he stirred, tightening his hold on me. His body pressed even closer, and a sleepy mumble escaped his lips.

"Stay…" he whispered, his voice barely audible, but it sent a shiver down my spine.

My heart fluttered. How could I possibly move now?

Kayden stirred beside me, his eyes slowly fluttering open. A soft smile spread across his lips as he looked at me.

"Good morning," he murmured, his voice warm and gentle.

I smiled back. "Good morning."

Stretching, I sat up and glanced at the clock—it was 6:00 AM. Kayden sat up as well, running a hand through his messy hair before his gaze fell on the bedside table.

"Are you okay? And… did you take this medicine?" he asked, pointing to the pills I had taken last night.

I followed his gaze, then nodded. "Yeah."

He studied me for a moment, then gave a small nod of approval. "Good."

Then, with a playful smirk, he leaned in slightly. "Come on, let's get ready for the office."

I groaned softly, burying my face in my hands. "Already?"

He chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Yes, already. Unless… you'd rather stay in bed with me a little longer?"

My heart skipped a beat at his teasing tone.

"What about you? Y—" I started to ask, but Kayden cut me off with a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, I have a change of clothes in my car."

I nodded, relieved. "The bathroom is in the living room," I added, pointing in the direction.

He gave me a nod before stepping out. Once he left, I grabbed my clothes and headed to the bathroom, enjoying the warm shower as I did my usual morning routine.

By the time I finished and made my way downstairs for breakfast, I nearly froze in place.

Kayden was standing there, fresh out of the shower, a towel loosely wrapped around his waist. Droplets of water clung to his skin, his damp hair falling slightly over his forehead. He looked effortlessly breathtaking.

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

His eyes met mine, and a teasing smirk curled on his lips. "Like what you see?"

My face burned as I quickly turned away, pretending to focus on anything else. "Just—get dressed already!"

His deep chuckle filled the room, making my heart race even more.

"Go to my room and change there. Get ready, okay? I'll make some pancakes for us," I said with a smile.

Kayden's eyes lit up like an excited child. "Really? Pancakes?"

I laughed softly. "Yes, now go."

He nodded happily and disappeared into the room while I headed to the kitchen. I worked quickly, making the pancakes and setting everything on the table. Just as I was about to turn around, I felt warm arms wrap around me from behind.

"Kayden—"

He rested his chin on my shoulder, his voice soft. "Are you okay, Y/N? You didn't sleep last night."

I stiffened slightly. "Y-you knew?"

He nodded, his grip around me tightening slightly. "Yes. I was awake… watching you."

My breath hitched. "I thought you were in deep sleep."

He chuckled, his voice a deep murmur against my ear. "When I'm with you, I can do anything… except sleep."

I turned my head slightly, confused. "What? What does that mean?"

He smirked, his eyes locking onto mine. "It means… you're too captivating to look away from."

My heart skipped a beat.

Kayden watched me carefully. "You can take a leave today, Y/N."

I shook my head firmly. "No, I don't want to stay alone anymore."

He frowned for a moment, then his expression softened. "Then move into my house."

I froze. "W-what?"

"Move in with me," he repeated, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

My heart pounded in my chest. "N-no, I can't."

His brows furrowed. "Why not?"

I hesitated. "C-Coel…"

Kayden sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'll talk to him."

I let out a deep breath, shaking my head. "No, Kayden. You and Coel are friends. I don't want you to fight because of me. I'll talk to him myself."

Kayden studied me for a moment before nodding. "As you say."

Before I could react, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. The warmth of his lips lingered, sending a rush of heat through my body.

For a moment, it truly felt like we were a couple.

We ate breakfast together, and Kayden couldn't stop praising the food. Seeing him enjoy what I made filled me with warmth, and we laughed and talked like it was the most natural thing in the world.

After finishing, we happily headed to the car. I was wearing a white long skirt and a light blue crop top, my hair tied up in a neat ponytail. Slipping on my shoes, I got into the passenger seat, and Kayden soon joined me.

He looked… happy. Really happy. His usual smirk was softer, his eyes shining with something I couldn't quite place.

"Hmm… let's go," he said, turning to me with a smile.

I nodded, buckling my seatbelt as he started the car. The engine purred to life, and with that, we drove off—together.

As we entered the office, Kayden gently took my hand.

"Y/N, don't go to your cabin. Come with me," he said softly.

I nodded and followed him without question.

"I need to check your schedule—" he began as he pushed open the door. But the moment I stepped inside, my breath hitched.

My desk, my things… everything was here, in his office.

Shock filled me as I turned to Kayden, only to find him already watching me with a knowing smile.

"What is this…?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kayden ran a hand through his hair, looking a little hesitant.

"Ah, Y/N… The thing is, our new project is really important, and I'll be extremely busy. I need your help with this, and, well… you'll have to handle most of the work. We're going to be swamped this week."

I simply nodded, understanding the weight of his words. Without another word, I walked to my desk and settled in.

Just then, the door opened, and someone stepped inside. I glanced up to see Cassie, her sharp gaze immediately landing on me.

"Kayden, what is she doing here?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Kayden barely flinched. "She'll be working here," he replied casually.

Cassie scoffed before flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Anyway… Do you remember, Kayden? When I was at your place, I left my underwear in your bedroom. I want it back."

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