Page 104 of Cruel Abandon (Fallen Royals 5)
I flip onto my back and stretch out, squeezing my eyes shut… until my hand hits something warm. And fleshy. I squint in the darkness until I make out the shape of a body, and I suppress my groan.
Of course Liam is asleep next to me.
Of course I couldn’t have a room to myself for one freaking night. But this is taking it too far. A girl’s got to stand up for herself… and apparently keep standing up.
I push at his shoulder. “Liam,” I whisper. “Wake up.”
“I’m up,” he grunts. “What?”
“Why are you in my room?”
He twists onto his side and rises on one arm, glancing around. A slow smile creeps across his face. “This would appear to be my room, angel. Have you always sleepwalked, or is this a new thing?”
I narrow my eyes, then pay closer attention to the room. There are no plants by the window, and the bed… well, it’s definitely not mine.
My face heats up. “Well, now. I guess I’ll be going.”
Only one foot touches the floor before Liam grabs my arm. “You can stay… if you’re comfortable.”
I twist back toward him. “And if I’m uncomfortable?”
He smirks. “Then I’d say you’re lying to yourself.”
I flop back, narrowly avoiding hitting him.
“So, what?” I ask. “Do you think I came in here while sleeping because…”
“I’m the safe bet. I may not look it, and I definitely don’t act like it.” He lifts a piece of my hair. He’s done it before, rolled it between his fingers, tugged on it.
I can’t tell if he likes the color or is wondering when the blonde will come back.
“I’m going to protect you,” he says softly. “And it isn’t because the money your mom is giving me—although, I’m not going to lie, it’s a definite perk. And it beats fighting.”
“Please.” I sigh. “You enjoyed fighting before I ruined it.”
“Whitney, you mean,” he corrects.
We’re silent for a few minutes. Then I say, “I thought you telling me more about what I couldn’t remember would unlock stuff.”
“It didn’t?”
“No, all I dreamt about was going to your house when my parents were arguing. Your mom gave me cereal, and you…” I clamp my lips shut. Damn, I almost told him the worst part of my dream.
“What did I do?” He grins. “If it was anything other than ignore you, you have to tell me.”
“You kissed me when your mom’s back was turned.” Oh god, I can’t believe I just admitted that.
He rises again, leaning over me. “Oh?”
“Yeah.”
“How?”
I bite my lip. “I don’t know.”
“Soft or hard? Did I use tongue? Was dream-me a good kisser?”
“I guess.” I snicker. “It was a dream. You could’ve had a frog tongue and it might’ve seemed normal.”