Kimi studied her in silence, last night’s storm of emotions still hanging between them like smoke that refused to clear. Only a fool would take her sudden declaration at face value, and he wasn’t about to let his heart rush headlong without knowing her true intent. His chest ached with a pressure he didn’t allow to surface, and when he finally spoke, his tone was steady, measured.

  “Katherine, I’m glad you want to move our relationship forward, but… is my understanding the same as yours? I—”

  She cut him off, her lips crashing into his with a fierceness that left no room for doubt. She tasted of rain and defiance, of the same audacity when she ran away from home all those years ago. She melted into him, clinging to the fabric of his shirt as though it anchored her to the present.

  Between their kisses, he drew a ragged breath. “Katherine… are you sure?”

  Her lashes brushed his cheek as she whispered against his mouth. “Yes.”

  But the moment faltered. A shock struck her like lightning, and she jerked back, eyes wide. “No!”

  The word rang sharp and jarring. Kimi froze where he stood, rough breaths caught in his chest. Slowly, deliberately, he stepped back and put distance between them, pulling the frayed edge of disappointment beneath his calm exterior.

  “Alright,” he said gently, his tone careful, almost protective. “I won’t push. Stay here if you like, or head back to The Cliffs. I’ll shower and get back to work.”

  He turned toward the bathroom, but before he could take another step, her fingers closed around his wrist, insistent.

  “Kimi, wait. It’s not what you think.” She swallowed before blurting, “It’s because… this would be our first time. I want it to be perfect.”

  His world seemed to tilt, her reason softening the hard lines of his face. His eyes searched hers, reading the uncertainty that was threaded with something tender, vulnerable, real. “That’s all?”

  She nodded sheepishly, still flustered. “I’ve never… I mean, I should probably… do some grooming first.” Her voice fell to a whisper. “Does Sana know any places like that?”

  For once, his usually quick tongue deserted him. He blinked and just stared, momentarily speechless, until she waved a hand in front of him.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  “Kimi? Earth to Kimi.”

  He cleared his throat, dragging his composure back into place. “I… wouldn’t know. But you can ask her.” Then he added, “For the record, whether you’re primped or not, you’re already perfect to me.”

  A shy smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she dug out her phone. “I’ll call Sana.”

  He nodded and headed for the ensuite, glancing back with a gentleness that lingered even after the door shut.

  Katherine pressed her phone to her ear. A few rings later, a familiar voice came on. “Sis? What’s up?”

  Her nerves bunched tight. Her gaze darted around the room as though the walls might listen in. “Is Sana with you? I… need to ask her something.”

  “Is it about the case?” Suspicion etched his question.

  “No! It’s… a girl thing.” She winced at her own awkwardness.

  A shuffle, then Sana’s bright voice chimed in. “Hey, Kate! What’s up?”

  Katherine exhaled slowly, steadying herself before asking, “Do you go to one of those places for… grooming?”

  Sana’s laughter bubbled through the line, unrestrained. “Oh, totally. Mom drags Lara and me whenever she goes. Girls’ day out. You should come next time!”

  “Is it hard to get an appointment right now?” Katherine murmured.

  There was a beat of silence, then a playful chirp, “So urgent?”

  “Mmhmm.”

  Understanding dawned instantly. “Got it. Give me a sec, I’ll make a call.”

  Minutes later, a text buzzed through with details. Relief swept through Katherine before the bathroom door swung open.

  Kimi stepped out, a towel slung low across his hips, droplets chasing paths down the lines of his frame. His damp hair clung to his forehead, glinting in the light. Katherine’s breath snagged, her phone forgotten mid-scroll.

  “Does this feel like your first night at The Cliffs?” he teased, catching her lingering stare.

  Her thoughts slipped past her lips before she could stop them. “Just as sexy as before.” Heat flooded her face, and she slapped a hand over her mouth, mortified.

  Kimi’s chuckle rolled deep and warm. “Remember what I told you then?”

  Her blush deepened. “You said your body’s for me to admire and enjoy.”

  He leaned closer and said, “Still true. I’m still undressed. If you want me, I’m yours. But if you’d rather wait—”

  She shook her head quickly, cutting him off. “Sana already booked me a special appointment tomorrow. We’ll wait… I can do a little snooping on—” She stopped short, biting her lip, too embarrassed to continue.

  He smiled, reading what she didn’t say. “Okay, you can use my laptop. Password’s your birthday.”

  Her head snapped up. “You know my birthday?”

  “I asked your brother,” he hummed.

  Her grin turned sly. “Sneaky. Since you know mine, you have to tell me yours.”

  He obliged without hesitation. “Two days before we met.”

  She did the mental math, eyes narrowing. “The 17th?”

  He nodded. “Sana flew back from New York to celebrate, but… the ambush happened. We completely forgot about it.”

  Her fingers toyed with his, her smile soft and wicked all at once. “Do you take belated gifts?”

  He drew her close, his breath skimming her ear. “You’re my belated gift,” he murmured, tender and sure.

  Her heart stumbled in her chest. Rising on tiptoe, she pressed a light kiss to his lips. “You’d better get dressed before you catch a cold. I’ll wash up and dig into a few things.”

  “As you wish, Kitty,” he cooed, his pet name for her lingering in the quiet as he disappeared into the closet.

  No! just took years off Kimi’s life ??

  while giving her bro a leg up—the ultimate MVP ??