Chapter 56: Whispers in the Dark
Josie
The moment Kiel scooped me into his arms, I gasped softly, my breath catching in my throat as my body collided with his. My arms instinctively wrapped around his neck, holding on tighter than I meant to.
The heat of his body seeped into mine, grounding me in a way nothing else had in days. His piercings glinted faintly under the soft lights of the hallway, and I couldn’t help but admire how they shimmered against his skin.
There was something hypnotic about the way his long, dark hair fell messily over his shoulders, framing his face like it belonged to a painting. I wanted to touch it—run my fingers through the silky strands and feel their weight—but I didn’t. I wasn’t sure why. Maybe because a part of me still wasn’t sure where I stood in all this.
He didn’t say a word as he carried me. He didn’t need to. His silence felt heavier than anything else, thick with unspoken thoughts and something warmer... softer. I nestled a little closer to him, resting my head against his chest.
The steady beat of his heart drummed into my ear, and I let myself get lost in it. If I could bottle that sound, I would. It was the only thing that made sense anymore.
When we reached my room, Kiel pushed the door open with his foot and stepped inside like he owned the place. He didn’t. But I didn’t mind.
Not when he walked like he was always meant to be by my side. Not when he looked at me like I was something fragile he was desperate to keep whole. He placed me gently on the bed, like I was a porcelain doll, careful not to jostle me too much.
But he didn’t leave.
He just stood there.
Watching.
Waiting.