Chapter Six

Aubrey

I have been trying to sleep for the last couple of hours, but I'm failing. I am anxious because I know Everett is asleep on my sofa. We drank more wine than we intended, and before we knew it, it was very late. I offered him my sofa so he wouldn’t have to get a cab. I would have felt guilty otherwise. He stuck to his promise about backing off for the rest of the night. However, I suspect this isn’t the end of his game.

Why am I so nervous? He wouldn’t enter my bedroom without permission. He wouldn’t, right? I am not fearful of him, but he seems like a man who usually gets what he wants. I would prefer not to be added to that list, but I can’t promise myself I will manage that. The last thing I need is another man in my life, not after everything my ex put me through. Groaning in frustration, I sit up and run my fingers through my hair. I don’t sleep the best on a normal night, but tonight is a little different from the reasoning behind that.

I hesitantly climb out of bed. A cup of lemon tea usually helps me sleep. I have sleeping pills, but I rarely take them. The next morning, they make me feel yucky, and I end up with brain fog for most of the day. I tip-toe my way to the kitchen, checking to see if Everett is asleep. He seems to be. I stay as quiet as possible as I finally get to the kitchen. Let’s hope the kettle doesn’t wake him. Maybe making tea isn’t a good idea.

I stand in the middle of the kitchen, deciding on what to do. I chose to make it. If he wakes up, he wakes up. I need some sleep, and this is the next best option. I switch the kettle on and get my mug ready. I stare out into the darkness from my window.

“What are you doing up? It is late. You should be sleeping.”

Everett’s sudden voice from behind startled me. I turn to face him.

“I am making tea. I couldn’t sleep. It’s not like it is any of your business. You are in my home. What I do in it has nothing to do with you.” I huff, crossing my arms over my chest.

He strolls over and takes his place in front of me. He is close enough that my body is trapped between him and the counter. I fight back the lump in my throat and maintain my composure as best as possible.

“I don’t care that it is your house. You should be asleep. Why can’t you sleep?”

“I don’t sleep well most nights, so it's no big deal.” I shrug.

“Not getting enough sleep is not good for you, Aubrey.” He lectures.

I roll my eyes. Why does he feel entitled to lecture me?

“Yes, boss,” I say sarcastically and put my back to him.

He doesn’t move. He presses his front against my back, and he moves his lips to my ear, his warm breath fanning my sensitive skin.

“Princess, I much prefer being called sir,” he rasps, placing one hand on my hip.

I close my eyes, drawing in my breath, “Don’t call me that.”

He chuckles in my ear, “I will call you as I please. You should go back to bed.”

His voice is firmer when he says the last part.

“I am making tea. I will go back to bed when I am ready and not before it.”

He forces me around so we are face-to-face. His lips are only inches from mine. My tongue darts along my lips as thoughts of what it would be like to kiss him run through my mind.

 “Oh, kitten, you’d be back in bed already if you were mine.”

A pathetic whimper escapes from my lips, “I-I-I will never be yours.”

Everett’s lips curl into a smirk. “You keep telling yourself that.”

“It is the truth! Now, move, I need to get my tea.” I demand.

He nods, taking a few steps back. I rush away from him to where the kettle is and gather myself again. I offer him one, but he says no. I bid him goodnight again and headed straight back to my bedroom.

I sigh, climbing back into bed, covering myself up and sipping my tea. He appears absolutely certain I’ll be his. I don’t understand. I thought I had made myself clear. I’m pulled from my thoughts when my bedroom door opens, and Everett appears again.

“Did I say you could come into my room?”

“Nope. Can I sleep in here with you? It is cold out there.”

It is cold. The temperature has dropped tonight.

“I can fetch you more blankets.”

“Or you can let me sleep in next to you. I promise to keep my hands to myself. If it makes you feel better, you can put something between us.”

“All right, but you must be quiet, too.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He chuckles and slips in next to me.

I glance at him to find his eyes already on me. I grimace and avert my gaze. I finished my tea, ignoring him. Having him in my bed is an awkward situation for me. I climb out of bed, getting extra pillows from the closet. Perhaps it’s immature, but my plan is to put them as a barrier between us.

He watches me with amusement as I create a barrier between us.

“Happy?” he asks.

“Yes. Goodnight.” I reply and switch the lamp off.

I lay on my side, my back to him. I sense him moving and settling down as well.

“Sweet dreams, princess.”

I can’t see him, but I bet he has a smug look. A groan is my only response. I close my eyes, praying for sleep to take over and for him to be gone when I wake up in the morning.

My plan is not working. I begin tossing and turning, getting more annoyed by the second. God, it is going to be a long night!

“Are you always this much of a fidget?” he asks.

“No, but tonight, I can’t get comfortable. I am due to get up and stay up.” I whine.

One by one, I feel the pillows from between us getting moved. Suddenly, he wraps his arm around me and pulls me close. I attempt to escape his grasp, but he holds me firm.

“Relax, it may help you sleep.” He says softly.

I’m ready to try anything at this point. I let myself relax, my face buried in his strong chest. His hand goes under my shirt to caress the curve of my lower back. I close my eyes, and my entire body relaxes being in his arms. I’m not sure what to think, and honestly, I don’t care at the moment. I need to sleep. I am up in three hours.

I quickly begin to drift off. It has been a while since someone has held me as I sleep.