Page 131 of Silk Sheets

“Are you saying you need a babysitter on campus?” Kaden suddenly asked, slipping both hands into his gym shorts.

I couldn’t help the sly grin tugging on my lips as I approached him. “Why? Are you offering?” I asked, dragging my nails down his abs.

“Don’t fuck around on campus, Dakota,” he warned and my head snapped to Chase.

“But when I use foul language, I get punished,” I rested my hands on my hips in disbelief.

“Logan and I still have to deal with a couple of things, so we’ll see you tonight,” Kaden reached forward, kissing the top of my head before him and Logan left the foyer, heading upstairs.

Chase rested his hand on my lower back and signaled for me to walk.

We entered the living room and I sat down beside him on the couch.

“You are aware that what you did today is unacceptable, right?”

Before I could even open my mouth to protest, I nodded, lowering my eyes. “Yes, Chase. I know.”

“I understand that you were upset, but you can’t resort to violence.Ever, Dakota.”

I swallowed hard, hating the hint of disappointment in his voice.

I sighed, looking up and he reached over, gently cupping the side of my face. He ran a steady thumb over my cheekbone and I couldn’t help the pleading eyes I shot him.

“Don’t look at me like that.”

“But Chase,” I groaned, straddling his lap and he rested both hands on my waist. “You cannot tell me that if another man did something to hurt me, that either of you wouldn’t have punched him in the face.”

He paused in thought for a second, and I could tell that he was very quickly realizing that I had a point.

“Doesn’t make it okay.”

“Yes, and I know that,” I rested my hands on his shoulders. “Just,” I paused, taking a deep breath in, then exhaled. “Don’t be mad. Let it go.”

He shot me a knowing look, opening his mouth to protest then shut it. I averted his eyes—anxiously.

“Okay.”

My head snapped up in surprise. “Really?”

“I’m not excusing, or condoning your behavior, but you’ve had a lot on your plate. We understand why you weren’t thinking clearly.”

My heart sank.

It hadn’t been easy these past couple months. With finding out about Josie, her kissing Kaden, and then my father, now this…

“Thank you,” I snaked my arms around his neck, pulling him in for a hug. “And I promise to never resort to violence again,” I assured him, pulling back. “I’ll just call Kaden to do it for me,” I playfully added, making him smile.

He ran his thumb underneath my eye and lifted it, showing me the mascara residue, then attempted to run his fingers through the birds nest on my head. “Let’s get you cleaned up, yeah?”

THIRTY-THREE

DAKOTA

After a warm shower and a delicious feast—courtesy of Chase— I found myself cuddling to his side as the fire cracked and popped, bringing the room temperature up just enough.

I had convinced him to watch an episode ofGeordie Shorewith me, which he most definitely wasn’t keen on doing.

It had been hours, and I had no idea where Kaden and Logan were, or when they’d be back. But, I was thankful to have Chase.I needed him.