The Deal

Chapter 14: On Your Marks, Get Set, Go.

The Deal

I woke up to the sound of rain tapping gently against the window, a soothing rhythm that seemed to calm my racing thoughts. Stretching slightly, I felt the softness of the bed beneath me, the warmth of the covers surrounding me. But as I moved, I heard the quietest sound—soft snoring coming from beside me.

Turning my head slowly, I found West asleep next to me. His breathing was steady, the rhythm calm and peaceful. His lips were slightly parted, and his usually messy hair was even more chaotic, sticking up in different directions as if he hadn't a care in the world. It was such a contrast to the tense, brooding man I knew. He looked so... vulnerable. So human.

I couldn't help but smile. There was something oddly comforting about seeing him like this—nothing like the fearless, tough guy he usually was. At this moment, he wasn't the hard man who ran the show, but just a man, asleep beside me, unaware of my gaze.

Then I realized his arm was still wrapped around my waist, securing me in place. I shifted a little, trying to wriggle free, hoping he'd loosen his grip. But instead, he pulled me closer, his hold tightening as if he didn't want to let go.

My god, this guy is strong. I really, really have to pee.

Desperate to get free, I poked his cheek, hoping to wake him up just enough for him to let go.

"Erm, West?" I whispered softly, but there was no response.

I poked him again, a little harder this time, hoping to get some reaction. He let out a grumble, clearly not yet awake.

"Hope, it's too early to start pissing me off," he muttered, pulling me closer to him like he had last night. This time, as he tugged me into his chest, my top rode up slightly, exposing my stomach. His hand landed on my bare skin, and the contact sent an involuntary shiver running through my body.

I froze for a moment, unsure how to react to the warmth of his hand against my skin, but his breathing remained steady, and I tried to ignore the effect it had on me.

Okay if someone walked in on us now I would have so much explaining to do, if he doesn't let me go soon I'm going to wet the bed.

"West, I really need to go to the toilet," I said quickly, hoping he wouldn't just fall back to sleep.

After a few seconds, he finally removed his arm from around me, and I felt the sudden chill of the empty space he had left. It was like a stark contrast to the warmth he had just provided.

Without wasting another second, I scrambled out of bed, my feet hitting the cold floor as I dashed toward the bathroom. Of course, I made sure to shut the door behind me, just to have a moment of privacy.

After I finished, I walked back into the room to find West sitting up in bed, rubbing his eyes. The sight of him, so unguarded and tired, was a rare one. When he noticed me standing in the doorway, he looked up and gave me a small, almost sleepy smile. It was the kind of smile I rarely saw from him, and for a moment, it made my heart skip a beat.

"So, how are you feeling this morning?" I cleared my throat as I sat down next to him on the bed, trying to keep my voice steady.

"I'm okay," he muttered, his gaze distant. "Not exactly excited about tonight. It's not every day you get bargained for." He glanced at me then, but his eyes quickly found the floor, like he was trying to mask whatever was going on behind them.

I turned to face him fully, wanting to gauge his reaction. His expression was unreadable, his face as calm as always, but his eyes? They were different today—intense, heavy with something I couldn't quite place. He wasn't saying anything, but there was something in the silence, something raw that made my heart beat a little faster.