Chapter 33

Makenna’s POV.

I sighed as I read the last sentence in my latest chapter. The rain had been pouring steadily for hours, the perfect backdrop for hot chocolate and a cozy movie. But instead, I was thinking of Wolfe. Again.

The thought of him here with me brought a blush to my cheeks, especially considering the smut I’d just written. If he ever read my book, I'd die of embarrassment. Some of the scenes were pulled straight from our encounters. I took another sip of my hot chocolate, snuggling deeper into my writing chair.

Whatever I felt for Wolfe, I had to keep it in check. He couldn't know I'd fallen for him. That would end our arrangement, and he'd find another muse to replace me. That would break me. If I had to act withdrawn, so be it. Knight asking Kenzie out had crushed me. It was a horrible experience I didn't want to repeat. Keeping my emotions out of our arrangement with Wolfe was easier said than done.

I sighed as I closed my laptop and finished my hot chocolate. Looking out the window, I noticed the rain had stopped. If Yas could see me now, she'd say I was acting like a depressed rabbit. I chuckled at the thought, still unsure what she meant by that.

As I turned off the lights in my room, the doorbell rang, startling me. It was late. Who would be visiting at this hour? It was usually Yas—either fleeing a one-night stand or avoiding home—but she always texted first. I headed to the door, my irritation growing. Whoever it was had better have a good reason for disturbing my peace.

Peering through the peephole, I saw Knight standing there, looking unsteady and leaning against the wall. What was he doing here?

“Makenna!” He yelled, startling me, his slurred voice confirming he was drunk.

Of all people, he was the last I wanted to see. How the hell did he get my address? I could leave him out there to teach him a lesson, but my conscience wouldn’t allow it. I sighed in frustration. This was all Kenna’s fault. Why did she have to bring him back into my life? I’d been fine about forgetting him. Now here he was, acting like a lost puppy. The nerve of him.

His voice boomed again, and I heard a neighbor yell back for him to shut the hell up. Great, more drama.

I opened the door just enough to glare at him. “Knight, what the hell are you doing here?”

“Makenna, I need to talk to you,” he slurred, barely managing to stand upright.

“You’re drunk,” I said flatly. “Go home.”

“Please, Makenna. Just let me in. Please.”

Against my better judgment, I sighed and opened the door wider. “Fine. But you have just ten minutes.”

Locking the door, I took off his wet shoes and socks, helping him to the sitting room. He was drenched from the rain. I helped him peel off his wet jacket and shirt. I angrily stuffed his clothes into the dryer, then grabbed a blanket.

Why did he have to come here? What was wrong with him and Kenzie? Couldn't they keep me out of their dramatic relationship?

When I returned, he was sitting up, watching me, his eyes slightly open and hazy. “You’re so beautiful,” he slurred.

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “That would've worked if I still cared what you thought.”

After some contemplation, I decided his trousers would stay on. Covering him with the blanket, I made sure he was warm first. He really looked like shit. I went to the kitchen to get him some water, but he grabbed my hand.

“Don't go,” he pleaded, his grip weak but insistent.

I raised an eyebrow in annoyance, pulling my hand away. “Stay put.”

When I returned, he looked a bit better—more like he had sobered up suddenly. I handed him the glass of water, eyeing him warily. “Thanks.” he said as he collected the glass of water.

I sat on the table opposite him, folding my arms. “What are you doing here, Knight? Of all places?”

He watched me for a while, his expression sad and tired. “Kenzie broke up with me.”

I rolled my eyes. “And so? I already told you I'm not interested in anything that has to do with you and my sister. And I don't remember us being the best of friends.”

“I cared about Kenzie. I really liked her, despite all her faults—until I saw her at your family dinner.”

I crossed my arms tighter, getting pissed at the fact that he was still talking. “How is that any of my business? I really don't want you in my house. Once you're sober, leave.”

He sighed, looking more defeated. “I cared about you too. I didn't mean to hurt you when I chose her over you.”

I snorted. "I don't care, Knight. It doesn't matter."

The nerve of him to think I still cared. I was starting to regret letting him in.

He reached out to touch me, and I backed away. “I don't bite,” he said with a small smile.

“As I said earlier, I don't care about you or your issues with Kenzie.” I shot back, my voice cold. “So, can you stay the hell away from me?”

His smile faltered. “Right. I’ll just get some rest and leave when I’m sober enough.”

I nodded curtly, watching as he lay down on my sofa.

I headed to the kitchen, desperate for some water. The room felt stifling with him in it.

If Kenzie broke up with him, she was definitely eyeing another man. Wolfe. This was bad news. Kenzie was up to something, and it was certainly nothing good.

But I needed to get a grip though. The plan was to break the deal with Wolfe when I couldn't handle it anymore. Whatever Kenzie and Wolfe ended up doing wasn't my business.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair in frustration. Sleep. That's what I needed. I didn't care if Knight stayed or left, as long as he stayed the hell away from me. I was heading to my room when the doorbell rang again.

What was with all the late-night visitors?

I glanced at the sofa. Knight was fast asleep. That was quick. He was really drunk. Kenzie really did a number on him. Again.

Rolling my eyes, I went to see who was at the door.

Wolfe?

Shit!

Finally, someone I wanted to see. But then I remembered Knight was on my sofa. I swore again and groaned in frustration. Why did he have to come tonight?

This was definitely my worst night ever.

“Hey,” I said, opening the door. Wolfe beamed at me. He looked breathtaking as usual.

“Hi, baby.”

I'd have to tell him to stop calling me that. It wasn't helpful to our arrangement. At all.

“I was having an artist's block and needed to see my muse tonight,” he said with a grin.

I laughed, but then noticed his gaze shift behind me. I turned and saw Knight's boots.

Damn it.

Wolfe's smile thinned. “I see you have company. I'll come back later.”

Before I could say a word, he turned and left.

I sighed, annoyed and frustrated. I couldn’t tell if he was being professional or if he was pissed. He didn’t seem like he cared, so he was definitely being professional.

Pissed at how close I had been to spending the night with Wolfe, I closed the door and stormed to where Knight was sleeping.

“Knight!” I yelled, shaking him to wake him up. He frowned and sat up. When I was sure he was awake, I went to get his dried clothes from the dryer and tossed them at him.

“Get dressed and leave,” I snapped. “And don’t think of coming to my house ever again.”

“Thank you for taking care of me and I'm sorry for everything.” He said after putting on his clothes. I nodded curtly and locked the door after him.

I stood there for a while. Why was I so angry? Wolfe could do without me so easily. Why shouldn’t I?

I took my phone and clicked on his contact. I wanted to text him so badly, but I knew it might send the wrong message.

Sighing, I turned off my phone and walked to my bedroom.

Tonight was going to be a really cold and long one.