Wakey Wakey.

Wakey Wakey.
LIORA'S POV

Morning was here in no time.

“Ugh, my pussy,” I groaned, rolling onto my stomach as a dull ache throbbed between my legs. Azrael had really fucked me without mercy. I sat up, looking around the unfamiliar bedroom, my brows slowly drawing together before the memories from last night came crashing back.

I quickly got off the bed, my feet pressing against the cold floor. Mara's dress could barely cover my curvy figure, the shirt hugging my waist tightly while my wide hips were on full display in the tiny shorts I wore.

“Mara?” I called, opening the door. Her room was empty, and even the bed showed no sign that anyone had slept there last night. Did she really stay with him all night?

“That girl.” I shook my head, walking out of the bedroom. A yawn left my lips as I stretched my arms, and that was when a delicious scent wafted into my nostrils.

I paused, following the smell toward the kitchen. Aside from instant noodles, Mara could barely cook to save her life. My mouth watered from the aroma alone. Had she suddenly been blessed with talent overnight?

“You're awake.”

Jaycee's voice rang in my ears, and my eyes snapped toward him. He stood in front of the stove with a small apron tied around his waist, shirtless. Veins bulged along his arms as he stirred the frying pan, sweat sliding down his toned back.

“Liora?”

“Where's Mara?” I asked indifferently, walking into the kitchen. At least he could've put on a shirt. The sight alone ruined my appetite.

I sat at the table and scrolled through my phone, planning to order something online instead.

“She went out for a jog,” he replied, walking toward me.

He placed a plate in front of me, his fingers brushing against mine before he slowly pulled his hand away.

My gaze lingered on the food despite myself. “I see,” I answered, locking my phone screen. I placed it on the table and stared silently at the plate.

He walked back over and placed an omelette beside it before dropping the frying pan into the sink. I stood to grab a fork, only to realize Mara had kept them ridiculously high.

“Damn it.” I tiptoed, my fingers barely brushing the shelf.

“Let me help you with that.”

His voice came from behind me, and before I could react, heat pressed against my back as his arms suddenly wrapped around my waist beneath my breasts, lifting me slightly off the floor. The sudden pressure crushed the heavy flesh painfully against his forearm.

“I can do it myself,” I said through gritted teeth, my body stiffening in discomfort.

He chuckled softly, my feet tangling awkwardly in the air.

“Jaycee!”

My voice trembled. I quickly grabbed the fork, ready to stab him with it if he didn't let go.

Thankfully, he released me and stepped back immediately. That was when I noticed he still wasn't wearing a shirt.

“Sorry,” he muttered, clearing his throat. “I thought you needed a little help.”

My grip tightened around the fork as my jaw locked.

“Don't ever do something like that again. I never asked for your help.”

“Okay.” He sniffed quietly.

I dropped the fork onto the table, grabbed my phone, and walked out of the kitchen. I marched toward Mara's room before slamming the door behind me and heading straight for the bathroom.

I grabbed a bar of soap and stripped out of the clothes, scrubbing at my skin harshly as if I could wash away his sweat and disgusting touch from my body.

By the time I came out, Mara had already returned. Her laughter echoed through the dining room.

I stopped walking.

She sat comfortably on Jaycee's lap, her head thrown back in laughter while he whispered something against her neck.

I stepped into the living room, and Mara finally noticed me.

“Liora. How's your morning?”

I stared at her blankly before my gaze shifted to Jaycee, who was eating from the spoon she held out for him. His gaze moved over my body with slow, shameless interest.

Disgust crawled beneath my skin like something alive.

His eyes lingered long enough to make me want to cover myself, especially when his tongue swept across his lower lip afterward.

“It's going well. Azrael called me to return home.”

The lie rolled off my tongue easily, and I didn't feel even slightly guilty for saying it.

“Oh? So quickly? I thought we'd spend some time together.” Mara climbed off his lap and walked toward me while Jaycee leaned back against the couch, his eyes still fixed on me.

“It's fine. The case got settled quickly. Have fun.”

I hugged her briefly and left the house before I did something I'd regret.

Azrael's driver was already waiting outside. I quickly got into the car, resisting the urge to look back as the house disappeared behind us.

Strangely enough, Azrael's call came in just as I was wondering what to do next.

I swiped the answer button and placed the phone against my ear.

“Azrael,” I called softly, confused about why he was calling.

“Flower, how are you doing?” he asked. Muffled voices echoed faintly in the background.

I sighed and leaned against the seat.

“I'm... fine. I just miss you.”

I bit my tongue after lying to him. I should tell him what happened, but I was scared he'd hurt Jaycee or even stop Mara from being my friend.

I knew Azrael.

He wouldn't hesitate to eliminate anyone or anything that threatened me.

“You sound troubled,” he said suddenly, startling me. Had I accidentally spoken my thoughts out loud? “I'll be with you very soon. I promised you, didn't I? Just hold on for a few more hours for me. Can you do that?”

My fingers tightened around my shirt.

“Yes, I can do that, Azrael.”

“Okay.”

The call ended shortly after.

A tired sigh slipped past my lips as blurred streets passed outside the car window.

A few minutes later, the car pulled into the compound. I stepped out, dragging my feet toward my bedroom. Eleanor approached me, asking if I wanted anything, but I told her I wanted to be alone.

I stared at the elevator leading to my room before slowly shaking my head.

I couldn't bear being alone.

Changing direction, I headed toward Azrael's bedroom instead. Thankfully, the door gave way the moment I pushed it open.

I dragged myself inside, each step heavier than the last until I finally collapsed onto his bed.

I stared into the darkness for a while before my eyes slowly closed and sleep claimed me.

I didn't know how much time had passed before my consciousness returned to the feeling of fingers brushing gently through my hair.

My eyes fluttered open, only to find Azrael watching me quietly.

“Wakey wakey.”