"Stay close to people who want more for you. Not more from you"
Brooklyn
Atlanta, GA | May 19th
9:21am
I woke up to the soft light of morning creeping through the blinds, stretching beneath the covers.
My throat, like every morning, was intensely dry. I leaned over to feel on my nightstand for the water bottle that would usually be there, but this time, wasn't.
Of course.
I started to say fuck it and turn over but i needed even just a sip of cold water. Huffing, i threw my covers back and dragged myself out of the bed.
I dragged my feet to my bedroom door and opened it.
I glanced over at the empty couch with blankets sprung about, then my eyes flicked toward the kitchen, and I froze. He was standing there, mid-stretch, his back arched in a way that made his muscles ripple underneath his shirt. He was just waking up too, making coffee. Real comfortable in my shit, i might add.
I gasped, startled by his sudden presence. "Fuck, you scared me." I muttered, blinking hard. How the hell had I forgotten about him being here?
Torrian chuckled, low and amused, his morning voice rough and raspy. "Good morning." He said, stirring his cup. "Coffee?" I shook my head no.
I offered him to spend the night last night after our conversation went on up until three in the morning.
I swallowed, a heat blooming in my chest, and had to remind myself to breathe. That deep, rumbling morning voice of his did something to me. "Morning."I replied, my voice a little too breathless.
"Sleep well?"
I nodded, still feeling the warmth of his voice lingering inside me. "Yeah. You?"
"Yup. Your couch is surprising really comfortable, i slept like a baby."
A small smile creeped upon my lips as i grabbed a water bottle. I damn near chugged it before starting toward the bathroom. "I'm gonna get ready." I said.
Before I could close the bathroom door behind me, I heard his voice.
"Brooklyn? Do you have a spare toothbrush?"
"Yeah, I do." I opened the door, letting him inside. He followed me to the cabinet, where I pulled out a fresh toothbrush and handed to him.
He gave me a half-grin, and without another word, he brushed his teeth beside me. I washed my face, the cool water helping to clear my head, though I could still feel him beside me, our movements oddly synchronized.
I paused my routine to lean against the sink and glare at him. I studied his reflection in the mirror. He looked almost too at ease, wiping his face with a warm towel, his gaze never leaving me.
"What?" He asked, a quiet laugh leaving his mouth.
I raised an eyebrow, pushing myself off the sink and standing a little taller. "Nun. I can't look at you?"
He glanced at me, his smirk deepening. "You mean stare."
I shook my head. I watched him finish up and lean against the doorframe, watching me closely. "Got any plans for today?" He asked.
I shifted my weight, trying not to feel too awkward under his steady gaze. "Work and errands." I replied.
Torrian nodded slowly, and I could see the understanding in his eyes—he knew exactly what I meant. The way his jaw tightened slightly and the subtle way his eyes dropped for his just a second, as if taking in the unspoken truth, made me wonder if he was thinking the same thing I was: Tonight, I was working at the club. It was Saturday, prime money making days, of course i was.
