Byron impatiently Maeve’s hand his face with irritation. Maeve’s cheeks burned with a mix of anger and embarrassment. I just finished cooking and was about to call to eat. I know you’d fallen asleep looked so pale. I was worried you a fever, checked. all-no big deal,” Maybe she had a line. Byron hated being touched, even on his forehead. Since he was recovering. it was better to back off and his spice. “You’re making too much of it Byron snapped, rising to his feet, winced slightly a headache throbbed behind Despite the discomfort, he refused to show any sign of especially after brushing off Maeve’s concern. Let’s eat. You must be hungry too. Marve suggested, trying to case the tension At the dining a steaming pot creamy chicken soup took center stage, surrounded by four other dishes. The rich filled the room, making their mouths water. As Byron settled into his seat, a nagging feeling tugged at him, like something was off, but he couldn’t quite out wi Maeve quickly ladled out a bowl of soup and set in front a smile. “Try this. I added a ton of herbs-bet it Byron took a sip of the chicken soup, rich and warming flavor spreading through him. then his eyes narrowed as realization hit him. He shot Maeve a cold, suspicious look. my breakfast on purpose this morning?” The soup was fantastic, a clear sign that Maeve knew her way around a kitchen. that god-awful breakfast this morning had been deliberate. Maeve froze for moment, blank Byron’s icy stare. A ran down her spine as she stammered. an accident. My cooking is miss; things turn out right” “Maeve, push your luck,” Byron warned, expression turning icy. Maeve looked up him, her lashes fluttering slightly. “You the one who insulted me first yesterday. I played a little prank to get back you. Compared people who’ve actually hurt you, all I did was serve shitty breakfast. Is that so unforgivable?” Her voice was calm, gentle, despite the sharpness of her words. beneath calm exterior, a simmering anger in every word spoke. Byron’s frustration, which had been over moments ago, to simmer down. The tension the dinner table hung air like a cloud, only beginning lift when they got up to head for the showers. Maeve handed Byron a waterproof bandage, then retreated the living room, giving him the bathroom first. She settled down on the carpet beside the sofa, finishing her resume on her laptop. Once done, saved it and closed the lid. phone wouldn’t buzzing. She glanced at the saw it was her father, Scout, calling She the call, watching series of from him 14:39 Mon, Oct 14 GG Scott: [Come home tomorrow. Scott: [Forget about Jeff for now. We need to know really feel. Maeve was aback by the uncharacteristically gentle tone of Scott’s messages. now that someone else, willing to set aside their and actually hear me out, she mused. Maeve replied: [Fine]. She checked the time-Byron had been in the bathroom nearly an hour. Despite the awkward dinner, he was still recovering and might be running a fever. tugged her, and she hesitated before walking over to the bathroom door. McDaniel, are you okay in there?” When she knocked several more times and still got no response, concern deepened. She knocked harder, and just as sh was about to knock again, the door suddenly swung open. Byron stood there, in silk bathrobe. damp brown hair clung to his forehead, and his tired eyes made him seem distant and unreachable. His face was pale, his pinched with irritation. “What hell do you want?” he rasped, voice rough and edged with annoyance. Maeve’s eyes unintentionally drifted to partially chest, and she quickly her face flushing. She a step back, stumbling her words, “1-1 thought you might have fainted or something” Byron’s temples throbbed with and his wound still ached. His patience was running thin. When Maeve stepped closer intentionally or not, he snapped. He grabbed arm and pushed her wall, his brown eyes flashing with a mockery. you’re saying this time it on purpose? were actually worried about me?” A of panic surged through Maeve. McDaniel…” “What the hell you so afraid of?” Byron’s fingers tightened around her chin, his and mocking. “Isn’t this what wanted? I’ll give it to you. Before Maeve pull away, Byron’s swooped down. lips were hot and insistent they crashed hers with a brutal force. He bit on her lip, his kiss harsh punishing, like he determined to make her pay of burned against her cool skin, molten lava over ice, sensation unbearable. winced at the pain, her hands into fists as she used every bit of push away he was like a brick wall-unmoving and unbreakable.