Chapter 37

Khai watched Ana with a narrowed gaze as she took large bites from a slice of watermelon. He subconsciously licked his lips when he watched the juice from the fruit trickle down her jaw.

"You're doing that on purpose aren't you?"

She cocked her head and looked up at him, her golden-green orbs questioning his stare. "I'm eating a watermelon." She could tell that something bothered him, but it wasn't anger. She tried to read his eyes, was he…resentful?

He leaned his large body close to her face, she moved back immediately, her back pressing into a pillow behind her. As he brushed his thumb over her plump lips, his eyes burned with an intensity that suddenly made her nervous.

His tongue licked the juice on her chin as he took the fruit from her hand and tossed it aside. His hands gripped the sides of her thighs as he slid her down, bringing her to lie on her back. A soft gasp escaped her and she found herself under him, his beautiful face hovering less than an inch away from hers.

"No, you're tempting me to death." He claimed her lips in an undying hunger. His soft tongue relentlessly teased hers as she clutched his shoulders, drawing him closer to her. Delicious sparks shot to his brain, her soft lips causing his heart to race. Every time he kissed her, he was overwhelmed by a passion so wild, that he could not control it.

By the end of the kiss, they were both panting and light sheen of sweat coated their skin as they held each other's gaze.

Ana closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth of Khai's large hand on her cheek. She turned to her side, so she could face him. "You should rest, I can't imagine how tough this week must've been for you."

"This last week, it killed me to leave you in bed every morning. Tomorrow, I can wake up with you." He said with a satisfied smile.

Ana smiled back at him, before she remembered the plans she made at lunch. "Oh! I'm heading to Monserrat with George, Meghan and Maeve tomorrow. We're going shopping for our costumes for Natalie's party."

"Okay, I'll come with you." Khai simply shrugged.

Taken aback by his readiness, Ana's eyes went round. "You will?"

"Of course. I have no plans for tomorrow. I planned on spending the day with you anyway."

"Well, we had to beg George to come with us because we didn't want to drive back after having drinks at lunch. He always grumbles about shopping, I thought you would too." She explained.

Khai released a deep sigh as he pulled her closer. "Ana, you must know by now. Nothing about you, or the things you want to do, will ever be boring to me." He kissed her forehead as she wrapped her arms around him.

"Let's stay in bed until we have to leave then." She snuggled closer to him. "What do you want your costume to be?"

"Whatever you want me to be. I'm coming with you, so I'll come as whatever you decide." He played with her hair, running his hands through the silky strands. "Don't make any plans for the rest of the weekend after the party. I want to take you somewhere."

"Where're we going?" She raised herself on her elbows and looked up at him with excitement etched on her face.

"A small trip to my family's beach house. Pack a bag, I'll have you back at Arcane before class on Monday." He searched her gaze, praying she wasn't afraid to be with him. He exhaled softly when he saw a shy smile tugging at her lips.

Ana nodded, blushing in anticipation. She buried her face in his neck, inhaling her favorite scent of cedar and white musk.

It was almost noon when she woke up the next morning. Ana slowly opened her eyes and rubbed the sleep from them, the warm sunlight pouring through the windows landed directly on her face, causing her to squint softly. She saw Khai's strong arm wrapped around her, holding her protectively against his chest.

Gently rising on her elbow, she stretched to reach the water bottle on her bedside table, taking a few refreshing sips. She let out a contented sigh as the water passed through the parched throat.

"Give me some." Khai's calm and sleepy voice rumbled from behind her.

She turned to him, handing him the water with a soft smile on her lips. "Good morning. Did I wake you?"

Khai's heart swelled at the sight of her beautiful smile. The morning light danced on her face, highlighting her delicate features and making her look all the more stunning. Her cheeks were flushed pink and her soft lips were mildly swollen from his constant kisses. This was easily one of the best mornings of his life. He took a few sips of water before setting the bottle aside and pulling her into a deep kiss.

Ana moaned in pleasure, losing herself in his embrace. As they pulled away from the kiss, she gazed into his eyes, her heart suddenly filling with the hope that every morning would be like this. But she quickly pushed the thought aside, not wanting to come across as overly clingy.

Khai continued to shower her with kisses, his lips left no inch of her face untouched.

"We need to get ready, it's almost noon," Ana giggled, trying to push him away as his lips tickled the skin under her earlobe.

"Remind me again why we need to leave this bed?" He murmured as he softly bit her earlobe.

Ana's body went weak at his intimate kisses. She found herself wishing she didn't make any plans today so she could spend all day in bed with him. Biting her lip, she quickly dispelled such thoughts and wriggled out of his arms to grab her phone.

"We've to meet the others in thirty minutes Khai. They're waiting!" She tugged at his arm, attempting to pull him to sit up.

Khai let out a disgruntled groan into the pillow, before pushing himself up. He took her face in his hands a smacked her lips with a kiss. "You're lucky you're this cute. I'll be back here to get you in thirty minutes." With that, he reluctantly got off her bed and dragged his feet out the door.

Ana stared at his back, almost angry at herself for making him leave.

*****

Khai walked with a spring in his step, his feet landing lightly on the floor as he made his way back to the men's dormitories. He was in a rare, cheerful mood. The thought of spending the weekend with Ana made him grin. It felt like all the effort of the torturous hell week was worth it for mornings like these.

He quickly sent a message from his phone to make arrangements and stock up the beach house. He dashed up the stairs to his room, the anticipation of being with Ana, palpable in every step. As he reached the hallway, he saw Elliot leaning against the wall outside his door.

"Thought Austin and you would be passed out drunk by now," Khai smirking at his friend.

"Good morning to you too," Elliot replied with an uncharacteristic smile. "What are you up to today?"

"I'm taking Ana to Monserrat to shop for costumes. Why?" Khai asked. He saw that Elliot was already dressed to come along. He wondered why his friend wanted to join them after the week they had.

"Let me come with," Elliot suggested. "You're going to be bored out of your wits."

"George is coming. I'll have company."

"Well, the more the merrier, right?" Elliot refused to give up.

Khai nodded dismissively, eager to get back to Ana. He could guess what Elliot was up to, but he did not bother to argue. He made his way to the bathroom to take a shower, trying to ignore Elliot who was now grinning from ear to ear.

They made their way to the women's dormitories when they spotted the rest of the group heading out towards them.

"Elliot, I didn't know you were coming too." Ana smiled as she made her way to Khai.

"Khai asked me, to keep George and him company."

Khai rolled his eyes, but ignored Elliot otherwise. "We'll take two cars."

George nodded. "Meghan and I have to make a quick stop somewhere, so we'll ride separately. Where should we meet the rest of you Maeve?"

Maeve jumped out of her thoughts, taking a second to answer George. "Actually, let me ride with you two. Meet us on Melody Drive, they have some thrift stores."