Page 117 of Silk Sheets

“And I saw it. All of it,” I whispered, and he leaned in, wrapping his arms around me as I clung to his arm—the side of my face pressed into his chest. “Heletit happen.”

I fought back tears as I held onto Chase, desperate for his comfort. His peace.

He kissed the top of my head, making my eyes flutter closed. “You have to talk to him about it.”

I instantly shook my head. “No.”

“Yes.”

My heart raced, and I lifted myself to meet his tender eyes. He ran a smooth hand down my head with eyes that held so much reassurance—support.

“Trust me,” he said, caressing the back of my head. “We would never intentionally hurt you, Dakota. And that includes Kaden. He cares for you.”

I averted his eyes, slowly exhaling a shaky breath.

“I wasn’t there. I can’t speak for him. But, I do know that he wouldn’t purposely hurt you.”

I chewed the inside of my cheek then rested the side of my face against his chest again. He had so much faith in Kaden, so I guess I didn’t have a choice but to trust him.

“Does it have to be tonight?” I murmured, feeling his lips press to the top of my head again.

“You’re allowed to sleep on it if that’s what you need.”

* * *

Groaning, I stared up at the dark ceiling.

Chase must have waited for me to fall asleep because I woke up alone in his bed. I glanced at the bedside clock and it was nearly 1 a.m.

Pushing the sheets back, I sat up, placing my warm feet on the chilly floor. I shivered before tiptoeing out of his bedroom and down to the kitchen.Exactly where I thought he’d be.

He lowered an empty plate and a glass into the sink, and my eyes landed on his open laptop, some scripts and a red pen on the island.

When he turned, he seemed taken aback. “Is everything okay?”

I nodded, hugging my stomach. “I can’t really sleep.”

He approached me, wrapping both arms around my body, and I snuggled in his embrace.

“Is Kaden asleep?”

“No, he’s in the living room with Logan.”Oh?

“Why are the three of you still up this late?” I rested my chin on his chest but he only pinned me with a knowing look.Right.I said my safe word and completely disappeared on them. They probably can’t sleep either.

Chase nodded toward the living room and I inhaled deeply before exhaling.

With trembling hands, I entered the living room with him at my side. The fireplace cast a soft shimmer over the room, and my hand gently rubbed the side of my arm.

Logan was seated near the entrance of the living room with Kaden sitting in the corner, staring at the fireplace.

I watched him bring the glass to his lips, taking a sip. I shifted my eyes back to Logan and took a deep breath in. Casting Chase one final glance, he nodded and I headed over to Kaden, fiddling with the material of my robe. I stood in front of him, blocking his view of the fireplace.

“Are you mad at me?” I reluctantly asked, not meeting his eyes. I could feel his stare burn into me as he sat back, lowering his glass to the table with a clink.

“No, Dakota. I’m not mad at you.”

I heavily exhaled in relief, finally meeting his eyes. “Well, I’ll have you know thatIam mad atyou,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest. “Very, mad,” I clarified.