Chapter 158

• It was just past eight when I returned to Kenzo’s room. He lay sprawled across his bed, his deliciously toned body barely concealed by the thin sheets. As soon as I entered, he stirred, his lips curling into a teasing smile as he beckoned me to join him. But the moment he truly looked at me—his gaze sweeping over my expression—his amusement vanished. His eyes darkened as he caught the horror written across my face.
• I told him everything. About Hadrian’s disappearance. About Selene declaring herself regent. I tried to stay calm, to deliver the facts without breaking, but my trembling hands betrayed me. I was nowhere near composed. Kenzo didn’t hesitate—he pulled me onto the bed beside him, his arms wrapping securely around me. Gently, he guided my head to his shoulder, and the moment I surrendered to his embrace, he began stroking my hair in slow, soothing motions.
• It felt… strange.