lxx. AFTER LAST NIGHT.
March 22, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Los Angeles, California.

Sunlight, a hazy gold, streamed through the curtains, warming the room with its gentle embrace. Sedona stirred beneath the sheets, her body heavy, deliciously sore in all the right places. A dull ache radiated from her thighs, her muscles protesting every movement. A satisfied smile played on her lips. Last night, her birthday celebration had been everything she'd dreamed of—and more. Every lingering touch, every shared laugh, every stolen kiss had led to this.

She opened her eyes slowly, her vision hazy, adjusting to the light. Her head rested on Kendrick's chest, rising and falling with each of his deep, even breaths. His arm was draped around her waist, holding her close, his fingers splayed possessively over her hip. Her nails had left faint crescents on his bicep, a subtle reminder of how tightly she'd clung to him when the world had shattered around her.

Carefully, she lifted herself, her body immediately protesting as a sharp twinge shot through her lower back. She bit her lip to stifle a groan, her hand instinctively pressing to the sore spot. Every inch of her felt tender, her skin sensitive, buzzing with the aftermath of his touch.

And then she saw them. Faint red lines crisscrossed Kendrick's shoulders, his back marred by her scratch marks. She traced one with her finger, a rush of heat flooding her cheeks as memories of last night came rushing back—him moving above her, inside her, her nails digging into his flesh as she cried out his name.

There were hickies too. Everywhere. His neck was covered in them, dark and unmistakable, her lips' imprint branded on his skin. It was almost artistic, the way they mapped his throat, his collarbone, a testament to just how lost they'd been in each other.

Her eyes drifted to the floor where a ripped, blue dress lay discarded–the very dress she'd worn to celebrate her birthday. A gasp escaped her lips as she took in the damage, shaking her head with a mix of amusement and disbelief. Last night had been one for the books.

A low groan escaped Kendrick as he stirred, his arm tightening around her waist, his body curling protectively around hers. His eyes fluttered open, heavy with sleep, his face soft, unguarded. He blinked, his gaze settling on her, a slow smile spreading across his lips. "Mornin', beautiful."

His voice was rough, deep, lazy, and it did something to her, sent a shiver down her spine. She swallowed, her voice coming out raspy, cracked. "Morning... it's not even morning anymore. It's noon."

He chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Guess we wore each other out, huh?" His fingers trailed up her spine, a lazy caress that made her shiver. His eyes roamed over her face, lingering on her swollen lips, and her flushed cheeks. "You okay?"

She bit her bottom lip, trying to fight back the smile that threatened to break free. "Sore. But... good. Really good."

His grin widened, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Yeah?" He rolled onto his back, stretching, his upper muscles flexing, every single inch of skin covered in evidence of their night together. "You were somethin' else last night, D." His voice dropped, his gaze turning hungry as he looked at her. "I knew you'd be worth the wait."

Heat flooded her cheeks, her body tingling at his words. She looked away, suddenly shy, her fingers twisting in the sheets. "You weren't so bad yourself." Her voice was teasing, but the truth was, he was better than she could've imagined.

She tried to sit up again, her body protesting even more this time, the soreness more pronounced. Her legs wobbled as she swung them over the edge of the bed, her muscles trembling as she stood. Her knees nearly buckled, and she had to reach out, grabbing Kendrick's arm to steady herself.

He laughed, the sound rich, warm. "Damn, baby. Did I wear you out that bad?"

She shot him a glare, her lips twitching. "Shut up."

He just grinned, leaning back against the headboard, his arms folded behind his head as he watched her attempt to walk. "You need help?" His tone was playful, cocky, his eyes dancing with amusement.

"No." She squared her shoulders, determined to make it to the bathroom on her own. But the soreness was no joke. Every step was a reminder of the way he'd held her, moved inside her, made her his. Just thinking about made her yearn for more.

She finally made it, gripping the doorframe for support before she turned to look at him, sticking her tongue out. "See? I'm fine."

He just laughed, shaking his head. "Stubborn ass."

She closed the door behind her, exhaling in relief as she leaned against the sink. Her reflection stared back at her, and she almost didn't recognize herself. Her hair was a tangled mess, curls matted and frizzy, falling in wild disarray around her face. One of her lashes was missing, the other barely hanging on. Eyeshadow smudged, leaving faint glittery trails around the curve of her eye.

She touched her neck, her fingers grazing over the bruises he'd left there, dark and vivid against her brown skin. There were so many of them—on her neck, her shoulders, her collarbone. She looked... ruined. In the best way.... possible. Her voice was raspy as she muttered to herself, "Girl, you look a mess." But she couldn't stop the smile that spread across her lips. Her body ached, her throat was slightly sore, her lips swollen, and she was certain she wouldn't be able to walk straight for the rest of the day, but she felt good. She felt light.

The door creaked open, and Kendrick leaned against the frame, his hair a wild mess. "Move over," He mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.

Sedona rolled her eyes but stepped aside, grabbing her toothbrush. She caught his reflection in the mirror, his face still heavy with exhaustion, his lips swollen, marked by her kisses.

They stood side by side, brushing their teeth in comfortable silence, their shoulders touching. She watched him out of the corner of her eye, his movements lazy, his expression relaxed.

She spat into the sink, rinsing her mouth. "You look terrible," She teased, her voice still hoarse.

Kendrick smirked, his eyes meeting hers in the mirror. "And whose fault is that?" He turned, his arm snaking around her waist, his lips brushing her neck. "You wore me out, baby."

"I should be telling you that." Her knees wobbled, and she gripped the counter for support. "I hate you."

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to her shoulder. "No, you don't."

Sedona leaned into him, her body relaxing against his. "No... I don't."

They stood there for a moment, wrapped up in each other, the world outside forgotten. Last night had changed everything. It wasn't just about the sex, or the passion, or the way their bodies fit perfectly together. It was about what it meant—what it proved.

They were each other's. In every way that mattered.

If only it had stayed that way.

—

Steam filled the bathroom, curling around them, clinging to the glass as the hot water cascaded down, enveloping them in a haze. Sedona pressed her hands against the cool glass door of the shower, her body trembling, still sensitive, still aching. Her nipples hardened against the cool surface, sensitive to the touch of the cool glass, but Kendrick wasn't finished.

His hands gripped her hips, firm and possessive, his body pressed against hers, his lips at her ear. "You good, baby?" His voice was low, rough, vibrating against her skin.

She couldn't speak, couldn't think. Her head fell forward, her hair sticking to her damp skin as she bit her lip, a shiver coursing through her. "Mmhm..." It was all she could manage, her legs quivering, barely able to hold her up.

He didn't ease up. If anything, her breathless response only spurred him on, his movements deliberate, unrelenting. "You started this," He murmured, his fingers tightening on her waist, his mouth pressing to the curve of her neck. "C'mere."

She couldn't argue. Not when she could barely stand. Not when his words made her knees buckle, her body shivering with anticipation, with need. She clung to the glass, her breaths coming in ragged gasps, her heart racing.

"Kenny!" She squeaked, so desperate to meet the intoxicating orgasm they both had been chasing for what felt like forever.

Her body was sinking like an anchor deep within a rocky ocean, her thighs locking around his torso—her vaginal walls contracting around him like never before. All he could do was work against it. His hand went from smudging against the condensed glass to wrapping around her neck in order to keep her afloat as he mercilessly pounded himself inside of her.

"Mmh... there you go," Kendrick grunted, giving her a few encouraging slaps to her ass, causing her eyes to roll to the back of her head and her top teeth to bite her bottom lip roughly. She without a doubt loved that shit, and he knew it just from the way her thighs quaked.

He was right. She had started this. In the shower, thinking they'd finally clean up, wash off the remnants of last night. But one look at him—beyond sexy, water trailing down his body, his back muscles flexing with every movement—and she was gone. Completely undone.

When will Sedona ever learn?

The water beat down on them, hot and soothing, mingling with their moans, their breaths, their names falling from each other's lips like prayers. And when it was over, when she was spent, her body shaking, her mind hazy, she sank against him, letting him hold her up, his arms wrapping around her waist.

They stood there, under the water, tangled together, their breaths evening out, their bodies relaxing. But then Kendrick leaned down, his lips brushing her ear, his voice a low whisper, "We didn't even shower."

She laughed, the sound hoarse, breathless. "I'm gonna need Monica to clear out my schedule for the rest of the month." Her legs felt like jelly, her body weak, her head spinning. She looked up at him, her eyes heavy with exhaustion, and satisfaction. Their shower head was big enough to cover the both of them and also had shower heads from both sides, she would've never expected all of this. "The rest of the year even."

His grin was lazy, wicked. "Yeah. But you love it."

She did. God help her, she did... They untangled, her body protesting every movement, and she leaned against the wall, watching as Kendrick finally washed up, his back to her, muscles flexing beneath his skin. Her eyes roamed over the scratch marks she'd left, dark and jagged, the bruises blooming on his neck, and his shoulders.

Her chest tightened, heat rising to her cheeks as she remembered how he got them, the way she'd clung to him, wrapped around him, the sounds he'd made as she marked him, made him hers.

Be calm.

She finally tore her eyes away, turning to rinse herself off, the hot water soothing her aching muscles. They showered in silence, the air thick with satisfaction, and contentment. But she couldn't help but glance at him, watch the way the water slid down his body, the way his jaw clenched, his shoulders tense.

He caught her looking, his eyes locking with hers, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "You keep starin' like you want somethin'."

Her eyes widened, her body already protesting. "We need to actually shower this time."

He laughed, the sound echoing off the walls. "You're right. I don't think you could handle another round."

Her eyes narrowed, fire igniting in her veins. "Oh, I can handle it. But you're not about to leave me limping all day."

Kendrick's laughter followed her out of the bathroom, warm and teasing. "You already are."

She rolled her eyes, her lips twitching as she wrapped herself in a towel, and headed into her closet. She rummaged through the racks of clothing, trying to find something for Kendrick to wear. Yet again she found herself looking through the scraps of Ezekiel's clothing. It was slim pickings—nothing even close to his style, nothing that would fit his frame.

He leaned against the doorframe, his eyes roaming over her, a lazy smile on his lips. "You keepin' all this to yourself?"

She threw him a look over her shoulder. "You wanna wear a dress?"

His eyes gleamed with mischief. "If it turns you on, maybe."

She shook her head, a laugh slipping out. "You're so stupid." She finally settled on a pair of gray sweatpants and a white T-shirt, turning to hand them to him.

Before he put on the shirt, she gently touched his back, dabbing ointment on the scratches she'd left. She leaned in and kissed his cheek, her voice soft, "Sorry for the scratches."

Kendrick took the clothes from her, his fingers brushing hers, sending a jolt through her. "I'm good with whatever. As long as you're wearin' somethin' easy to take off later."

Her cheeks heated, and her mouth dropped open. "You're ridiculous."

He grinned, his eyes darkening. "And you love it."

She did. Damn him, she did.

Sedona slipped into a large sweater, the hem brushing her thighs, paired with a pair of shorts. She padded out to the bedroom, Kendrick following behind, his hair damp, his body relaxed, his eyes following her every movement.

They worked together, gathering the sheets, the clothes scattered across the floor, remnants of last night and this morning. She tossed them in the laundry basket, heading to the washer, Kendrick close behind, his presence warm, solid. The mundane task felt intimate, another shared moment in their post-birthday bubble.

He helped her load the washer, his body brushing hers, his arm wrapping around her waist to steady her as she leaned over, her hair, her poor curls now fell forward, her legs still wobbly. She straightened, his touch lingering, his eyes roaming over her.

She could feel his gaze on her, burning, searing. She cleared her throat, her body tightening. "I can feel you staring."

Kendrick didn't even try to deny it. His eyes slid down her body, lingering on her legs, the curve of her ass in those tiny shorts. "Can you blame me? Look at you."

She rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. "I know I'm cute but damn. Can I live?"

He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Beautiful."

Her heart skipped a beat, her pulse quickening. She turned, her eyes meeting his, the air between them crackling with tension. "You're impossible."

Kendrick grinned, his eyes gleaming. "Shit, we both are."

She did. God help her, she did.

They stood there, the washer humming softly, the air thick with anticipation, electricity. Sedona's breath caught in her throat as Kendrick's fingers danced along her waist, his touch light, teasing.

She tried to keep her composure, tried to ignore the way her body reacted to him, how his presence alone made her heart race. "We're supposed to be doing laundry," She pointed out, her voice firmer than she felt.

He leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. "We are." His voice was a low murmur, warm and inviting. "But you make it so damn hard to focus." A shiver ran through her, her knees going weak.

She swallowed, forcing herself to keep her head on straight. "You're distracting me."

He grinned, his eyes darkening. "Good." His gaze was heavy and deliberate, and her heart skipped a beat. He had this way of looking at her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered. Like he was still hungry, still unsatisfied, even after last night. And this morning. And the shower.

She shook her head, a laugh bubbling up. "You're so annoying..."

Kendrick's lips curved into a wicked smile. "Only for you." He leaned in, his nose brushing hers, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Can't help it. You make me crazy."

Sedona's breath hitched, her hands instinctively gripping his shirt, her fingers twisting in the soft cotton. His scent surrounded her—soap and something distinctly him, warm and intoxicating. She tilted her head, her lips brushing his, a soft, teasing caress. "Crazy, huh?"

His eyes darkened, his hand sliding up her back, pulling her closer. "Outta my mind." His mouth claimed hers, slow and deliberate, his tongue teasing hers, his grip firm as he pressed her against the washing machine.

She immediately melted into him, her body reacting to his touch, her skin prickling with electricity. She was sore, and exhausted, but Kendrick's kiss was potent, and addictive, making her forget everything else. Her fingers curled into his hair, tugging him closer, deeper, their breaths mingling, their bodies pressing together.

The washing machine beeped, jolting them apart. Sedona laughed against his mouth, her forehead resting against his. "We can't even do laundry without getting distracted."

Kendrick's thumb traced her jaw, his eyes locked on hers, his voice low, rough. "You're a distraction."

She rolled her eyes, playfully shoving him away. "Get outta here before we end up breaking this washer."

He laughed, his body shaking with amusement. "Fine, fine. But that ass is mines later."

Sedona's eyes widened, her jaw-dropping. "Are you serious?"

He winked, his grin lazy, confident. "Dead serious."

Sedona rolled her eyes, pushing past him, her shoulder brushing his chest. "You ain't about to kill me." She made her way to the kitchen, needing space, needing air. But she could feel his gaze on her, trailing down her body, lingering on her legs, her curves.

She turned, leaning against the counter, crossing her arms. "Are you hungry?" She needed a distraction. Food seemed like the safest option.

Kendrick's eyes met hers, a lazy, knowing smile playing on his lips. "Starving." The way he looked at her, the heat in his eyes, told her food was the last thing on his mind.

Her heart skipped, her pulse quickening, but she refused to let him see how easily he affected her. "What do you want?" She asked, opening the fridge and scanning the contents. "Pancakes? Eggs? We could probably cobble together some kind of late, late breakfast."

He sauntered into the kitchen, leaning against the doorway, his arms crossed, watching her with an amused glint in his eyes. "Surprise me," He said, his voice low and suggestive. "But if you need my help since yo' ass clearly can't walk—"

"I can handle it thank you very much." Sedona rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. She grabbed a carton of eggs, some bacon, and a few other ingredients, setting them on the counter with a deliberate clatter. "Alright, Mr. Starving. Get ready for a culinary masterpiece." As she turned to face him, she caught his gaze raking over her once more, and a shiver ran down her spine. Maybe a distraction wasn't such a bad idea after all... especially if it involved pancakes and a certain handsome man who couldn't keep his eyes off her.

—

Sedona cracked an egg into the pan, her movements slower than usual, each step reminding her of just how much Kendrick had put her through last night. She ignored the heat creeping up her neck and focused on whisking the eggs, though her hands weren't as steady as she wanted them to be. 

Kendrick, still leaning against the curved entrance, smirked as he watched her struggle. "You good over there?" 

She shot him a look over her shoulder. "I'm fine." 

"Mm-hmm." He didn't sound convinced. 

She ignored him, turning back to the stove. But when she tried to reach for the spatula, the slight bend had her wincing, and before she could even react, Kendrick was behind her, his hands on her waist. 

"Alright, that's enough," He murmured. 

"I got it—" 

He spun her around with ease, ignoring her weak protest. "Baby, you're limping like you just ran a marathon. Sit down before you hurt yourself." 

She sighed, rolling her eyes. "I'm not that bad." 

Kendrick gave her a look that said, You sure about that? Then, before she could argue further, he scooped her up effortlessly, making her yelp. 

"Kenny—" 

"Shh, just let me take care of you." 

She huffed but didn't fight it, allowing herself to be carried to the couch. He set her down gently before disappearing back into the kitchen. She heard him moving around, the faint sizzle of bacon filling the air. 

Minutes later, he returned with a plate—scrambled eggs, a few strips of bacon, and toast. "Here. Light breakfast since you can't really move without wincing. Pancakes can happen another day."

Sedona narrowed her eyes at him but took the plate. "I could've finished cooking, you know." 

Kendrick sat beside her, throwing an arm over the back of the couch. "Yeah, and then you would've collapsed in the kitchen, and I'd have to carry you back anyway." 

She scoffed but started eating, realizing just how hungry she actually was. As she chewed, Kendrick studied her for a moment before sighing. 

"My bad for goin' a little too hard last night." His voice was softer now, almost hesitant. 

She glanced at him, swallowing before shaking her head. "I didn't mind." 

His lips twitched into a smirk. "Oh yeah?" 

She nudged him with her foot. "Don't let it go to your head." 

Kendrick chuckled, reaching over to steal a piece of her bacon, which earned him a glare. 

It wasn't until she finished eating and set the plate aside that a thought struck her. She sat up straighter, eyes scanning the room. 

"Where's my phone?" 

Kendrick raised an eyebrow. "Why?" 

"Because," She said, "I haven't checked it all morning. It's gotta be somewhere." 

Kendrick stood, stretching before glancing around. "Alright, let me find it before you start stressin'." 

She watched him move through the room, checking the nightstand, the kitchen counter, and even under the bed before finally finding it on the dresser. He grabbed it and turned back to her. "How's it still at a good percent? Thought it'd be dead by now." 

She shrugged, taking it from him. "Guess I forgot to use it much yesterday..." 

The moment she turned it on, the screen lit up—and then the notifications started rolling in. The device dinged repeatedly, buzzing with unread messages. 

Sedona's brows furrowed as she scrolled, only to groan when she saw the names flooding her screen. 

Sosaaaaa: You alive??

Jazzy: Are you walking? Be honest.

Monica: Girl, do I need to send help??

She sighed, shaking her head. "Oh my God..." 

Kendrick leaned over, peering at the screen before laughing. "Damn, they really checking up on you." 

Sedona gave him a flat look. "Wonder why." 

He smirked, completely unapologetic. "Guess they know what's up." 

She sighed, typing out a quick reply before tossing her phone onto the couch. "I'm never hearing the end of this." 

Kendrick leaned in, brushing his lips against her ear. "Can you blame them?"

She bit back a smile, shoving him away. "Go do the dishes or something." 

He laughed but didn't argue, heading back to the kitchen while Sedona shook her head, already bracing herself for the inevitable teasing from her friends.

Kendrick rinsed the last dish, setting it on the drying rack before wiping his hands on a towel. He glanced over at Sedona, who was curled up on the couch, flipping through channels with a lazy hand. Her body was finally still, shoulders relaxed, eyes half-lidded as she settled on some random cooking show.

He smirked. She looked so damn peaceful—minus the occasional wince when she shifted.

Shaking his head, he grabbed the laundry basket and headed to the washer, transferring their clothes into the dryer. The ripped pieces of her dress from last night still sat in the corner where he had tossed them in the heat of the moment. He paused, rubbing his jaw as he eyed the shredded fabric. Yeah... he might've gotten a little carried away.

With a low chuckle, he tossed the last of the clothes in, set the dryer, and made his way back toward the living room. Sedona hadn't moved much, her attention fully on the TV now.

He hated seeing her limp around. He wasn't about to let that slide for much longer.

Kendrick made his way over to Sedona. "Come on, baby. Let's get you a proper soak."

She raised an eyebrow but let him pull her up. "What are you up to?"

"You'll see."

He led her into the bathroom, where he had already started running a warm bath. The scent of lavender and eucalyptus filled the air, mingling with the steam curling around them. The soft flicker of candlelight added to the cozy atmosphere, casting a golden glow against the tiled walls.

Sedona inhaled deeply, her body already relaxing at the scent alone.

Kendrick rolled up his sleeves, taking his time as he poured in a mix of her favorite bath salts and essential oils, swirling the water with his hand. The way he did it—so effortlessly, like he had done this a hundred times—made something warm unfurl in her chest.

"You've been paying attention," She murmured, impressed.

He shot her a wink. "Of course."

She stepped in carefully, sighing as the hot water enveloped her. The tension in her muscles started to ease immediately, the aches from last night melting away. She leaned back against the tub, eyes fluttering shut for a moment as the warmth soaked into her skin.

Kendrick crouched beside the tub, dragging his fingers lazily through the water before meeting her gaze. He pressed a kiss to her forehead before stretching a bit, letting her relax in the warmth he had drawn for her.

Sedona let out a slow breath, the comfort of the bath, the scents, and Kendrick's quiet thoughtfulness settling over her like a blanket.

She closed her eyes, smiling to herself.

Yeah, she was definitely keeping him.

Sedona let the warmth of the bath soak into her muscles, eyes fluttering open as she tilted her head to look at Kendrick. He was still crouched beside her, elbows resting on his knees, watching her with a softness that made her stomach flip. 

She exhaled, her body sinking further into the water. "You really did that," She murmured, a small smile tugging at her lips. 

Kendrick raised a brow. "Did what?" 

She gave him a pointed look. "Made my birthday special. Every part of it. Even the, uh... reckless parts." She smirked, swirling her hand through the water. 

His grin was lazy, full of nothing but satisfaction. "Ain't my fault you kept lookin' too damn good." 

Sedona rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide the way her cheeks warmed. "Nah, but for real... thank you, Ken. You went out of your way to make it perfect." Her voice softened, sincerity lacing her words. "It means a lot." 

Kendrick's smirk eased into something more tender. He reached out, brushing his fingers against her damp cheek. "You deserve that and more, baby. I'd do it all over again." 

She hummed, letting her eyes drift shut. "I don't think my body could handle that." 

He chuckled lowly. "Yeah... I see that now." 

Her lips parted in a small gasp when his hands found her shoulders, kneading gently into the tension there. 

"Kendrick—" 

"Relax," He murmured, his voice a warm rasp against her ear. "Let me take care of you." 

She exhaled, letting her head fall back as his hands worked their way down, massaging slow, deliberate circles over her stiff muscles. Every press of his fingers against her skin unraveled the lingering aches, replacing them with a deep, simmering heat that had nothing to do with the bathwater.

His hands smoothed over her arms, down her sides, and then back up again, fingertips grazing her collarbones before moving to her neck. 

"Damn, you're really sore, huh?" His voice was laced with something smug, but there was genuine concern beneath it. 

She let out a breathy laugh. "Whose fault do you think that is?" 

Kendrick grinned but didn't argue. Instead, his hands slid lower, massaging slow, firm circles into her hips, then her thighs, lingering on the spots he knew were the most tender. 

Sedona bit her lip, her head tipping back as a contented sigh left her lips. His touch was calculated, knowing—like he was mapping every place he had left aching the night before, easing the soreness with each pass of his hands.

"Better?" He asked, voice dipping lower. 

Her lashes fluttered as she peeked up at him. "Much." 

Sedona let out a slow breath, fully melting beneath Kendrick's touch as his hands continued their slow, calculated work. The way he touched her—so deliberate, so sure—sent a lazy warmth curling through her veins, settling low in her stomach.

His fingers pressed into the plush of her thighs, working through the knots of tension he had very much contributed to. A satisfied sigh slipped past her lips, her eyes fluttering shut as she soaked in the sensation.

Kendrick chuckled, his voice thick with amusement. "You about to fall asleep on me?"

"Maybe," She admitted, tilting her head back. "You got magic hands, Ken. Should've been a masseuse or somethin'."

His smirk was all mischief as he leaned down, lips ghosting against the curve of her jaw. "Nah, 'cause then I'd have to put 'em on other people. And you wouldn't like that, would you?"

Her eyes snapped open, a lazy smirk pulling at her lips. "Damn right, I wouldn't."

Kendrick chuckled, his thumbs pressing into the dip of her waist before dragging up, tracing the outline of her ribcage beneath the water.

"You comfortable?" He asked, his voice low, laced with something unreadable.

Sedona hummed, shifting slightly. "Mhm. But you know what would make it better?"

Kendrick raised a brow, waiting.

She cracked one eye open, lips curving. "If you got in here with me."

That was all it took.

The next second, Kendrick was peeling off his shirt, his chain catching the low light as he reached for the button of his sweats.

Sedona's brows shot up, amusement flashing in her eyes. "Damn, no hesitation?"

Kendrick shot her a look. "Girl, you been sittin' in here lookin' like somethin' out of a dream, smellin' like lavender and temptation. You really thought I was gonna just sit there?"

She bit her lip, watching as he stripped down, stepping into the bath with her. The muscles in his arms flexed as he lowered himself into the water, heat rolling off him in waves—both from the bath and the way he was looking at her.

He settled behind her, pulling her against his chest. His arms wrapped around her waist, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear.

"Mm," She sighed, letting her head fall back against him. "This is nice."

Kendrick smirked, lips pressing to the side of her neck. "Yeah?"

She nodded, sinking deeper into his embrace, her body molded against his.

Silence settled between them, thick with something unspoken, something heated.

And then—

Kendrick's grip tightened around her waist, his voice dipping into something wicked.

"You sure you wasn't tryna fall asleep on me?"

Sedona smirked, her fingers trailing along his forearm. "Not anymore."

His chuckle rumbled against her skin, his lips ghosting over the curve of her shoulder.

"Good," He murmured. "'Cause we ain't done yet."

Kendrick's lips found her neck again, slow and deliberate, pressing against her damp skin as his hands roamed with that same unhurried ease. 

Sedona sighed, tilting her head to give him more access, her fingers drifting up his forearm before curling around the back of his neck. "Mm, you tryna start somethin'?" 

Kendrick smirked against her skin. "Ain't tryna start. Already started."

His lips found hers then, capturing them in a kiss that was deep, slow, and dangerously consuming. The heat between them simmered, building like a low flame, steady but inevitable.

She turned in his arms, pressing closer, one hand slipping into his curls, tugging just enough to make him groan into her mouth. His grip tightened around her waist, pulling her flush against him, the water sloshing around them as they got lost in each other. 

And then—

BZZZT! BZZZT! BZZZT!

Sedona jerked back, startled as her phone rang out from the other room, the vibration echoing through the bathroom like an unwelcome alarm. 

She groaned, pressing her forehead against Kendrick's shoulder. "Oh my God. Who the hell—" 

The ringing continued, relentless. 

Kendrick exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Ain't no way. They got the worst timing."

Sedona rolled her eyes, dragging herself up and out of the bath with an annoyed sigh. "I swear, if this is Solana talking about 'Bitch, are you alive?' I'm muting her."

She was kidding. She'd never mute her.

Kendrick chuckled as he leaned back, watching her with lazy amusement. "You answerin' or nah?" 

Sedona wrapped herself in a towel, still dripping as she made her way out of the bathroom. She snatched her phone off the counter, squinting at the screen. 

Incoming Call: Sosaaaaa

She sighed, throwing a glance back at Kendrick, who was now lounging in the bath like he had all the time in the world. 

"Your girl is persistent," He teased. 

Sedona huffed, answering the call. The second she put the phone to her ear, SZA's voice came through, loud and dramatic.

"Bitch, are you even walking?!" 

Kendrick burst out laughing from the bathroom. 

Sedona closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. Yeah. She was definitely putting someone on mute today.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Seventy.
— ０３／０５／２５
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They acting like bunnies in heat omg.

Stay tuned for the next chapter, & til next time!
-shea