Kaius reclined with casual dominance, one long leg bent as he leaned back into the couch. The corner of his mouth lifted in that predatory smile.
His golden eyes blazed with challenge as they locked onto hers.
" And what if I want to stay here too? Problem?"
Austin didn't hesitate. " My roommate is female, and having a strange man stay overnight isn't appropriate."
She didn't flinch, her voice calm and firm, the way one might speak to a nosy neighbor from the local PTA trying to dig into personal affairs.
She watched his face carefully, bracing for an argument.
But Kaius only shrugged, almost too easily.
" If that's how you feel, fine."
Austin exhaled slowly. Relief flooded her chest. One battle averted for now.
" Is Eliot hungry? I can make him something real
