Chapter 23

TWENTY-THREE

P ressing my thumb into the healing split on Fallon's lip, I meet her eyes. "Are you ready for this?"

"With everything in me." She peers into the LED mirror in the dressing room, then something dark enters her gaze, something unhinged. "Kiss me."

My eyebrows rise as she turns her head to smirk at me.

"Hard, kiss me hard and make my split lip reopen. They struck first. I'm just striking back."

She doesn't have to tell me twice. I back her into the door, slamming my lips onto hers. She groans, her tongue tangling with mine as I deepen the kiss. It turns rough and hard until I taste her blood between our lips, but I don't stop.

Her moans urge me on, and my hand slides down her side, gripping her thigh and hoisting her up until her legs wrap around me. Her dress bunches at her waist so her panty-clad pussy presses against my slacks.

Yes, I matched my outfit with hers again. She's dressed in all black like she's heading to a funeral. It's skintight and short with a wide belt and wider shoulders. Her beautiful hair is brushed back, with curls framing her stunning face, and I grab them now, making a mess of all her hard work. My black silk shirt is undone, exposing most of my chest, and her hand slips in it, stroking my abs. I groan loudly as I pull her dress higher, desperate to feel her soft, perfect skin.

There's a knock at the door behind her, and we break apart, breathing heavily, her lip bleeding like she wanted.

"What?" I snap, my eyes still on her pink lips, wanting to feel them again.

"Um, Fallon? Kage? They are ready for you," Elijah says.

"They can wait until my girl is ready," I reply, gripping her throat as I kiss her again. They can wait; they can all fucking wait. She's all that matters.

"Kage," she murmurs, but when my hand presses against her cunt, she shuts up, kissing me back before she rips away, breathing heavily.

"Not now. If you're good, I'll let you play later."

"Promise?" I ask, dragging my lips across her cheek.

"Yes, but only if you behave," she warns, ordering me around so easily, and I know she's right. I'm like a fucking puppy when it comes to her.

"Fine." I sigh, letting her heels hit the floor.

Reaching up with a grin, she sweeps her thumb across my lips, smearing her blood there like lipstick. "Fasten two more buttons," she orders as she smooths her hair and turns to open the door. "Only I get to see that."

I do so, possessive happiness spreading through me at her admitting even that weakness.

Fallon is mine, she just doesn't know it yet, but the whole world will.

Fallon left early this morning after spending another night in my bed, in my arms, making me more addicted, but she had no nightmares, and it makes me proud. I know she's busy with other things, but I miss her already, so I find myself rewatching yesterday's interview with Elijah before turning to the news. We didn't discuss the docuseries or what we were up to, just gave a quick interview, but the message was clear .

We are coming for you.

"Okay, okay, so we need to talk about the most important thing that happened yesterday. Who saw that interview with Fallon and Kage on Late Night News ?" a member of the panel asks as I smirk.

"Oh my god, right? It felt illegal to be watching them, like we were interrupting something private. The way they looked at each other . . ." She actually fans her face as if swooning. "I mean, if eyes could speak."

"Kage was so obvious! He was hanging on her every word. He barely looked away from her!"

"I don't blame him. Did you see Fallon? She was stunning yesterday."

That's it, praise my girl.

"I think it's clear there is something between them, and the fact that Kage admitted to liking her so openly? The playboy king? I wonder if he can melt our ice queen."

"I want to know what he said at the end," another says as I sip my coffee.

"There are people online trying to guess and read lips. It's what everyone's talking about. Either way, I think we can all agree the whole world is now obsessed with Fallon and Kage or, as they are calling them, Kallon."

Elijah shuts the TV off and turns to me.

"We were worried about the backlash, and although there are some disgruntled fans angry at you flirting and wanting Fallon, most are supportive. In fact, you have become one of the trending topics online with shipping videos everywhere." I lean in as he turns his iPad and watch some of the videos, my grin only growing.

Good, they are rooting for us. It makes it easier.

"Other than that, you have the studio booked today?—"

"Elijah, get me a cat," I interrupt.

"A cat?" He peers at me, blinking at the sudden interruption. "Why?"

"They are indifferent but also chaotic. I like it. It reminds me of my girl. I think she'll like it." I pick up my phone, finding more articles about us. I save them and send her some.

"Kage, earth to Kage," Elijah snaps, and I glance up at him. "Focus on your career, please, at least for one day. You skipped four sponsorship events yesterday. You don't care, do you?"

"No." Standing, I drain my coffee. "Get some of those cat trees and shelves as well. I want it to be happy. Oh, and have that wall dealt with. I want it easy for my girl to come over so she doesn't get wet."

"Why don't I just build a fucking tunnel?" he mutters.

"Great idea, now you're working." I slap his shoulder as I pass.