Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 62

Chapter 62: Lessons in Manners

"I said it’s fine," Derek growled, turning his head sharply away as Kira reached toward the small cut on his forehead again.

Inside the airy living room, floor-to-ceiling glass doors stood wide open to the deck and the endless stretch of sea beyond. The space smelled faintly of cedar and clean linen, with the distant crash of waves drifting in on the warm breeze.

"No, it’s not fine." She refused to back off. "It’s not healing the way it should. You could get an infection."

They sat side by side on the wide twin sofa. Flora had already set the dining table for two and discreetly disappeared into the kitchen. Kira had commandeered the first-aid kit left on the coffee table and was now determined to clean and cover the wound properly before they ate.

Derek eyed her with open irritation. "It’s because of the plasma and platelet donation this morning," he muttered. "It’ll be closed by tomorrow."

"I know that," Kira said patiently, dipping a fresh cotton bud into the antiseptic bottle. "But I can’t in good conscience leave it until tomorrow."

"Are you a nurse now?" he asked, leaning back just enough to evade her hand.

Kira’s patience snapped. She reached out, caught his jaw in a firm grip, and tugged his face back toward her. Leaning in close, she fixed him with a fierce glare.

"Let. Me. Do..." Her words trailed as she suddenly realised exactly how close their faces were.

Derek froze. His breath brushed her cheek; hers feathered across his lips. The clean citrus scent of him mixed with the faint metallic trace of blood and the sharp bite of antiseptic. Deep inside his chest, Leo gave a long, rumbling purr. His gaze dropped involuntarily to her mouth, soft, rosy, slightly parted, and lingered there a heartbeat too long.

Kira felt the shift in the air between them like static. Her own breath caught, and her heart pounded against her ribcage.

A discreet cough from the doorway shattered the moment. They sprang apart. Kira sucked in a sharp breath. Derek exhaled harshly and muttered a curse under his breath, looking away so fast it was almost comical.

Flora stood in the archway, beaming like she had just witnessed the sweetest thing in the world. "I came to say the food is ready whenever you are."

Kira managed a slightly breathless smile. "Thank you so much, Flora."

Flora dipped a small curtsy, still smiling, and retreated.

Derek moved to stand but Kira shoved him back down with both hands on his shoulders. "We’re finishing this first."

He glared at her. "Will that finally make you leave me the fuck alone?"

She beamed, looking thoroughly unrepentant. "For now? Yes."

He let out a long, resigned sigh, slumped back against the cushions, folded his arms across his chest like a sulky teenager, and stared straight ahead.

"Is that a yes?" Kira asked sweetly.

"Will you let go if I say no?"

She shook her head, grin widening. "Nope."

"Then do whatever you have to do."

Kira raised both hands in silent victory and stepped between his knees so she could reach properly. She worked carefully, wiping away the dried blood and dabbing antiseptic. Derek hissed when the antiseptic stung.

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