NOVPUB
Chapter 80: Vrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Ping.
Vrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Kael’s phone buzzed on the bedside table, a sharp vibration cutting through the quiet.
He stirred, hazel eyes blinking open, the dim blue light from the window casting faint shadows across the room.
Rhea lay beside him, her crimson hair splayed across the pillow, her scarred body bare save for the crumpled sheets tangled around her hips.
Her breaths were soft, peaceful, a stark contrast to the fire she’d unleashed last night—her lips, her hands, her superhero costume a crimson fantasy that still burned in his mind.
Kael smiled.
He reached for the phone, careful not to wake her, and squinted at the screen.
A message from a guy he’d called hours ago, before the cardio session with Rhea.
Kael read the message, his lips twitched, a nod to himself.
That guy had come through, as expected.
He opened his banking app, transferring a small sum to the account linked in the message.
The deal was set.
Kael turned his head glanced at Rhea, her face soft in sleep, amber eyes hidden behind closed lids.
The sun hadn’t risen yet; the world outside was a dark, inky blur, the Haven’s walls absorbing the silence.
He needed her up, needed her for this, but the thought of waking her sparked a playful impulse.
"Rhea," he called softly, voice low, teasing.
No response, just a faint murmur as she shifted, her lips parting slightly.
He leaned closer, poking her cheek, his finger grazing her warm skin. Still nothing—she was out cold, she looked like a heavy sleeper.
His gaze drifted lower, drawn to the bare curve of her hips, her pussy exposed, soft and inviting.
A grin curled his lips, mischievous, and he reached down, flicking her clit softly with a single, playful touch.
"Wah!" Rhea jolted awake with a yelp, her body jerking upright, amber eyes wide and blurry as she clutched the sheets.
"What the fuck, Kael?!" she snapped, her voice rough with sleep, glaring at him as her vision cleared.
He chuckled, low and warm, leaning back on his elbows, his hazel eyes glinting with amusement.
"Morning, sunshine. Gotta say, that worked better than an alarm."
Rhea’s glare sharpened, her cheeks flushing as she registered his grin, the memory of his touch sparking both irritation and heat.
She raised her arm, swift and retaliatory, and flicked his nipple through his shirt, hard enough to sting.
"Asshole," she muttered, a smirk tugging her lips despite herself.
"Hey!" Kael yelped, covering his chest and leaning back, mock-offended, his chuckle bubbling up again. "That’s my sensitive side you’re attacking."
She rolled her eyes, swinging her legs off the bed, her crimson hair falling wild around her shoulders.
"Why the hell’d you wake me up? And if you had to, I have preferences on how I would prefer to be woken up, you could’ve licked my pussy instead of that cheap shot." Her tone was half-teasing, half-challenging, her amber eyes flicking to his, daring him to match her fire.
Kael’s chuckle subsided, his grin softening as he stood, stretching, his muscles shifting under his shirt.
"Noted, Fire Lantern. Next time, I’ll wake you with a full tongue service—promise."
He winked, then sobered, his voice dropping. "But seriously, I need your help with something. Get up."
Rhea raised a brow, her curiosity piqued, but her suspicion lingered.
"Help with what?" she asked, pulling the sheet around her as she stood, her movements fluid despite the early hour.
"Let’s go for a walk," Kael said, grabbing his clothes from the chair, his tone casual but purposeful.
She crossed to the window, peering out at the dark, empty street, the city still cloaked in night. "It’s, like, night," she said, turning to him, her voice laced with skepticism. "What’s the deal?"
"Exactly," Kael replied, his grin cryptic, hazel eyes catching the faint light. "Night’s perfect for what we’re doing. Come on, move it."
Rhea huffed but complied, her gaze falling to the floor where her superhero costume lay, crumpled and stained with the evidence of their passion—sweat, cum, her own juices.
She wrinkled her nose, a mix of pride and embarrassment flushing her cheeks.
Kael caught her look and chuckled again, low and warm.
"Toss that in the washing machine," he said, nodding to the machine in the corner. "Wear something casual."
She nodded, disappearing into the bathroom with the costume, returning minutes later in a white tank top that hugged her curves and black pants that clung to her toned legs, her crimson hair tied back in a messy bun.
Kael was ready too, in a dark jacket and jeans, his casual ease masking the tension coiling in his gut.
He grabbed two juice boxes from the fridge, tossing one to her.
"Drink," he said, popping the straw into his own. "We’re running on fumes after last night. Need the energy."
Rhea caught it, eyeing the box with a smirk. "What, no coffee? You’re slacking, Kael." She sipped, the sweet tang hitting her tongue, and shook her head. "I’m fine without it, you know."
"Yeah, yeah, tough girl," he teased, draining his own.
They slipped out of the Haven and locked the door behind, the cold pre-dawn air biting their skin as they drifted through the city’s quiet streets, alleys twisting like veins under the faint glow of streetlights.
Rhea’s boots scuffed the pavement, her stride matching his, but her curiosity burned hotter with every step. "So, where are we going?" she asked, her voice low, her amber eyes flicking to him, half-lidded with suspicion.
"To meet someone," Kael said, his tone vague, a playful edge to it. "Someone we need for Freya."
Rhea’s brow furrowed, her lips pursing. "Freya?" she repeated, her voice sharpening, the name a spark to her competitive streak. "Why her? What’s this got to do with that bitch?"
Kael’s grin widened, sensing her edge but deflecting with ease.
"Part of her rehab," he said, winking.
She snorted, unconvinced, her eyes narrowing as she studied him, trying to unravel the puzzle of his mind. "Your weird brain’s cooking something, isn’t it? Spill, Kael—what’s the real deal?"
He laughed, soft and low, keeping his cards close. "Patience, Rhea. You’ll see." His tone was light, but his mind raced.
They walked in companionable silence, the city’s hum a distant pulse, until Rhea broke it, her voice casual but pointed.
"Wish you could fly, huh?" she said, echoing his earlier quip, her smirk teasing.
Kael chuckled, shrugging. "Yeah, would save us the hike. Too bad your flames would crisp me if you carried me." He glanced at her, his grin playful. "Maybe the next villain I snag should have wings—someone to ferry me around in style."
Rhea’s smirk faltered, a flash of annoyance crossing her face, her amber eyes glinting.
"Sorry I wasn’t born with wings," she snapped, her tone sharp, a hint of hurt beneath it. "Guess I’m not useful enough for you."
Kael stopped, catching her arm, his hand sliding to her neck, fingers rubbing gently as he pulled her close.
"Hey, don’t get upset," he said, voice warm, his other hand ruffling her hair, loosening her bun. "You’re my phoenix, Rhea—my fucking star. How could I use you as a ride pony? You’re too busy burning shit up, saving the day."
His grin was infectious, his touch grounding, and she couldn’t help but chuckle, her tension easing as she leaned into him.
"Asshole," she muttered, but her smirk returned, her amber eyes softening as they resumed walking, his arm still slung around her shoulders.
