Chapter 20-The Clean Slate

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Chapter 20-The Clean Slate

Sydney Carrington's POV

Feeling the warm sunshine on my face, I opened my eyes sleepily and looked about to see a somewhat familiar room.

Frowning, I shifted slightly to feel that I was trapped and I looked up to see Kingston's head above mine. My head was resting on his chest while his arms were around me and our legs were tangled up together.

A smile slipped onto my face and I studied Kingston's face as he slept. As he was sleeping, he seemed somewhat more relaxed and easy going.

His lips were pink and full and a little chapped, his beautiful grey-silver eyes were hidden beneath his eyelids, some locks of his dark hair fell onto his forehead and I resisted the urge to brush them away lest I wake him.

Stubble was on his jaw and I liked that he hadn't really shaved. It gave him that rugged, dangerous feel. And I sorta liked it. Sunlight hit some angles on his face and to me, he looked really handsome even when asleep.

I sighed inwardly and studied him closely, the events earlier this morning ran through my mind again. The violent nature he had was definitely due to his past.

It made sense and I couldn't help but feel sorrow for all that Kingston had gone through. What stuck in my mind was that his uncle-his flesh and blood-had tried to cut his arms off.

That was insane as hell. I couldn't believe someone would actually do that to anyone! I mean all the pain and sorrow I had gone through in my life was nothing compared to what Kingston must have felt in his younger life.

And because of last night's events, I had a clearer picture of the enigma that was Kingston. I understood the violent, cold untrusting personality now. If my own uncle could do that to me, I wouldn't even trust anyone.

I studied his face again and wondered how did Kingston survive through everything in his life. I knew I couldn't. And for that, I admired and respected Kingston for having such inner strength to move on with his life. God knows how hard his life was.

I leaned closer towards him and peered up at him. Even though Kingston was ruggedly gorgeous, a few scars marred his face. I could spot one on his eyebrow, another minor one on his cheek and his nose was a little crooked as if it had been broken too many times.

A lock of his dark hair fell onto his forehead and I couldn't resist reaching out to brush it away. At my touch, Kingston frowns before tugging me closer to him and I couldn't help but let out a smile at that.

Suddenly a thought occurred to me. I had kissed, no made out with him and even shared his bed. How was I going to act around Kingston now? Friendship was out, that line had been crossed long ago.

Whatever it was, I didn't know and I cursed myself for overthinking. It was another trait that I had and it was mostly a bad one.

I caressed his cheek lightly, savouring the feel of his tanned skin on my fingers and suddenly his eyes opened and I was met with gleaming silver eyes.

I inhaled sharply from the sight of how handsome he looked and his gaze roamed over my face and I moved my hand away.

This time, it was he who lifted his hand to stroke my cheek and I leaned into his touch the moment his hand touched me. "Good morning." His husky voice rumbled out, rough from sleep.

I gave him a small smile in return before asking, "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

"I only did when you were with me." He said unabashed and I could feel my cheeks turning warm from his admission.

My heartbeat sped up and I licked my suddenly dry lips. "O-oh." I stammered, not knowing how to respond to that.

It was at this moment that Kingston realised the position we were in and his eyes dropped to my lips before lowering them down to the neckline of another nightgown I was wearing.

I looked away and quickly scrambled out of his embrace. "I-I'll prepare breakfast!" I got off the bed and made my way to leave when a hand grabbed my waist and pulled me towards a hard body.

I let out a slight shriek at the suddenness of it and I stumbled slightly as I landed on Kingston. My hands were flat on his bare chest and my body was pressed flush against his hard body. His arm was holding onto my waist tightly and as soon I landed onto him, Kingston's arms wrapped themselves around my waist.

My eyes widened and a small smirk curved onto Kingston's mouth. "Don't I get a morning kiss?"

My cheeks reddened at that and I gaped at him and I was sure I pretty much looked like a fish out of water. Another handsome smirk crossed his face at my expression before he dipped his head down and pressed his lips against mine.

I tensed for a second before melting into his kiss. My hands clutched onto his chest as I kissed him back. His mouth moved against mine slowly but seductively and I moaned softly when his tongue entered my mouth. His hands grabbed at my hips and since we were pressed together so intimately, I could feel him grinding against me.

Panting softly in between kisses, I ran my fingers through his hair and moaned as his fingers inched up my body. Soon enough, he pulled away from me and looked down at me with a tender expression on his face.

I blinked, dazed from the toe-curling kiss he had given me. His right hand reached up to brush my lower lip before flashing a satisfied smirk on his handsome face. With that, he turned away from me before entering the ensuite bathroom in his bedroom.

My mouth worked for a response but I quickly shut it to save the last few parts of my dignity before I made myself look like an idiot in front of Kingston.

Once I was finally in my bedroom, I studied my reflection in my room once I entered the bathroom. My cheeks were flushed, lips red and swollen, and my eyes were sparkling from...desire?

Shaking my head, I quickly entered the shower, and did the morning necessities before heading down to the kitchen.

It was a little surprising that it was so quiet and empty at eleven in the morning, but considering it was a weekday, Sarah had to work while Sean had moved to pack house.

This could be a good and bad thing, on one hand, Kingston and I wouldn't have to deal with the arguments that started between my siblings and yet, I missed them. However, the knowledge that they are actually in the same pack as me and just a few mere minute walk away from home put me at ease.

Entering the kitchen, I stopped to see Kingston at the stove frying something and my jaw dropped. I've never really imagined Kingston to be so domesticated. I leaned against the doorway to see him inspecting a carton of milk before putting it back into the refrigerator.

"You're cooking?" I blurted out and Kingston glanced at me before turning back to the frying pan. "Yes."

I stepped into the kitchen and around the island table before choking silently on my own saliva. I had assumed Kingston was at least wearing some kind of pants or jeans but no! He simply had a towel wrapped around his waist that was slung low on his hips. His hair was a little damp and that showed that he had just taken his shower. Dear god.

"Where are your uh pants?" I questioned after pulling myself together and entered the pantry so I wouldn't have to look at Kingston in just his bloody bath towel.

Kingston ignored my question and placed a plate of omelettes on the table with a bowl of fruit yogurt as well. "Eat." He ordered as his eyes watched me.

I nodded and slid onto the chair and spooned some yogurt in my mouth. Satisfied that I was eating, Kingston turned back to the stove and brought back his share of food.

We ate together in comfortable silence and I tried to ignore the fact that Kingston was just in his bath towel. "Your cheeks are turning pink." He pointed out as his silver eyes gleamed slyly.

I glanced away before narrowing my gaze, "Well where are your pants?" I retorted and Kingston shrugged before flashing a smirk at my direction.

And briefly, I wondered if Kingston was trying to distract me from the events of last night. The more I thought about this, the more it made sense. I wouldn't be too surprised if Kingston didn't want me or anyone to know about last night.

"You must be wondering about last night aren't you? Your face says it all."

I lifted my head in surprise before groaning inwardly, figures that I would be so easy to read. "Yea-"

Kingston sighs heavily before cutting me off mid-sentence, "I'll tell you about it one day. Just not today alright?" I nodded in response and we resumed eating, occasionally asking about each other's schedule before I went to wash up the dishes and Kingston kissed my cheek before leaving.

It was as if we had this routine down for years. And I liked it.

***

Days passed and well, things were changing. For most of the nights, I would be sleeping in Kingston's room with him. And I would say I had no idea how that started.

I liked sharing a room with Kingston. It gave me the extra sense of security and comfort. The wolf wasn't complaining as well. She liked being close to Kingston. We could all say she bonded to him faster than I did. I guessed it was the bond working through the wolves first.

Honestly, I was too awkward and embarrassed of letting Kingston know that I wanted to share a room with him. However, I guess he roughly knew that and had saved me the embarrassment. The first night, we had watched a movie in his room before going to sleep in his bed soon after without any questions asked.

Kissing him that night also led to us having our lips locked together more often than once. But anything further than that had not happened. But lately, we had only shared a few chaste kisses. And I guessed we were still getting used to this new stage in our relationship.

I sighed thoughtfully as I sorted through some of the paperwork. Kingston was out and well, I decided to help him a little. He was a little reluctant but eventually gave me instructions and what not seeing that he was busy.

I frowned when I caught sight of one of the folders. The contents of it was something like adoption papers. Frowning, I flipped through it curiously and there were just papers for child adoptions from the pack orphanage.

Raising my eyebrows, I was surprised. I didn't really occur to me that the European pack had an orphanage. But again, it was ridiculous to not think that we had one. Unfortunate things happened and children were left alone. Just like me.

I pursed my lips and decided that I wanted to help these orphans in the orphanage. I knew what it felt like and back in the North American pack, orphans were mostly treated as outsiders. I straightened up and exhaled, I wanted to be involved in the pack orphanage and besides it would give me something else to do besides sorting out Kingston's files.

Once I was done, I exited the study and into the living room to almost scream at the sight of Rhett. Who was all dressed in black sitting in the dark.

"Holy hell!" I swore and glared at Rhett. "What the hell are you doing?" I demanded as I tried to calm my racing heart. Rhett burst into laughter.

"Nothing. Waiting to impress a certain spitfire."

He gave a lopsided grin and I sighed and rolled my eyes. "Sarah isn't back yet. And welcome back! I haven't seen you for a week. Kingston said you were on pack business. Where did you go?" I questioned curiously as I switched the lights on.

Rhett shrugged, "Official pack business. And why my dear Luna, do you smell so closely of Kingston?" He raised his eyebrows and narrowed his gaze on me with a growing smirk on is face.

I could feel my cheeks heating up and quickly turned away, "It isn't any of your business!" I rushed and paused because since maybe Kingston wasn't around, Rhett could show me where the pack orphanage was.

Turning around, I was met with a wide knowing grin on his. "You're sharing the same room as Kingston aren't you?"

My cheeks warmed and I glared at him, "Shut it. Anyway, do you know where the pack orphanage is? I want to get involved there." At my statement, Rhett's smirk turned into a soft hearted look.

"Yeah sure. The kids there are amazing, but today you have plans with Kingston." He announced casually as he stretches on the sofa.

I looked at him and raised an eyebrow, "What? Plans?" Rhett opened his mouth to answer as he ran his fingers through his hair when Kingston entered the living room. Immediately, Rhett stood up and somehow, I could feel there was a silent conversation going on that I was not a part of.

Kingston nodded and with that Rhett was dismissed and he left, but not without giving me a sly smirk. "What plans do we have?" I asked curiously as I scrutinised Kingston closely. He clears his throat and continues, "I'm bringing you out for dinner, at a restaurant nearby. That is if you would like to join me?"

I nodded and broke out into a smile, "Yeah. Sure. Is there any dress code?" Kingston shook his head and his eyes lingered on the simple summer dress I had on. "No, you look perfect and beautiful. Are you ready to go?"

I smiled, "Yeah." A slow smile crossed his face and he took my hand before leading me out of the house. "What kind of restaurant is this?"

"A French one. They have great escargots."

My jaw dropped, "Escargots?" Kingston chuckled lowly at my expression and smirked, "I'm kidding. They have other good food." I nodded in relief, eating snails weren't really my thing even though it was a French delicacy.

Once we arrived and shown our seats, Kingston ordered something for the both of us in French and I was surprised. I should have known Kingston could speak more than one language.

When the waiter left, I turned to Kingston and asked curiously, "I didn't know you could speak French. What other languages can you speak?" I was so not going to admit that his voice sounded sexy as hell when he spoke French.

A tiny smirk cracked onto his face and he took a sip of the red wine from the glass in front of him. "Italian, a little of Spanish and German."

I raised my eyebrows impressed. Throughout the dinner, we made light conversation and I learned a lot of things about him throughout dinner. I noticed that he avoided eating anything to do with tomatoes. I had to hide a laugh at that. The Alpha Brendon Kingston didn't like tomatoes? I thought it was really cute.

Kingston had also shared some vague parts of his childhood and it was interesting. I had never pictured him being part of the art group in high school. Also, he also shared some stories about his teenage years with Rhett and some of the mischief they had gotten into.

In turn, I shared about my life back in the North American pack. How my parents had not grown up in the North American pack but chose to make a life there. I also shared a little about growing up with Sean and Sarah when I was younger.

Soon dinner came to an end and dessert was served. I was truly enjoying having dinner with Kingston. He could be really funny and sweet if he wanted to. I spooned a little of the crème brûlée into my mouth and moaned softly as the taste hit my tastebuds.

Meanwhile Kingston watched me with a bemused expression on his face before he turned serious. Noticing the mood change, I studied him a little cautiously wondering what had happened to the easy going guy just seconds ago.

"What's wrong?" I questioned and Kingston cleared his throat before starting. "Sydney, I don't know if you recall that I had asked for your forgiveness for the way I've treated you. I apologise for that and everything that I've done."

Oh, this. No wonder the mood change. I put the spoon down and nodded slowly, "Yeah. I remember." I answered quietly and Kingston swallowed harshly, "Also, on that day, I had confessed that I have deep feelings for you and I had asked if you would give me a chance to make it up to you."

My jaw worked for a reply but I didn't know what to say. What could I even say anyway? Kingston continued, his eyes burning into mine and he reached over to grasp my hand into his larger one. His thumb rubbed soothing circles on my hand. "That day, you hadn't given me an answer. Would it be alright with you if I get one now?"

"I-I-I-" I stammered and Kingston added, "Would you give me a chance-give us a chance?" He questioned quietly, his voice was full of sincerity and yearning.

My gaze was locked onto his and without a moment of hesitation, I nodded and Kingston's eyes flashed with surprise before relief and happiness took over. Without warning, he leaned forward and cradled my cheeks with his hand before capturing my lips with his.

***

A/N: Hey guys! I'm so sorry for this late update! School had started on Monday and things went crazy from there. Honestly, I had lost a little inspiration for writing this because I had received loads of accusations in my inbox on how I plagiarised this from other books. I do not mean those who have told me that an author was copying my book. I meant those that had directly told me I was copying someone's book. And it was kinda hurtful and heartbreaking.

Anyway, I hope that you guys liked this chapter and please give it a vote and comment? Sigh. Also, I've decided who to play Kingston. That's right. Pedro Soltz. Thanks for the recommendation vajopi! Also, my updates would be longer like 3-4 days or maybe 5? Exams are coming. Sigh. Ahaha so I really hope that you guys loved this chapter and let me know your thoughts! Thanks so much for reading! <3 <3 <3