Gemini's POV.
The morning sun was a heavy, bright blanket across the room. I woke up slow, my body humming with a delicious ache. I was exactly where I wanted to be: curled tight against Percy's solid chest, my head tucked perfectly beneath his chin.
I opened my eyes. First, the impossibly blue caldera view. Second, Percy's arm, thrown possessively over my waist.
A huge blush immediately flooded my face.
Oh God, last night.
The memories rushed in: the nightclub chaos, the rude stranger, Percy's terrifying, cold glare, and the silent, furious drive back. And then, the memory of the "punishment."
I squeezed my eyes shut, burying my face further into his shoulder. I couldn't believe I was blushing this hard. The whole event was ridiculous, yet thrilling. Percy had been so intimidating, so primal when he grabbed that guy's wrist. I remembered the shock, then the heat of being swept out of the club and thrown onto the bed.
He called me naughty. He said the punishment was for making him jealous. And I... I loved it. I loved it! Oh God! I've become a pervert. When did I become like this?
I wasn't trying to make him jealous; I was truly just trying to dance. But did I enjoy the punishment? Thoroughly. More than thoroughly, actually. He hadn't just taken me once; it was twice. The second time was slower, more intense, proving his point with fierce, protective passion until I could barely breathe. What's wrong with me? Ohio is going to have a field day with this information.
I shifted slightly, and Percy's arm tightened instinctively around me. His warmth was overwhelming, his scent—a mix of expensive sandalwood and sex—was intoxicating.
Don't move. Don't wake him up. I can't let him see me like this.
My cheeks felt like they were on fire. Why did I enjoy his jealousy so much? It was selfish, maybe, but it felt amazing to know that beneath that calm exterior, he was capable of that fierce, possessive anger—especially when it was directed at protecting me.
I tried to subtly slide out of his grip, desperate to escape to the bathroom, but Percy was a light sleeper. He stirred, his eyes fluttering open, still heavy with sleep but immediately focused on me.
"Morning, Bunny. You're up already?" he mumbled, his voice deep and raspy. He blinked slowly, and then his eyes widened slightly as he registered the sheer depth of my scarlet complexion.
He reached up, touching my cheek with the back of his hand. "Woah. You're red. Are you okay? Did you get too much sun yesterday, or are you running a fever?"
His concern only made the blush worse. I was practically vibrating with embarrassment and lingering arousal. How could he not know why I'm red? He's the one who did this!
"I—I'm fine!" I stammered, pulling myself quickly out of his grip. I scrambled off the bed, grabbed the nearest towel, and practically sprinted for the bathroom. "Just need... need to shower! I'll be out in a minute!"
I slammed the bathroom door shut, leaning against it, gulping down air. I could hear Percy's low chuckle from the bedroom—that warm, knowing sound. He definitely knew. He was definitely teasing me.
I looked at my reflection: totally flushed, hair messy, wearing his oversized shirt. I'm an absolute mess. I turned on the freezing cold shower, hoping to wash away the evidence of my very, very sweet punishment.