Chapter 44 - Kiema

All eyes turned to me. I could feel my protective shell coming around me, but I was unable to stop it. My spine straightened; my hands folded at my waist. I even tried to tuck the sheet around me more firmly.

"I'm going to go put some clothes on. Excuse me." I stood and strode to my rooms, head held high. My stomach twisted itself into knots.

As soon as I closed the door behind myself, I dropped the sheet and raced to my closet. I threw on stretchy pants, an oversized sweatshirt, and some socks. I didn't bother with any undergarments.

The heavy silence as I returned to the living room let me know that I'd been the topic of discussion. Asher had moved from the mattress to a chair. The guys were sitting in the chairs in a loose circle around the mattress.

"I feel like I'm about to be chastised by a tribunal," I called from the door of my rooms. "Is there another chair for me?"

Six butts rocketed into the air; six men offered their chairs. I sighed. "You're all too sweet. I d