Claimed by my Brother’s Best Friends (Alyssa) novel Chapter 33

Alyssa

After waking up and taking a shower—since I passed out right after whatever the hell last night was—I begin packing up Zuri's and my things. She had stirred some time during the night, but thankfully, I had formula and water on the dresser. To my surprise, she fell right back asleep, allowing me to sleep a little longer.

I don't know when Gray's flight lands, but I want to be packed and ready for when he gets here.

Finding my way downstairs in the dark with the flashlight on my phone, I head into the living room to search for any toys I happened to leave in here last night.

"What are you doing?" I jump at the sound of King's deep, gravelly voice, my heart racing. I don't know why, but It takes me back to all those times I tried to leave with Zuri, only to find Isaac waiting to catch me.

King, seated in his armchair with a drink in hand, raises a brow at my startled reaction.

"I-I'm sorry, just let me...catch my breath," I choke out, collapsing onto the couch, clutching my chest, which feels like it's being squeezed by an invisible hand. My hands tremble uncontrollably, and my heartbeat roars in my ears.

Okay, I think I'm having a panic attack right now. And right in front of King.

Great.

I'm vaguely aware of King striding across the room and sitting beside me, yanking me into his lap. "I didn't mean to scare you. Just breathe," he murmurs, placing a hand on my chest.

I try to pull away from him, embarrassed. "I'm okay. I just-"

"Breathe."

I obey, closing my eyes and taking deep breaths. His hold tightens, and somehow, it both comforts me and freaks me the hell out at the same time.

We sit in silence for what feels like forever until I can breathe normally again.

"Good girl," King praises. "Now what were you doing wondering around in the dark?"

I hop off his lap, and he lets me, his eyes tracking my every movement.

"Sorry, that was weird. Can we just forget that happened?" I ask with a nervous laugh.