“Kai.” My preferred nickname comes out of my mouth as a breathy whisper, though I have no idea why I’m telling him. His head tilts almost adorably, though I can’t see his eyes behind the mask. “What?” he asks, voice less menacing and more curious than before. His grip loosens, just a little, and I falter with a slow exhale. “I hate it when people call me Kaira. It’s what my parents call me and…” I trail off when I realize I’m rambling, and I press my lips together until it stings and reminds me just how chapped my lips are. “Kai,” I repeat.
kai
