The Designated Mate novel Chapter 27

"I replaced it," he grunted out.

"Replaced, or you're replacing?" I asked apprehensively.

"Replaced," he said. I gasped, unable to comprehend how he would have already gotten it done. Not to mention that that means he hasn't slept since he showed me my new walls this morning. Darn him!

"Knox, you've got to let your body rest! You're going to make yourself sick if you don't!" I growled, angry at the mistreatment of his own body.

"It needed to be done." He countered as if it were the most logical thing in the world. I huffed in frustration before quickening my pace. I entered my living room and pulled back the blankets on my bed before putting my hands on my hips and turning to face him as he entered the room as well.

"What?" He asked, his eyes narrowing at me after glancing at my stiff posture.

"You need sleep. Now." I ordered, moving one hand to point at the covered mattress that was still resting on the floor.

"I'm fine, Poppy," He said dismissively, waving away my concern.

"I wasn't asking," I shot back, my tone hard and unwavering.

Poppy's POV

He huffed and shot me an annoyed growl before stomping around. He kicked his boots off, ripped his t-shirt over his head, and undid his belt. He abruptly shoved his pants down which left him standing in my living room in only his briefs. I quietly squealed out of surprise before quickly turning around and placing the palms of my hands against my scorching cheeks.

I cursed myself when I took a few steps forward and caused the floorboard to creak with my weight. I held my breath, hoping the noise wouldn't wake Knox up. I thought I was in the clear, but after taking another few steps - more carefully this time - his voice caught me off guard.

"Don't even try to sneak up on someone in the future, you're horrible at it," he husked out, his voice deep and raspy from sleep. I huffed out in frustration before plopping myself down on the bed next to his body. It was a queen size, but he occupied almost the entire thing leaving a small sliver of space for me.

"I got my room painted!" I exclaimed excitedly with a wide smile, choosing not to respond to what he'd said. The edge of his lips pulled up ever so slightly before he nodded in acknowledgment.

"I know. I can smell it, Flower," he chuckled.

"Oh..." I murmured, my cheeks blushing from embarrassment, not thinking about how much stronger his sense of smell probably was than mine.