After what felt like an eternity of walking, Luke and I finally stumbled back to our room, desperate for a bit of rest. Before we left, my aunt had shown up with a few of our royal guards to investigate the attack and promised to leave some behind to keep an eye on Lara and Coco. That helped ease my worries, but a nagging thought lingered: they were still in danger because of me.

The silence between us on our journey home was thick, each step weighed down by my worries. I couldn't shake the thought that Luke might hate me for putting his family at risk, dragging them into this mess. They were innocent in all of this, and yet their lives had been turned upside down just because I was under their roof. I felt like a walking disaster zone.

When we finally reached our dorm, I fumbled through my pockets for my keys, anxiety swirling in my gut. Just as I was about to give up and let him shout at me before we'd even managed to escape behind closed doors, Luke let out a heavy sigh and unlocked the door himself, pushing it open and ushering me inside.

Before I could brace myself for an argument, I found myself shoved onto the bed, the world spinning as I braced for the worst. I squeezed my eyes shut, expecting a lecture or even a punch, but instead, I felt something soft press against my lips.

Luke pulled back slightly, gauging my reaction as if trying to make sure I was alright. He'd kissed me. That thought lingered in my mind for a moment, and in an instant, I wrapped my arms around his neck, yanking him back down to me.

It stretched on, unhurried and electric, filled with all the things we hadn't said yet. This wasn't the drunken peck I'd shared with that girl at the party; this was something stronger, a connection that spoke volumes. As our lips moved together, our hands roamed, exploring like we were trying to map out a territory we'd both been longing for. Fingers tangling in hair and tracing along each other's arms.

With a sudden rush of daring, I flipped us over, my heart pounding as I claimed my place above him. He didn't complain, his breath hitching as I began to kiss along his neck, savouring the taste of his skin. I left gentle marks as I went, small but enough to remember this moment for a few days to come. Each kiss ignited a spark, the world outside fading away as I lost myself in the warmth of him.

He pushed back as he sat up, his hands moving up my chest and slipping under my shirt. His cold fingers brushed over my skin, sending shivers that had nothing to do with the bruises that marred my torso. I winced slightly as he pressed against one of the purple welts, and his expression shifted, filled with concern as he pushed up my shirt. In an instant, he began to plant soft kisses on each imperfection, as if his lips could heal me. I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of his touch seep into me, as if each kiss was stitching me back together, erasing the hurt that lingered.

When he finally pulled away, our eyes locked again, and I could see the storm of emotions swirling in his gaze. He began to place soft kisses all over my face, each one a whisper of comfort, each touch quickening my heart. I felt all the unspoken words we had bottled up spill out between us as I tightened my grip on his shirt, pulling him closer, as if we could fuse into one.

Things were heating up, the world outside forgotten, as I snaked my hands around to his back, tugging at his shirt in a silent invitation. He understood, lifting it over his head with a fluid motion that revealed the bandage tightly wrapped around his torso. My fingers brushed over the fabric, cautious and gentle, as if he might shatter if I pressed too hard.

He tilted my chin up, and our lips met again, this time with a sweetness that sent sparks flying through me. His fingers danced under my shirt, teasing the skin just below, igniting a fire deep within. But before we could dive any deeper into this whirlwind of feelings, an obnoxious knock at the door shattered our moment.

"Ignore it. They'll go away," he muttered, trying to pull me back in, but I couldn't help glancing at the door.

Noticing my distraction, Luke shot me an annoyed look and jumped up to throw on his t-shirt. I grabbed mine too, watching him with amusement as he leaned down to kiss my forehead.

"We'll finish this later," he whispered, his breath warm against my skin, the promise hanging in the air as the knocks grew louder.

"What do you want?" Luke sighed, but his annoyance shifted into tension as he opened the door.

In walked a figure I recognised all too well. His elegant chestnut hair was impeccably styled, and his emotionless blue eyes bored into me with a chill that sent shivers down my spine. The scar on his cheek only added to his menacing presence.

"Hello, Nathan." My father's brow arched at my dishevelled appearance.

I suddenly remembered the hickeys that now likely decorated my neck and quickly shifted to hide them, feeling a flush creep into my cheeks.

"May I have a word?"

With a reluctant nod, I followed him outside, resting my hand on Luke's shoulder as I passed.

"I've been informed about the attack today, so I've come personally to check on you and bring you back home. I can't have you here if you're in danger."

Home? The very thought made my stomach churn.

"Home? Why? I've always been in danger here! Besides, I can look after myself," I snapped, trying to keep my voice steady, but it only seemed to fuel his anger.

"You are the future of this country—"

I cut him off, scoffing. "Future of this country? You mean the future king who can't do anything because the government runs the place?"

He blinked, taken aback, eyebrows furrowing above his sapphire eyes.

"This is not up for debate. You are in danger, and it is my job as your father and king to protect you."

My blood boiled. The only time he ever spoke to me was to give orders and remind me of my duties. When would he stop treating me like a child in need of a babysitter?

"What? Like you protected Mother?" The words spat from my lips like poison.

I regretted them the moment they left my mouth but it was too late. The damage had already been done.

His tense features softened slightly as he sighed. "So that what happened to her doesn't happen to you."

I closed my eyes and took a breath, frustrated at myself for letting my anger get the better of me. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. But I'm not that six-year-old boy who needs protecting anymore."

He turned away, contemplating my words.

"I don't need your protection, not anymore." I reiterated, turning to head back inside.

"Very well. We'll be in touch when we find out more about who attacked you. Just... stay safe, Nathan."

With a subtle nod, I closed the door behind me and slumped down onto my bed.

"What did he want?" Luke asked, joining me on the bed.

"He wanted me to go back home, but don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying right here." I rested my heavy head on his shoulder.

"I was just asking to be polite. I heard the whole thing through the door," he admitted with a sheepish grin.

I smirked, playfully punching his arm before nudging him to change into something more comfortable for bed.

When I returned, Luke was sprawled across my bed, looking completely at ease as he stretched his arms out like a cat.

"I wanna cuddle," he said, a teasing smile on his face.

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the smile creeping onto my lips as I climbed into bed, involuntarily becoming the little spoon. He wrapped his arms around my waist, burying his nose into the back of my neck.

"Luke?" I murmured, his warm breath sending tingles down my spine.

His soft breaths hit my ear which comforted me in a way I couldn't explain, his warmth enveloping me, easing away my fears as I drifted off to sleep.

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