Crowned (Santa Catalina University)

Chapter 34

The morning air carries a faint chill, the kind that settles into your bones and reminds you summer is a distant memory. I pull my jacket tighter around me as we gather in the chamber where Vance’s portal shimmers faintly, its edges rippling like water under moonlight. It feels alive, almost sentient, and the thought makes my stomach twist. I’ve seen enough films to know what happens when power like this is mishandled, and the weight of it presses down on me now.

“It’s ready,” Vance says, his tone calm but edged with warning. His sharp gaze scans each of us in turn, lingering on me just a moment longer. “You all know the rules. Straight to the beach house and straight back. No detours, no distractions, and absolutely no splitting up.”

“Understood,” Reef replies curtly, his stance solid and unyielding. He’s standing just to my left, his protective presence radiating like a shield.

Vance turns to me, his expression softening just slightly. “Malia, I mean it. This is not the time to be impulsive. You stay with them, no matter what.”

I lift my chin, trying to project more confidence than I feel. “I’ll be fine, Sir . I’m not going to wander off.”

“See that you don’t,” he mutters, but there’s no real bite in his tone. Instead, there’s a heaviness that lingers, like he’s weighing the risks against the necessity of letting me go.

“We’ll protect her,” Reef says firmly, stepping closer to my side. His voice carries the weight of an unspoken promise, one that reassures me even as it makes Vance’s expression darken.

Vance’s gaze softens again as he looks back at me. “I’ll stay here to ensure no one notices the portal’s been opened. If anyone suspects, it could cause...complications.”

I nod. “Thank you, Professor. Really, Vance.”

For a moment, something flickers in his eyes, something unspoken but unmistakable. It’s enough to make me step forward and place a hand on his arm.

“You be careful too,” I say softly, then lean up on my toes to press a kiss to his cheek. His skin is warm beneath my lips, and when I pull back, I catch the faintest hint of surprise in his expression.

“You, too, Miss Van Der Zee,” he murmurs, his voice lower now, almost hesitant. But he doesn’t say anything more, stepping back as if to put distance between us before the others notice.

Cove clears his throat, and I glance over to see him watching us with an unreadable expression. Behind him, Bhodi is grinning, his hands shoved into his pockets as if this is all a grand adventure. Reef, by contrast, looks as though he’s already anticipating trouble, his arms crossed and his eyes darting toward the portal.

“We should go,” Bhodi says, his voice clipped. “The longer we stand here, the more chance someone’s going to notice.”

Vance nods once, stepping aside to allow us through. With one last glance at him, I take a deep breath and step into the shimmering light.

The first thing that hits me is the salty tang of the sea air, sharp and bracing against my skin. The beach stretches out before us, the waves crashing rhythmically against the shore, but it feels...off. The sand beneath my feet is the same, the water’s roar familiar, but there’s a strange emptiness here now, as though the place itself knows I don’t belong anymore.

“It doesn’t feel like home,” I whisper, wrapping my arms around myself as the others step through the portal behind me.

“That’s because it isn’t,” Reef says quietly, his voice carrying an edge of finality. He’s scanning the horizon, his posture tense as he takes in every detail of our surroundings.

The words sting, but I know he’s right. I’ve changed. Everything has.

Cove sidles up beside me, his bright smile cutting through the heaviness in my chest. “Well, it might not feel like home, but it still looks like a picture perfect postcard. Come on, let’s get this over with.”

His easy tone draws a small smile from me, and I nod, following as the group starts toward the beach house. The path is shorter than I remember, though every step feels heavier, weighed down by the memories tied to this place. But when we reach the house, the unease in my chest blooms into full-blown dread.

Reef stops abruptly, holding up a hand to signal the rest of us. “The wards are down.”

Bhodi moves past him, his expression darkening as his gaze snaps to the door. “And the door’s unlocked.”

Cove’s lighthearted demeanour vanishes in an instant. He steps closer to me, his hand brushing mine in a subtle gesture of reassurance. “Stay with me,” he says softly, his voice steady but serious.

I nod, my heart pounding as Reef and Bhodi exchange a glance. Without a word, they move toward the house, slipping inside with practised caution.

The silence that follows is unbearable. Every second feels like an eternity, the tension coiling tighter with each passing moment. Then, suddenly, there’s a crash from inside, followed by the low rumble of voices raised in anger.

I take an instinctive step toward the house, but Cove’s hand shoots out to stop me. “Wait here,” he says firmly, his eyes fixed on the doorway.

A moment later, Bhodi emerges, his grip firm on a struggling figure. My stomach plummets as recognition dawns.

“Summer?”

Her eyes snap to mine, wide and panicked. “Malia!” she cries, her voice cracking. “Tell this great oaf to let go of me!”

Reef steps out behind Bhodi, his expression thunderous. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Summer’s gaze darts between us, her chest heaving as she tries to find the words. “I…I didn’t know where else to go,” she stammers. “I came looking for you.”

“And decided to break in while you were at it?” Bhodi snaps, his grip tightening on her arm.

“I thought you were gone,” she says, tears streaming down her face. “The house was empty. I didn’t know what else to do.”

“That doesn’t explain why you’re here,” I say sharply, stepping forward. “What’s really going on, Summer?”

She flinches at my tone, but her gaze stays locked on mine. “It’s my boyfriends,” she admits, her voice barely above a whisper. “There’s something wrong with them. They’ve been...obsessed with you ever since you disappeared. They kept asking questions, trying to find out where you were. I tried to get away from them, but they wouldn’t let me.”

“And you thought coming here would fix that?” Reef growls, his tone icy.

Summer’s shoulders shake as she sobs, her words tumbling out in a frantic rush. “I didn’t know what else to do! I needed to know if you were okay. I thought if I could just check the house, I’d find some kind of clue. I didn’t mean to...” She trails off, her voice breaking.

“Didn’t mean to what?” I demand, my voice rising.

“I told them about this place,” she confesses, her words barely audible. “About the house. I didn’t mean to, but they kept pushing, and I thought if I gave them something, they’d leave me alone.”

The silence that follows is deafening. My chest tightens as her words sink in, each one like a blow to the gut.

“You gave them information about the house?” I say, my voice trembling with fury. “Do you realise what you’ve done?”

“I didn’t know!” she cries. “I didn’t know they were...” She falters, looking at me with wide, desperate eyes. “Malia, what are they?”

Reef steps forward, his jaw tight. “They’re Shikari. And thanks to you, they know far more than they should.”

Summer stares at him, her face pale. “Shikari? What does that even mean?”

I glance at Reef, who shakes his head slightly. Summer doesn’t know. Not about Aerwyna, not about the supernatural. And now I have to decide whether to keep her in the dark or bring her into a world she may not be ready for.

I take a deep breath, the weight of the decision settling heavily on my shoulders. “You’ve put us all in danger,” I say, my voice cold. “But we can use this. You’re going to tell them exactly what we want them to hear. Do you understand me?”

Her eyes widen. “You want me to go back to them?”

“Yes,” I say firmly. “But this time, you’re going to do it on our terms.”

“Malia—” Reef warns, stepping forward, but I hold up my hand to stop him.

“No. We need to do this. We may as well use Summer’s fuck up to our advantage.” Summer winces but doesn’t argue.

“I don’t like this,” Cove mutters.

“The prof isn’t going to be happy. We’re already taking too long,” Reef warns.

“But she’s right,” Bhodi adds, backing me up with a solemn nod, his arms still holding Summer tight. “We need to do something. May as well try whatever Malia has in mind.”

Summer nods reluctantly, tears streaking her cheeks as she whispers, “I’ll do whatever you need me to do. Just...please, help me.”

I glance at Reef and Bhodi. The distrust in their eyes is clear, but neither of them voices their objections. Not yet. I know they’ll have plenty to say later, but for now, we’re all aligned on one thing: this is a risk we have to take.

“We’ll figure it out,” I say, more to myself than anyone else but even I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record stuck on repeat with that damn phrase.

I’m really starting to hate it.

But deep down, I can’t shake the sinking feeling that we’re walking into a trap – one that might cost us far more than we’re prepared to lose.

Once Summer is inside with Reef, I quietly step toward my old room, or I guess I should say Cove’s room. The air feels stale, as though the space has been waiting too long for someone to return. Dust motes swirl in the faint light coming through the curtains, and everything feels smaller, like I’ve outgrown it in the time I’ve been away.

I run my fingers along the edge of the desk, memories flitting through my mind – late nights with textbooks, sketches half-finished, dreams that now seem a lifetime away. None of it feels like mine anymore.

I grab my rucksack from the wardrobe, stuffing it with clothes and whatever small personal items catch my eye. A picture frame on the bedside table makes me pause. It’s a photo of Summer and me from years ago, arms slung around each other, grinning like we had the world at our feet. My stomach tightens, but I tuck it into the bag anyway. Then all that’s left is to grab my surfboard from downstairs. There’s no way I’m leaving that behind.

Footsteps approach, and I glance over my shoulder as Bhodi steps into the doorway, his expression grim.

“Reef’s almost done with her,” he says. “You good?”

I nod, zipping up the bag. “Yeah. Let’s get out of here.”

“Want me to grab your board?”

“Please.” I smile at him as I nod.

When I return to the living room, Reef is standing by the window, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on Summer. She looks smaller somehow, her shoulders hunched, her hands wringing together nervously.

“You know what to say?” Reef asks, his voice sharp.

Summer nods quickly, her eyes darting between us. “Yes. Tell them I haven’t seen anything unusual, that the house is still empty and looks like it has been for a while. Act like nothing’s changed.”

“Good,” Reef says, but there’s no warmth in his tone. He doesn’t trust her – none of us do, not really.

Summer hesitates, her gaze flicking to me. “Malia...I’m sorry. I never wanted to hurt you.”

I take a deep breath, forcing the anger to settle. “Then prove it,” I say evenly. “Do what we’ve asked, and maybe I’ll believe you.”

Her lower lip trembles, but she nods, and I gesture for Bhodi to open the door. She glances back one last time before stepping out into the fading sunlight.

As she disappears down the path, a twinge of guilt curls in my chest, but I tamp it down. I can’t afford to let my emotions cloud my judgment, not when so much is at stake.

“She’s gone,” Bhodi mutters, shutting the door and locking it behind her.

Reef exhales sharply, dragging a hand through his hair. “That was a mistake. She’s too much of a liability.”

“We didn’t have a choice,” I reply, shouldering my bag. “Let’s just hope it pays off.”

The portal shimmers as we step through, the familiar chill of Aerwyna’s air wrapping around me like a sudden embrace. Vance is waiting, his posture stiff with barely concealed tension.

“Well?” he asks, his sharp gaze scanning each of us.

The others exchange glances, and I force a small smile. “It’s fine. We’re back in one piece.”

Vance’s eyes narrow slightly, but he doesn’t press. “Good. Take her things to her room,” he says to the others, nodding toward the bag on my shoulder.

“I’ll meet you there,” I say quickly, handing the bag to Cove. “I need to speak with the professor.”

The others hesitate but eventually leave without a word. Once we’re alone, Vance’s calm mask slips, his jaw tightening as he steps closer.

“What happened?” he demands. “You’re holding something back.”

I exhale, rubbing the back of my neck. “We ran into Summer. She was inside the house.”

“What?” His voice rises sharply, and I wince.

“She claimed she was looking for me,” I say quickly. “But...she admitted she’s been giving information to her boyfriends. She didn’t know they were Shikari, but it’s obvious they’ve been using her to get to us.”

Vance’s expression hardens, his hands clenching into fists. “This is exactly why I told you it was a bad idea to leave. You’ve put us at risk, Malia. If they know anything more about Aerwyna?—”

“They don’t,” I interrupt, meeting his gaze. “Not yet. We’ve turned the situation around. Summer’s going to act as a double agent. We left her with a comunicator. She’ll feed them false information, and we’ll control the narrative.”

His eyes narrow further, and for a moment, I think he might explode. “You’re trusting her?”

“I’m managing her,” I correct. “It’s risky, but it’s better than doing nothing. We can use this to our advantage, Vance. Please, trust me on this.”

He lets out a sharp breath, pacing the room as he processes my words. “I don’t like it,” he mutters. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”

“I know,” I say softly, stepping closer. “But it’s the only option we have right now. And I need you to believe in me. Please.”

He stops pacing, turning to face me. The anger in his eyes has dimmed, replaced by something heavier – concern. “I do,” he says finally, his voice low. “I just...I don’t want to lose you.”

The raw honesty in his words makes my chest tighten. Without thinking, I step closer, placing a hand on his arm. “You won’t.”

For a moment, we just stand there, the air between us thick with unspoken emotions. Then, before I can second-guess myself, I lean up and press my lips to his.

The kiss is deeper this time, more certain, and he responds almost instantly, his hands coming up to cup my face. There’s a desperation in the way he kisses me, as though he’s trying to anchor himself, to hold onto something real amidst the chaos.

I sink into him, my fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as the rest of the world fades away. The tension that’s been building between us finally breaks, and for the first time in days, I feel like I can breathe.

When we finally pull apart, his forehead rests lightly against mine, his breath warm against my skin.

“Malia,” he murmurs, his voice rough with emotion.

“I’m here,” I whisper, brushing my fingers along his jaw. “I’m not going anywhere.”

For the first time since we returned, I feel something stir within me.

Vance’s hands linger on my face, his thumbs brushing gently against my cheeks as if he’s memorising every detail. The way he looks at me – like I’m the only thing anchoring him in this storm – sends a shiver down my spine. His lips part, as if he’s about to say something, but instead, he kisses me again, slower this time, deeper.

The tension between us melts away, replaced by something far more vulnerable and intimate. His hands slide down to my waist, pulling me closer until there’s no space left between us. My fingers tangle in his hair, the soft strands slipping through my grip as he kisses me like he’s afraid this moment might be stolen away.

“Are you sure?” he whispers against my lips, his voice barely audible but carrying the weight of the question.

I nod, my heart racing. “I’m sure.”

He exhales softly, his breath warm against my skin as he presses another kiss to the corner of my mouth, then to my jaw, trailing a path down to the hollow of my throat. My head tilts back instinctively, giving him access, and I can’t help the small sigh that escapes me.

He pauses, his forehead resting against my shoulder, his breathing uneven. “I don’t want to rush this,” he murmurs, his hands tightening slightly at my waist. “But you make it so hard to think clearly.”

“You’re overthinking,” I reply, smiling, despite the heat pooling in my chest. “Stop for once, just feel.”

His head lifts, his dark eyes locking onto mine. Whatever restraint he’s been clinging to crumbles as he kisses me again, his lips urgent and consuming. The room feels smaller, the air warmer, and the soft hum of magic around us makes everything more intense, more alive.

I reach for the buttons of his shirt, my hands trembling slightly as I undo them one by one. His skin is warm beneath my touch, his muscles tensing as I slide my palms over his chest.

“Malia,” he groans, the sound rough and low, sending a thrill through me.

“Vance,” I whisper, his name a plea as I pull him closer.

He lifts me effortlessly, carrying me toward the small sofa by the hearth. The fire crackles faintly, casting a golden glow over the room as he sets me down gently, his body hovering over mine. His touch is everywhere – his hands mapping the curve of my hips, the line of my thighs, as if committing every inch of me to memory.

Every kiss, every touch feels deliberate, as though he’s savouring this moment, refusing to let it slip away too quickly. My heart pounds in time with his, the rhythm of our breaths tangling together as the world outside fades entirely.

“Tell me if it’s too much,” he says softly, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers across my skin.

“It’s not,” I reply, my hands sliding over his shoulders. “I want this. I want you.”

His lips curve into the faintest smile before he kisses me again, his movements unhurried yet filled with intent. The weight of his body against mine, the warmth of his skin, the way he whispers my name like a promise – it all feels right.

For the first time in what feels like forever, I let myself be completely present, my worries and fears melting away under his touch. It’s just us, here in this moment, and I cling to that with everything I have.

Vance’s touch becomes more assured as he takes his time, trailing his lips along the curve of my collarbone. Every movement is deliberate, as though he’s afraid to rush or miss even the smallest detail. His fingers graze over the hem of my t-shirt, pausing to meet my eyes in a silent question.

I nod, giving him permission, and he carefully lifts the fabric over my head, leaving me feeling exposed but not vulnerable. With Vance, there’s no room for doubt. The way he looks at me, his eyes dark and filled with something deeper than desire, makes me feel more secure than I have in weeks.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice so soft it barely reaches my ears.

I reach for him, sliding my hands over the taut muscles of his shoulders through the thin fabric of his shirt as I pull him back down to me. Our lips meet again, but this time the kiss is slower, more purposeful. His hands roam across my skin, exploring every curve, every dip, as though he’s trying to memorise all of me.

The faint glow of the firelight flickers across his face, highlighting the angles of his jaw and the intensity in his expression. I can feel his restraint slipping, the tension in his body growing as he tries to hold himself back.

“Vance,” I whisper, threading my fingers through his hair. “Stop holding back.”

He exhales sharply, his forehead pressing against mine as he fights to regain control. “I don’t want to hurt you,” he admits, his voice raw. “I’ve spent so long holding back, I’m not sure I even remember how to let go.”

“You won’t,” I say softly, my hands sliding down his back. “I trust you.”

Those three words seem to break something in him. His lips crash against mine with renewed urgency, his hands gripping my hips as though afraid I’ll disappear if he lets go. I arch into him, every nerve in my body alight as his touch ignites something deep within me.

Time seems to slow, each moment stretching out into infinity as we lose ourselves in each other. His kisses trail down my neck, his breath warm against my skin as his hands explore, caressing and holding me in a way that feels both possessive and reverent.

The fire crackles in the hearth, casting a golden glow across the room, but all I can focus on is Vance – the weight of him above me, the warmth of his skin, the way his lips move against mine like he’s searching for something he’s been missing.

“Malia,” he murmurs, his voice trembling slightly as he pauses to meet my gaze.

I cup his face in my hands, brushing my thumb along the sharp line of his jaw. “I’m not going anywhere,” I say, echoing the words I spoke earlier. “You don’t have to hold back. It’s okay to love me.”

Something shifts in his expression, the last of his hesitation melting away, and I can see it – the raw, undeniable need that’s been building between us since we returned, the quiet yearning that he can no longer suppress. He leans in again, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that’s no longer cautious, no longer tentative.

This time, there’s nothing held back.

His hands are firm yet gentle as they slide over my skin, fingers skimming the curve of my waist, pulling me closer as if he can’t get enough.

The kiss deepens, and I find myself losing all sense of time, of space. Every movement is a silent promise, every sigh a plea. His lips are soft, insistent, coaxing me into surrender, and I give in willingly, feeling the heat between us ignite. His hands travel upwards, caressing the lines of my body, his touch tender but possessive, as if he’s claiming me in the most intimate way.

The warmth of his body seeps into mine, the rhythm of his heartbeat is steady but quickening, matching mine as I press closer.

He sits up abruptly, pulling me onto his lap, his breath hot against my neck as he nips at the sensitive skin beneath my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. My fingers thread into his hair, tugging him closer, desperate for more. There’s no space left between us – just the press of his chest against mine, the shared heat, the undeniable connection, as I straddle him on the sofa.

The air around us seems to hum, a faint but undeniable pulse that vibrates through my very bones, as if the world itself recognises the intensity of what’s happening. I can feel it, the magic – subtle but growing stronger, swirling around us, responding to the electric pull between our bodies. It coils in the air, amplifying every sensation, every touch, every breath.

Is he doing this…or am I? Is it us, together?

His hand slides down my back, settling at the curve of my hips, his fingers digging in just enough to remind me that he’s in control, even as he lets me set the pace. He shifts beneath me, his body already reacting to the need that’s been building since the moment we arrived in this realm. There’s a hunger in him now, raw and fierce, and it only makes me want him more.

With every kiss, every brush of his lips against my skin, the magic intensifies, thick and heady, wrapping around us like a tangible force. It heightens everything – the soft press of his chest against mine, the heat of his hands as they explore, the way his breath catches when I move against him. I’m consumed by him, by the sensation of his body pressed so intimately against mine, by the way he makes me feel both delicate and powerful at the same time.

I can’t think. Can’t focus on anything but him, the way he makes me burn with want, the way every touch feels like it’s unraveling me. It’s as though the world has narrowed down to this single moment, this one shared breath, and I can’t imagine anything existing beyond the space between us.

“Vance,” I gasp, my voice a low, trembling whisper as he pulls back just enough to meet my gaze. His eyes are dark, pupils blown wide with desire, and for a moment, I wonder if he can feel it too – the electric charge in the air, the magic weaving between us, thick and undeniable. The intensity between us is overwhelming, almost suffocating, and yet, I can’t bring myself to stop.

“I’m not letting you go,” he breathes, his lips trailing down the curve of my throat, his teeth grazing my skin, making me shiver in response. “Not now. Not ever.”

The words send a rush of heat through me, and I realise, with a jolt of certainty, that I don’t want to be anywhere but here, tangled in him, lost in this moment. I pull him closer, my hands urgently tugging at the fabric of his shirt down off his shoulders to remove it entirely, wanting to feel the heat of his skin against mine. The urgency between us grows, and before I know it, he’s moving over me, his body pressing into mine, his weight comforting, yet electrifying.

Vance’s hesitation cracks as I pull him down to me, our bodies flush, heat rolling between us. His mouth crashes onto mine, no more second-guessing, no more restraint. His hands are everywhere – tangling in my hair, gripping my waist, dragging me closer until I feel the hard press of him against my stomach.

I moan into the kiss, opening for him, letting him take control. His tongue sweeps into my mouth, slow and teasing at first, then rougher, hungrier, like he’s been starving for this. He groans as I scrape my nails down his back, his hips jerking forward in response.

“Do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted to do this with you again?” His voice is ragged, his lips trailing down my neck, biting, sucking. He carefully holds me as he stands and carries me into the bedroom.

I tilt my head back, gasping as his teeth graze my pulse point. “Then stop talking and take me.”

His growl vibrates against my skin. He drops me on the bed, his body covering mine before I can even bounce from the action.

One hand grips my hip, the other slides up, fingers brushing my ribs before palming my breast. I arch into him, desperate for more, my nipples pebbling under his touch. His gaze darkening as he takes me in – flushed, breathless, needy.

“Fucking beautiful,” he mutters before lowering his head, capturing a nipple between his lips. He licks, then bites, making me jolt beneath him. My hands thread through his hair, holding him there as he lavishes attention on me, sucking, teasing, making me squirm.

His mouth moves lower, trailing kisses down my stomach, his fingers hooking into the waistband of my trousers, dragging them down slowly. I lift my hips, helping him strip me bare, and the way he looks at me – like he wants to devour me – sends a fresh wave of heat pooling between my thighs.

Vance spreads my legs, settling between them, his breath hot against my inner thigh. He presses a kiss there, then another, working his way closer. My whole body tenses in anticipation.

“You’re so wet for me,” he murmurs, dragging a finger through my lips, spreading me open.

“Because I want you,” I pant, lifting my hips, chasing his touch.

He hums, satisfied, before dipping his head. The first swipe of his tongue has me crying out, my fingers clenching in the sheets. He takes his time, tasting me, teasing me, his tongue flicking over my clit before pressing in deeper. My thighs tremble as he sucks me into his mouth, pleasure winding tight inside me.

“Vance—” His name is a desperate plea, my hips rolling against his mouth.

His grip tightens on my thighs, pinning me down as he fucks me with his tongue, dragging me higher, closer. Then, just as I’m teetering on the edge, he pulls away.

I whimper, my body aching, throbbing. “Sir, please.”

His grin is wicked as he crawls back up my body, his cock hard and heavy against my stomach. “I want you to come with me inside you.”

I reach between us, wrapping my fingers around him, stroking him slowly, teasing the tip with my thumb. He groans, his head dropping forward, his breath stuttering.

“Fuck, Malia.” His hands grip my hips, his restraint fraying.

“Stop teasing,” I whisper, guiding him to my entrance, my body already desperate to take him.

He thrusts in slowly, stretching me open, filling me inch by inch until he’s buried to the hilt. A choked moan leaves my lips as he stills, letting me adjust, his forehead pressing against mine.

“You feel so fucking good, Miss Van Der Zee,” he rasps, his voice strained.

I shift my hips, a silent plea for more. He pulls back and thrusts in again, harder this time, hitting the perfect spot. Pleasure sparks through me, and I cling to him, urging him on.

He sets a punishing pace, his hips snapping against mine, every thrust deep and precise. The sound of skin slapping against skin fills the room, mingling with our ragged breaths, my gasps, his groans. His hand finds my clit, rubbing tight, relentless circles, sending me hurtling toward release.

“Come for me,” he demands, his voice dark, desperate.

I shatter, my orgasm slamming into me, my body clenching tight around him as I cry out. Vance curses, his rhythm faltering as he thrusts deep one last time, spilling inside me with a low, guttural groan.

We collapse together, sweat-slicked and tangled, his weight grounding me as we try to catch our breath. His lips brush against my shoulder, softer now, lingering.

“You’re mine,” he murmurs, voice hoarse but certain.

I press a kiss to his jaw, my pulse still racing. “Always.”

In the quiet aftermath, as the world slowly comes back into focus, all I can do is breathe, my body still trembling from the connection we’ve just shared. As we lay tangled together on the sofa, the fire burning low, I rest my head against Vance’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His arms are wrapped around me, holding me close as though he’s afraid to let go.

“You’re dangerous, you know that?” he says softly, his fingers trailing idly along my spine.

“Dangerous, how?” I tilt my head up to look at him, the flickering firelight casting shadows over his face.

He smirks, the corner of his lips curling up just slightly, but there’s an edge to his voice that I can’t quite ignore. “You make me feel like I’m walking a tightrope every time you’re near. Like I’m one wrong move away from falling, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to pick myself up if I do.”

I lean into him, feeling the warmth of his body against mine, a stark contrast to the cool air in the room. His words send a shiver through me, but it’s not fear – it’s something else, something that coils in my stomach and makes my pulse quicken.

“You think I’m dangerous?” I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper. “Or is it just that you don’t trust yourself around me?”

He doesn’t answer right away. His fingers stop moving along my spine, and I feel the tension in his body rise, a quiet storm brewing beneath the surface. I wait, letting the silence stretch between us, until he finally looks down at me, his eyes darker than before.

“I trust myself just fine,” he says, his voice low, rough. “But you? You’re a whole different story.”

My breath catches in my throat at the intensity of his gaze. It’s as though he’s seeing right through me, like he knows the thoughts I’ve been trying to bury, the ones I’ve only just started to admit to myself.

I tilt my chin up, meeting his eyes with as much defiance as I can muster, though my heart races beneath the weight of his words. “And what story is that, Vance?”

His hand tightens slightly around my waist, pulling me closer until I can feel the heat radiating from his body, the steady thrum of his heartbeat syncing with mine. His lips brush against the top of my head before he speaks again, his voice just above a whisper, a trace of vulnerability lacing his words.

“The kind that makes me want to hold you and push you away all at once. Because I know what happens when you let go.” He pauses, as if searching for the right words. “You make people lose themselves, and that’s not something I’m sure I can survive.”

I swallow hard, the weight of his confession settling heavy in the air between us. I want to say something, something that will ease the tension, but I can’t seem to find the right words. Instead, I lift my hand, pressing it against his chest, feeling the beat of his heart beneath my palm, steady yet unyielding.

“I’m not here to make you lose yourself, Vance,” I say quietly. “I just need you to be...here. With me. Just for tonight.”

For a moment, there’s no response. Then, with a slow exhale, he nods, his grip on me softening just enough to allow me to settle into his arms fully. “You’ve got one hell of a way of making a man second-guess everything he thought he knew,” he murmurs, his voice heavy with something close to regret, but not quite.

I press my lips to the skin of his chest. “Maybe it’s not about second-guessing,” I reply softly, “Maybe it’s just about letting things happen the way they’re meant to.”

His breath hitches slightly at my words, and for the first time in what feels like forever, he doesn’t pull away. Instead, he holds me tighter, as though afraid that letting go would mean losing whatever fragile moment we’ve created between us.

We stay like that, wrapped up in each other’s presence, the fire slowly dying down in the background, but neither of us are willing to let go.