"I don't want to hurt my kitten," he repeats, brushing his thumb over my cheek with a tenderness that makes my chest ache.
For a moment, our eyes lock—quiet, breathless, suspended. His hands are still cupping my face, his palms cool against my burning cheeks. I can't hold his gaze; the heat crawling up my neck is too much. I break free, stand quickly, and walk away.
"After breakfast… you need to go to the hospital," I say, my voice low, trying to gather myself.
He stands too, his footsteps soft behind me. As my fingers touch the door handle, ready to unlock it, Rion's arms slip around my waist from behind. I freeze. My heart stumbles, then starts racing hard enough I feel it in my throat.
"Kitten…" he whispers.
I don't dare turn around. Warmth spreads across my spine where his chest presses into me—too close, too much, too overwhelming.
"What happened?" I ask, my voice steadier than I expect.
"I'm still sleepy… want to sleep more."
