always started the same way.
A quiet hallway.
A quick glance over his shoulder.
A door opening just enough.
And then—
Keifer slipped into Jay's room like he didn't belong anywhere else.
Jay would be standing near the window… or fixing her books… or pretending she wasn't waiting.
The moment she heard the door click—
she turned.
And he was already walking to her.
No teasing.
No words.
Just his hands gently holding her face.
And his lips finding hers.
Soft.
Slow.
Like he had been holding it in all day.
Jay smiled into the kiss.
"You're going to get caught," she whispered against his mouth.
"I know," he murmured.
And kissed her again.
Because he clearly didn't care.
Sometimes it was only seconds.
A quick pull to his chest.
A kiss on her lips.
Another on her forehead.
Another on her cheek.
Sometimes he rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes like the world outside the room didn't exist.
"I can't stop," he admitted once, quietly.
Jay's fingers slid into his hair.
"Then don't."
When everyone was busy—
Serina in the kitchen.
Keizer in the study.
The boys running around the house.
Keifer always found his way to her.
A hand around her waist.
A kiss stolen near the door.
A soft laugh when she pushed his shoulder and whispered,
"Someone will see us."
He only smiled.
That dangerous, quiet smile.
"Let them try."
It became their habit.
Their secret rhythm.
A few hidden minutes.
A few stolen kisses.
A few touches that said I missed you better than any words ever could.
And every time he pulled away—
just a little reluctantly—
Jay knew one simple truth.
For Keifer…
resisting her…
was never an option.