The night air was heavy, carrying the scent of rain from earlier in the day. Jay had been pacing her apartment for hours, heart pounding every time her phone lit up, praying it was him. And then… she saw him.
Keifer stepped out of the sleek black car in front of her building, tall, composed, exuding that dangerous calm that made her pulse race. Her chest tightened, and without thinking, she ran toward him, ignoring everything else around her.
"Keifer!" she shouted, voice breaking, tears threatening to spill.
In an instant, he scooped her into his arms effortlessly, holding her tight against his chest. The familiar warmth of him, the steady strength she always relied on—it was overwhelming.
"Jay…" he murmured, his voice low, almost soft, as if relieved she was here.
She buried her face into his chest, inhaling his scent, heart hammering against him. "Where were you? Why didn't you answer? I was so worried!" she whispered, her voice shaking.
Keifer's lips brushed her hairline as he held her. "Sudden business meeting," he said, calm but firm. "Completely unexpected. I didn't even have a moment to check my phone. I'm sorry."
Jay pulled back slightly, searching his eyes. "A whole two days? Not a single message? You scared me!"
He smirked faintly, though his arms never loosened. "I was busy, Jay. That's all. You survived, didn't you?"
"I… I nearly lost my mind!" she admitted, exhaling shakily, her cheeks flushed.
Keifer chuckled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "You're dramatic," he said teasingly, though there was an unmistakable softness in his eyes.
Jay huffed, but the tension melted as he carried her inside the mansion. Every step felt grounding, reassuring—she was finally back in his presence, where she belonged.
When they reached the bedroom, Keifer finally set her down, but kept his arms wrapped around her. "Go sit," he murmured, guiding her to the bed, "or stay here in my arms. I don't care. But you're not leaving tonight."
Jay smiled softly, exhausted and relieved. "I… I just want to be near you," she admitted, voice barely above a whisper.
Keifer leaned down, pulling her close into a hug that felt like it could erase all her fear and frustration. Her head rested on his chest, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt.
"Stay," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. "Sleep. You need it. I'll stay."
Jay let out a soft sigh, finally letting herself relax completely. The tension, the worry, the panic of the last two days—all melted away as she closed her eyes.
Keifer held her through the night, his arm draped protectively around her. Jay could feel the slow, steady rise and fall of his chest, the warmth of him, the safety he always gave her.
For the first time in two days, she slept peacefully, her worries dissolved in the quiet comfort of being in Keifer's arms, knowing he was finally back.
And Keifer? He stayed awake a little longer, watching over her, heart quietly softened, knowing that no matter how busy or cold the world made him, Jay would always be his anchor, his warmth, and the only one who could tame the storm inside him.