Kiefer (POV)
I woke up with a sharp ache splitting through my head.
For a moment, everything was blank.
Then it hit me.
Jay.
The way she pulled away… the way she wouldn't even let me touch her.
It wasn't just distance. It was something worse.
It was either a misunderstanding or a belief that someone wanted her to accept.
I ran a hand over my face, exhaling slowly. I had to fix this. I needed to fix this.
Throwing the bedsheet aside, I got up and walked toward the door.
Voices drifted up from downstairs—light, carefree… laughter.
It didn't fit. Not with the storm sitting in my chest.
I stepped down the stairs and froze for a second.
Jay was at the table.
Laughing.
Like nothing had happened.
Jare and Percy were with her, completely at ease, like the world hadn't just shifted under my feet.
"Jay," I called.
No response.
Maybe she didn't hear me.
I walked closer, each step heavier than the last, until I was right beside her.
"Jay…" I said again, quieter this time.
"Jay."
She looked at me.
And then—just as easily—looked away.
Like I wasn't even there.
"Jay, please… don't ignore me," I said, moving closer and sitting beside her and touching her hand.
Her voice came cold.
"Did I give you permission to touch me?"
I froze.
Just for a second.
Then slowly stood up, my eyes fixed on her.
"Since when do I need permission to touch my wife?" I asked, my voice low—but not soft.
Wrong move.
Her expression hardened instantly.
She pointed a finger straight at me.
"Touch me," she said, her voice steady—deadly calm, "and I will stab you."
No hesitation.
No bluff.
Just truth.
That—
That made me stop.
Do not step back.
But stop.
Really look at her.
The anger was still there.
But underneath it?
Hurt.
Deep.
Sharp.
And I was the reason.
"Jay, listen to me—" I started, quieter now.
"No," she cut in immediately. "You don't get to 'Jay' me as if nothing happened."
Her breathing was uneven, but her stance didn't break.
"Stay right there," she added.
Not loud.
But absolute.
And for the first time—
I didn't move.
Not because I couldn't.
Because I knew if I did…
I'd lose whatever little control I still had over this situation.
"I'm not here to fight you," I said, my voice steadier now, but lower. "I'm trying to explain—"
"Then explain from there," she shot back, not letting me take even a step closer.
Silence fell between us.
She didn't even turn. Not a glance. Not a reaction.
It was like talking to a wall.
Frustration and panic twisted inside me. I reached for her chair and pulled it slightly toward me.
"Just look at me for a second—"
I tried to take her hand—
But before I could even touch her, she jerked away as my presence burned.
"Don't touch me."
Her voice wasn't loud.
It was worse.
It was final.
She stood up and started walking away.
Something in me snapped.
I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her from behind.
"Jay, at least give me a chance to explain," I said, my voice breaking despite myself.
She didn't hesitate.
Her foot slammed hard into my leg, forcing me to loosen my grip.
"Don't fucking touch me, asshole."
Every word cut clean.
She didn't even look back as she walked toward the room.
I stood there for a second, the sting in my leg nothing compared to the one in my chest.
Then I turned sharply toward the others.
"Didn't you explain to her?" I snapped.
But I didn't wait for an answer.
None of that mattered right now.
She did.
I ran after her.
"Jay…"
My voice felt smaller than it should have.
"Jay… please… just hear me once."
The door slammed shut in my face—
and locked.
I stood there for a second, staring at it.
This wasn't anger.
If it were, I could take it. I'd deserve it.
But this—
This was hurt.
And that made it worse.
I hit the door with my fist.
"Jay, please—open it… let me see you," I said, knocking harder now.
Silence.
"Jay…" my voice dropped, rougher, more desperate. "If you don't open this door… You know I won't just walk away."
Still nothing.
That was it.
I stepped back and kicked the door hard. Once. Twice—
The lock gave way with a sharp crack.
I pushed the door open and stepped inside, breathing unevenly.
"Jay, please don't run from me… Don't shut me out like I don't matter," I said, my voice strained.
"Just…" I swallowed, softer now.
"Just look at me."
Nothing.
She didn't even turn.
She sat on the edge of the bed, still, distant… like I wasn't even in the room.
That silence was unbearable.
I walked closer, slower this time, like any sudden move would break whatever little thread was still holding us together.
Then I lowered myself to the floor in front of her.
Not pride. Not ego.
None of that mattered right now.
I gently took her hand.
"Jay… please don't do this to me," I said quietly. "It's… It's hurting me."
For a second, she didn't react.
Then—
Her fingers tensed in mine.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
Like she was deciding whether to pull away… or break something.
"You have the nerve to say that to me, Kiefer?" she asked.
Her voice didn't rise.
It cracked.
And somehow—
That was worse.
"Then what about me?"
She looked at me.
And it hit harder than anything else.
Because her eyes—
They weren't just angry.
They were wrecked.
"I'm hurting too," she said, her voice trembling despite how hard she tried to hold it together. "Do you have any idea what that felt like?"
My grip on her hand tightened without thinking.
Like if I let go, she'd disappear.
"Seeing you with another woman…" she continued, her words breaking apart now, "so close… like that…"
She pulled her hand out of mine.
This time—
I let her.
"Every time I close my eyes, I can still see it," she whispered. "It's like it's stuck in my head… on repeat."
Her breath hitched.
"And I hate it," she added, quieter. "I hate that I can still smell her on you."
That—
That didn't just hurt.
It tore through me.
"Jay, no—"
"Don't," she cut in immediately, shaking her head. "Don't stand there and tell me it didn't happen. I was there. I saw you."
"I'm not denying that," I said quickly, my voice steady but urgent. "It happened—yeah. But not the way you think."
She let out a hollow laugh.
No humor.
No belief.
"Then say it," she said, her eyes locking onto mine again—this time sharper, demanding. "Say something that actually makes sense of what I saw."
I didn't look away.
"I didn't choose her," I said.
Her jaw tightened.
"That doesn't answer anything."
"I didn't touch her the way you think I did," I continued, firmer now. "And I would never—never—betray you like that."
Her expression didn't soften.
Not yet.
"Then why were you there?" she shot back. "Why did you walk into that room with her? And why the hell does it feel like you're hiding something from me again?"
That last part landed.
Hard.
"You keep doing this," she said, her voice rising now—not loud, but breaking through control. "You keep pushing me out and then acting like I'm the one hurting you."
Her breath was uneven now.
"Tell me, Kiefer," she added, her voice dropping again, sharper now—cutting straight through me. "Should I be mad at you? Or should I just get used to this?"
I didn't hesitate.
Not even for a second.
"It was the drugs," I said.
"Don't."
Her voice snapped—not loud, but immediate.
Firm.
I stilled.
"Don't, Kiefer…" she said again, shaking her head slowly. "Don't hide behind that."
Her eyes locked onto mine—steady, unblinking.
"I know you were drugged," she continued, her voice trembling despite how tightly she held it together. "I knew it the moment I saw you."
That hit.
Harder than anything else.
"So don't stand there and use that like an excuse," she added, her eyes locking onto mine—unforgiving, searching.
"Don't tell me you didn't realize something was wrong with your drink."
A beat.
Her voice dropped.
Softer now.
Shaking.
"Don't lie to me, Kiefer…" she whispered. "Please."
A step closer.
"You walked into that room knowing something was wrong," she continued, quieter now—but cutting deeper, "and you still didn't stop."
Her voice cracked slightly.
"That's what I'm asking you about, Kiefer."
There was no anger in that line.
Just… disappointment.
"And don't twist this into something it's not," she went on, her voice breaking slightly now. "This isn't about trust."
My breath caught.
Because that—
That wasn't what I expected.
"I trust you, Kiefer," she said.
Clear.
Certain.
No hesitation.
"Do you understand that?" she asked, her eyes searching mine. "Even after seeing everything… I still chose to believe you."
Something in my chest cracked open.
"I'm still here," she whispered. "I didn't walk away. I didn't shut you out."
Her voice dropped further.
Softer.
But it cut deeper than before.
"I stayed."
Silence pressed in around us.
Heavy.
Unforgiving.
"So don't stand there and tell me it was the drugs," she said, her gaze hardening again—not angry, but demanding truth. "Because that's not what I'm asking you."
I didn't move.
Didn't speak.
Because I finally understood.
"This is what I'm asking," she said, stepping closer now, her voice unsteady but relentless.
"Why were you there?"
A beat.
"Why did you walk into that room with her? Even you knew what was going to happen??"
Another step.
"Why were your buttons open?"
Her voice cracked on the last one.
"And why does it feel like…" she swallowed hard, forcing the words out, "…like there's something you're still not telling me?"
That—
That was it.
No doubt.
Not jealousy.
Not anger.
Truth.
She wasn't questioning my loyalty.
She was questioning my honesty.
And somehow…
That was worse.
A tear slipped from the corner of her eye.
That broke me more than anything else.
"Jay… don't cry," I whispered, moving closer. "I hate seeing you cry… it hurts more when I'm the reason."
Carefully—slow enough for her to pull away if she wanted—I drew her closer, letting her rest against my chest.
"I've never loved anyone but you," I murmured. "You know that… don't you?"
She stiffened.
Like the words hit somewhere she didn't want them to.
"I hate you, Kiefer."
It wasn't loud.
It wasn't even fully angry.
And that made it worse.
She shoved me—hard enough to put space between us—and turned, heading straight for the door.
Like she needed to get out before something inside her gave in.
"Jay—"
I moved instinctively.
My hand caught the back of her shirt as she walked past me.
The fabric tightened in my grip—
In the movement, her shirt shifted—buttons loosening, fabric slipping—
And I saw them.
Marks.
Faint. Fresh.
My breath caught.
She froze for half a second—then immediately pulled the fabric together, turning away.
Too late.
I had already seen everything I wasn't supposed to.
Something sharp twisted in my chest.
Not anger.
Something darker.
Possessive.
My jaw tightened slightly.
I stepped closer again—slower this time.
"Jay…"
My voice dropped.
Not soft.
Not angry.
Something in between.
She didn't turn back.
Which only made it worse.
I let out a quiet breath… then tilted my head slightly, watching her.
"Those marks…" I murmured, almost casually. "Should I be jealous?"
Her shoulders stiffened instantly.
"Shut up."
A small smirk tugged at my lips.
There it is.
I took another step closer, closing the distance she was trying to create.
"You were pretty convincing downstairs," I said, my voice low now, something darker threading through it. "Acting like you didn't care about me …"
I leaned in—just enough for my breath to brush past her ear.
"But this?"
My gaze dropped.
Slow.
Deliberate.
To where the fabric hid her neck.
"This doesn't look like you didn't care."
She turned sharply, eyes flashing.
"You don't get to say anything about that."
"Don't I?" I asked quietly.
My gaze lifted back to hers—steady, unreadable.
"Because from where I'm standing…" I continued, voice tightening just slightly, "It doesn't look like you were trying to stop me."
Her expression snapped.
"Careful, Kiefer."
But I didn't stop.
Not now.
"Drug or not," I said, my tone dropping further, "you knew it was me."
A beat.
"You let me come close."
Another step.
"You let me touch you."
My eyes didn't leave hers.
"So don't stand there acting like I mean nothing to you… and don't lie to me by saying you were forced to take care of me."
Silence.
Sharp.
Dangerous.
Her breathing changed.
Not calm.
Not controlled anymore.
"You think that's what this is?" she asked, her voice low—but shaking underneath. "You think that's what last night meant?"
There it was.
Not anger.
Hurt.
Deep.
"You don't get to twist that into something convenient for you," she added, stepping closer now, her finger pressing against my chest—not pushing me away, just… grounding herself.
"I didn't 'let' you because I was okay with it," she said. "I didn't stop you because I knew you weren't yourself."
Her voice cracked slightly.
"And I stayed because…" she faltered for a second, jaw tightening, "…because I didn't want you to wake up thinking you were alone."
That hit.
Harder than anything she'd said before.
Her eyes locked onto mine again.
"So don't stand there and question me," she finished quietly. "You don't get to do that."
Something in me snapped.
Before I could think it through—
My hand caught her shirt.
I pulled.
The fabric shifted just enough—
And there they were.
Red.
Faint… but unmistakable.
My breath stilled.
My gaze lifted to hers.
Slow.
Dangerous.
My hand came up—fingers brushing her neck, right over the marks.
This time, I didn't stop myself.
I pulled her into me—
And kissed her.
Hard.
Not gentle.
Not careful.
Desperate.
Like I was trying to erase everything that didn't belong between us.
For a second—just one—
She froze.
Then she pushed against me.
"Kei—"
I didn't stop.
Didn't want to.
Didn't think.
Her hand fisted in my shirt—
And then—
Pain.
Sharp.
She bit my lip.
Hard enough to make me pull back.
"Shit—"
Before I could react, she shoved me away.
This time—
I let her.
Actually took a step back.
Breathing uneven.
Watching her.
She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, eyes blazing now—not soft, not shaken—
Clear.
Fierce.
"Don't, Kiefer," she said.
Not loud.
But finally.
"Not like this."
My chest rose and fell, tension still coiled tight under my skin.
"Until you tell me what you did…" she continued, her voice steady despite everything, "and why you walked into that trap—"
A step back.
Putting space between us.
"You don't get to touch me."
Silence dropped.
Heavy.
Her words didn't just stop me—
They pinned me in place.
Because this time…
She wasn't running.
She wasn't breaking.
She was drawing a line.
And daring me to cross it.
And I—
A faint smile slipped through before I could stop it.
She narrowed her eyes immediately."Why are you smiling?"
I exhaled, shaking my head slightly."Because…" I leaned in just a little, voice dropping, "You're jealous."
"What?" She let out a sharp breath, running a hand through her hair in frustration. "What the fuck is wrong with you? Did you lose your senses after getting drugged?"
"Jay…" I said quietly, not backing off. "You're not angry about what you saw."
Her eyes snapped to mine.
"You're angry because someone touched me."
A beat.
"Someone who isn't you."
"Yeah," I murmured, watching her closely now, "and for the record… I kind of like it."
She shoved me."You're unbelievable."
"Only for you," I shot back quietly.
I leaned in, stopping just near her ear.
Close.
But not touching.
"Relax," I whispered, my voice lower now, controlled. "You don't have to worry about me wanting anyone else."
Her breath hitched.
That didn't go unnoticed.
"Remember that," I added quietly. "I'm yours."
A pause.
"Only yours."
That landed.
Hard.
When she looked at me again—
Her expression had changed.
Still angry.
Still hurt.
But something else burned underneath it now.
Heat.
Unsteady.
Uncontrolled.
"You really don't know when to stop, do you?" she said, but her voice had lost some of its sharpness.
I didn't answer.
Just held her gaze.
Because I knew—
She felt it too.
I leaned in slightly, letting my forehead brush her shoulder—close, but not claiming.
Just… there.
Present.
She tried to move away again.
This time—
I didn't stop her.
Didn't grab her.
I just stayed where I was.
Close enough that she couldn't ignore me.
Far enough that she knew it was her choice.
"Relax," I murmured, a faint edge of teasing slipping into my voice, "if I really wanted to make you stay…"
A pause.
My breath brushed lightly against her neck.
"I wouldn't be this nice about it."
Her eyes snapped to mine instantly.
Sharp.
Challenging.
"Try it."
That—
That did something.
A slow smile curved at my lips.
Not amused.
Not playful.
Something darker.
"Dangerous thing to say right now, Jay," I said quietly.
I straightened—
And this time, I closed the distance.
My arm slid around her, pulling her into me—
Not sudden.
Not forced.
Certain.
I kissed her.
And she didn't push me away.
That alone—
That changed everything.
"I'm not going to hurt you," I whispered against her lips.
"I know," she said.
That word settled somewhere deep.
I let out a slow breath, my forehead brushing hers.
"Good…" I murmured. "Because I'm already trying very hard not to do something stupid."
Her brows pulled together slightly.
"What?"
A faint smile tugged at my lips.
"Like kissing you again," I said, completely honest.
I leaned in—
Then stopped.
Just short of her lips.
Close enough to feel her breath.
"Tell me to stop," I murmured.
She didn't.
Her fingers tightened in my shirt instead.
That was answer enough.
A quiet, crooked smile slipped out of me.
"Yeah… that's what I thought."
And then—
She moved first.
Her lips brushed mine—soft, hesitant.
For a second, I stilled.
Then smiled into it.
There she is.
This time, when I kissed her back, it wasn't rushed.
It wasn't desperate.
It was sure.
When we pulled apart, both of us breathless—
I rested my forehead against hers, a quiet laugh escaping me.
"God… you have no idea what you do to me."
Her breath was still uneven against my skin.
"I thought I lost you," I whispered, pulling her closer.
Not tight.
Just enough to feel her there.
Real.
Then, softer—just a hint of teasing slipping through—
"And honestly? I don't think I'd survive you walking away with that attitude."
She huffed lightly against me.
There it was.
That spark.
Her tears mixed with mine.
Neither of us moved.
Neither of us spoke.
For a moment—
Everything felt… still.
Like the world had finally stopped fighting us.
"Someone else missed you, too," she murmured.
My brows pulled together for a second—
Then her hand moved.
Resting gently over her stomach.
I stilled.
Then a quiet laugh slipped out of me—soft, disbelieving, warm.
My hand followed hers, covering it.
"Caretaker, will be fine," I said, my voice softer than it had been all night. "Because he has you."
I leaned in and kissed her again.
Slower.
Lingering.
"I didn't remember anything…" I murmured against her lips.
"What?" she asked, pulling back slightly.
"Kissing you last night," I said.
She hit my chest lightly.
"Idiot," she muttered.
I smiled.
Then kissed her again.
And for a moment—
nothing else mattered.
Then—
A knock.
Jay shifted slightly, trying to pull away.
"Kiefer… someone's at the door," she said, breath uneven.
I didn't stop.
Didn't want to.
"Let them," I murmured against her lips, a faint smirk slipping through. "I need to recharge."
She let out a soft, exasperated breath.
"Kiefer—"
"Kiefer, open the door."
Percy's voice.
Louder this time.
More insistent.
I groaned quietly, dropping my forehead against Jay's shoulder.
"Your brothers are officially ruining my romance with my wife," I muttered.
She smiled despite herself.
That alone was worth it.
I lifted her gently, setting her back on the bed.
Then leaned in—
One last kiss.
Short.
Certain.
Before stepping away.
Another knock.
Sharper.
More urgent.
Then—
A sharp bang against the door.
Loud.
Sudden.
Violent enough to shatter whatever softness was left in the room.
Jay flinched.
And this time—
So did I.
The mood shifted instantly.
Gone.
Replaced with something colder.
I turned toward the door slowly.
My jaw is tightening.
Something wasn't right.
"Kiefer," Percy called again—but this time, his voice wasn't annoyed.
It was tense.
"Open the door. Now."
I opened it.
Leaning casually against the frame, like I wasn't just interrupted.
"What now?" I asked.
Percy didn't answer immediately.
His eyes slid past me—
Straight into the room.
Taking in Jay.
Me.
The space between us.
A slow grin spread across his face.
He stepped closer and nudged my shoulder.
"Yeah…" he muttered under his breath. "Looks like everything's… handled."
I exhaled sharply, unimpressed.
"Say what you came to say."
He smirked.
"Come downstairs," he said. "Everyone's waiting."
A pause.
Then, more casually—
"Thought you'd want to explain what the hell happened in that room last night."
That wiped the smirk off my face.
Just like that.
"Fine," I said.
He nodded once and turned, walking off like he hadn't just dropped that.
I shut the door.
Behind me, Jay was already moving.
Fixing herself.
Adjusting her clothes carefully—making sure nothing showed.
The marks.
I noticed.
"Ready?" I asked quietly.
She nodded.
That was enough.
By the time we walked downstairs—
The room had changed.
Everyone was there.
Jare.
Percy.
Angelo.
Clyden
Aries
Watching.
Waiting.
The second I stepped in—
The conversation died.
All eyes on me.
Angelo leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on his knees.
"Kiefer," he said, calm—but direct.
"Tell us what happened in that room."
Silence followed.
Heavy.
Expecting.
I didn't answer immediately.
Just stood there—
Letting the weight of it settle.
Then I exhaled slowly.
"It wasn't an accident," I said.
My voice is steady.
Controlled.
"I was set up."
That got their attention.
Every single one of them.
And just like that—
Whatever we thought this was?
It got bigger.