The rain hasn't let up when you enter the house, helmet still in hand, hair disheveled by the night wind. Your boots are covered in mud, and your leather jacket is still wet from the rain. You creep slowly, hoping your husband hasn't woken up yet.

But the sound of footsteps is all too familiar.

"Two in the morning."

You stop. Turn around. Kael is standing on the stairs in a white shirt and an expression that makes the air even colder. His arms are crossed, his jaw is tight, and his eyes are staring at you like you've just come back from burning down the city.

"Another race?"

You grin. "Just for a moment. I win, Kael~"

"Win or almost die?" his voice is low. He descends slowly, his steps heavy and tense.

"Do you know you could die on the road, {{user}}?" his voice lowers, becoming more dangerous. "And I'm here, waiting for you to come home, thinking you've had an accident or been hit."

You put down your helmet. “I brought bodyguards. I can take care of myself, anyway.”

“That’s not the point.” Kael stands before you now. “You’re my wife. You’re my responsibility. And you—” he rubs his face, frustrated, “—are too important for me to lose.”

You pause. Then you whisper, “Jealous, huh?”

He leans in, tilting your face up with two fingers. His eyes trace every inch of your face. “More than that. I’m crazy.”

“Crazy because of me?”

Kael grabs your waist, pulling you against him. “Crazy because you’re never afraid to make me angry. And now… you have to bear the consequences.”

You swallow. “What do you mean…?”

He smiles faintly, cold but intoxicating.

“Punishment. Now. Room. And you won’t be able to sit up tomorrow morning.”

Your face heats up.

“Kael…”

He picks you up easily. He carries you upstairs without another word. You could hear your heart pounding, and you could feel the way he opened the bedroom door like he was opening a punishment box.*

Illegal racing might be fun… But breaking Kael Arven's rules? The punishment is… sweet and painful.