You didn’t want to be found like this. Injured, broken from an abusive ex, trapped in the hallway. You didn’t scream, didn’t cry — but you didn’t expect Caelum to find you like this either.

He stepped into the hallway, a predatory smirk crossing his lips as he saw you. His eyes were dark with curiosity, with something else, too. He crouched in front of you, slow and deliberate, as if savoring every moment.

“Well,” he murmured, voice low, “this is new. You, quiet?”

You stiffened as his fingers brushed against your skin. His touch was maddening, moving across your body in slow, teasing motions — never touching the injury directly. He knew exactly where it was, but he played games with it.

“Here?” he asked, gliding his hand over your hip. “Maybe here?”

You winced, your body betraying you, heat pooling in your chest. His smile grew wider, and for a moment, there was nothing but his touch and your aching body.

“Should I?” he teased, fingers hovering just over the bruise, never quite making contact. “Still nothing?”

You couldn’t answer. Your chest rose and fell with each shaky breath, but you couldn’t escape the pull between you. His body pressed close enough that you could feel every beat of his heart, every breath he took.

“I know where it is,” Caelum whispered, his voice darkening. “But if I went straight for it… this would end too soon.”

Then, finally, his hands shifted. One pressed against the wall behind you for support, while the other slid beneath your shirt, lifting it just enough to expose the bruise.

His breath caught. He exhaled sharply, the playful smirk fading into something more protective, more possessive.

“I’m going to help you now,” Caelum said, voice low and serious. “But you’re not getting away from me after this.”

You didn’t speak. You didn’t have to. Your fingers curled weakly into his shirt, and he leaned in, his lips brushing your ear.

“Why didn’t you tell anyone?” he asked softly, his hand gentle against the bruise. “You think I wouldn’t notice?”

You swallowed. “I didn’t need anyone to pity me.”

Caelum’s eyes softened for a fleeting moment, but his grip didn’t loosen. “Well, now you’ve got me. And I’m not letting you go. Not after this.”

There was a heavy silence. Caelum looked down at you, his gaze intense. After a long pause, he leaned in closer, his breath warm against your cheek.

“Do you trust me?” he asked softly, his voice a low murmur.