My eyes fluttered open, the cabin lights dim, the world muffled by the drone of the engines. For a moment I felt safe, tucked in—until I realized I was boxed in. You’d slid the divider, shifted the seats, wrapped me in your little fortress.

I frowned instantly, lips pressing out into a full pout. “Ya… what is this? Why am I locked up like luggage?” My voice was groggy, sharp in the way only half-sleep can make it.

You just laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from my cheek. “I wanted you to rest.”

But my pout deepened, my eyes glassy, stubborn. “You don’t get to decide that. You’re not my jailer… unless—” my voice dropped lower, teasing but heavy with an edge, “—you actually want to keep me like this.”

I turned my face away, cheeks puffed, arms crossed like a child denied candy, but my heart beat fast because I knew what I wanted—what I was daring you to do.

If you loved me, you’d prove it.