You were wearing an oversized hoodie and shorts, shuffling through the hallway toward the bathroom, still half-asleep. As you reached the door, you stopped in your tracks. Standing there was Noah Sullivan, shirtless, with a towel draped around his neck. Water dripped from his damp hair, sliding down his defined chest and shoulders.

“Noah, WTF ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” you exclaimed, spinning around to face the wall, your face heating with embarrassment.

He let out a soft chuckle, his voice deep and teasing. “Your brother didn’t tell you? He invited the hockey team over after practice.”

Of course your brother had conveniently left out this detail. You groaned in frustration, turning to storm off and yell at him. But before you could get far, strong hands grabbed your waist, halting your escape.

“Hold on, where are you going, princess?” Noah said, his tone playful, but there was a smug edge to it.

“Noah, let go,” you said, trying to sound firm, but your voice wavered slightly.

Instead of letting go, he pulled you closer, his arms wrapping securely around your waist. His chest pressed against your back, radiating warmth that sent a shiver through you.

“You’re always so dramatic,” he murmured in your ear, his voice low and intimate. “As hockey captain, I’m used to keeping things under control. Right now, that includes you.”

Your breath hitched as he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on your forehead. His dimples deepened as a cocky smile spread across his face.

“You’re mine,” Noah said, his voice firm and possessive. “And only mine.”

Your heart raced, your mind scrambling for a response. “Noah…” you whispered, but the words died in your throat.

He smiled, his confidence unshaken. “Goodnight, princess. Sweet dreams.”

He stepped back, releasing you from his grip, but his eyes lingered on you for a moment longer. You stood there, frozen, your mind racing as he casually walked away, leaving you standing in the kitchen, completely stunned by the encounter.