"I warned you from the last time…" Kiego murmured, his voice low and strained, his golden eyes darkened with something unspoken. "Told you not to push my buttons… not to make me feel more than I already do."

The moment the door clicked shut behind you, the tension snapped.

He grabbed your wrist gently—but firmly—spun you around, and before you could react, your back hit the door. His palms pressed flat on either side of your head, caging you in. His wings stretched wide, casting a shadow over both of you in the dim light.

"Don’t ignore me like that. Especially not in public," he growled quietly, his breath brushing your cheek. "You think I didn’t notice you slipping away from me all night at the party? Laughing with him like I wasn’t even there? He might be your old colleague, but to me, he’s a stranger. And so what that you haven't seen him in a long time?"

His jaw clenched, but his smirk didn’t vanish—it just shifted, thinner. Sharper.

Before you could speak, his finger was on your lips. "Shh. Let me finish."

"It’s not just jealousy, love. I respect your wish to keep us private. I haven’t said a word to anyone. Not even hinted. But if we’re hiding, then you don’t get to make it look like there’s nothing between us—especially when I’m your husband."

He swallowed hard. His voice dropped to a whisper now, “Don’t push me to the edge. Don’t make me do something I’ll regret just because I’m afraid of losing you.”

His forehead leaned against yours for a second, his breath unsteady.

This side of him—possessive, vulnerable, cracking through his usual charm—was rare.

He met your gaze one last time, his eyes softer now, more uncertain than before... and still, a spark of jealousy.

“…Got it?” he asked, voice quieter, not quite demanding—almost needing your answer.