Eloise**
The first thing I felt was warmth.
It wrapped around me, familiar and safe, as if someone had been keeping watch over me the entire time I slept. My body was heavy, my mind clouded, but as I slowly blinked my eyes open, I realized I wasn't alone.
Caius was beside me.
He was asleep, his arms folded against the bed, his head resting near my arm. His silver hair fell messily across his forehead, his face softened in sleep, far from the hardened warrior he usually was. His brows were no longer furrowed in concern, and for once, he looked peaceful.
My chest tightened.
Had he been here the whole time?
I shifted slightly, my fingers twitching against the sheets. My body ached from exhaustion, but the moment I moved, I felt something—*his hand,* still holding mine, even in sleep.
Warm. Steady. Unwavering.
A small, fond smile tugged at my lips as I watched him.
Caius...
Without thinking, I reached out. My fingertips brushed against his cheek, tracing the faint scar along his jawline. He didn't stir, his breathing deep and even, and I allowed myself this one selfish moment.
He had done so much for me. Protected me. Stayed by my side. Worried over me.
And for what?
Because I was his creator? Or... was it something more?
My heart pounded at the thought, heat rushing to my cheeks.
My thumb gently brushed over his cheekbone, feeling the roughness of his skin, the warmth beneath it. He always carried himself with strength, but now, here, like this—he was just *Caius.*
A man who had endured too much.
A man I wanted to know beyond the story I had written for him.
A man I—
Before I could pull away, his eyes fluttered open.
I froze.
But instead of pulling back in surprise, Caius moved so fast I barely had time to react.
His hand caught mine, trapping it against his cheek.
And then, in one fluid motion, he pulled me closer and *kissed me.*
A shocked gasp escaped me, but he didn't hesitate. His lips were warm, firm, and for a moment, my entire world *stopped.*
I melted into him.
His fingers curled around my wrist, anchoring me as he deepened the kiss—gentle yet desperate, as if he had been waiting for this moment longer than I realized.
I didn't push him away.
I *couldn't.*
Instead, I leaned into him, letting the warmth of his touch, the steady beat of his heart, consume me whole.
When he finally pulled away, his forehead rested against mine, his breath slightly unsteady. His eyes, dark and intense, searched mine.
"Eloise..." he murmured, his voice rough, uncertain.
I swallowed, my pulse racing. "You— You were awake?"
A ghost of a smirk touched his lips. "For a while."
My face burned. "You were *pretending* to sleep?"
He hummed in amusement. "I wanted to see what you'd do."
My heart felt like it would burst out of my chest. "*Caius!*"
But he only tightened his hold on me, his expression turning serious. "I thought I lost you," he whispered. "I've never been more afraid in my life."
I hesitated, my fingers still against his cheek. His vulnerability, the raw emotion in his voice, sent a shiver down my spine.
"I'm here," I whispered back. "I'm not going anywhere."
His thumb brushed over my knuckles.
Something had changed between us.
And for the first time, I didn't fear it.
I welcomed it.
Because I knew, without a doubt—
I was falling for Caius Drayke.