ra felt trapped in that dream, lost for what seemed like forever, her body heavy with exhaustion, as if something was pressing down on her and refusing to let her wake.

    She could still recall the surge of emotion washing over her back then-the warmth of a hand reaching out, steady and reassuring, like it was the only thing keeping her afloat. That little crush she''d tried to ignore suddenly felt so real, so solid. Maybe it started right there, in the thick summer heat, surrounded by the mor of birds and animals. For the first time, she finally understood what it meant to want someone so much you''d actually dream about marrying them.

    It was a strange feeling-delicate, impossible to put into words.

    She tried to wake up but couldn''t. The metallic scent of blood clung to him-he must have been hurt badly too, and still, he never said a word.

    Her vision stayed blurry. "How much longer until our teacheres to get us?" she asked, her voice small.

    Through the haze, he finally answered, "Soon."

    She could sense it-they were slowly getting out of that terrifying forest, and the sunlight beyond the trees kept getting brighter.

    She sat in the grass, trying to rest, and listened to his footsteps as they faded away. Maybe he''d gone hunting again-would they end up eating roasted meat like before?

    But after a few steps, he turned back and quietly sat down beside her.

    She looked up, but everything was still fuzzy. Only the sun looked clear-a pale white disc overhead.

    Suddenly, his shadow fell over her. He gently cupped her face, pressed a quick kiss to her cheek, and then took off running.

    ra just sat there, not really sure how to feel, only that her heart was doing something weird.

    Her teacher always said she was too easygoing, a little slow on the uptake when it came to feelings-maybe even a bit gullible. Would she get tricked by someone someday?

    ra woke up with a jolt, the sound of someone typing filling the room.

    She turned to see Dn sitting up in bed,ptop bnced on his knees, typing with one hand while the other was locked with hers-fingers threaded together so tight it was almost embarrassing.

    She quickly let go and rubbed her forehead.

    Her head was pounding, andst night''s dream still felt way too fresh.

    She climbed out of bed. "Are you hungry? I''ll make us some breakfast," she offered.

    She''d bought enough groceriesst night to keep them fed for days.

    He was only wearing a shirt, two buttons missing-ripped off, probably by her, exposing his corbone and just enough of his chest to make her blush.

    There was still a bite mark on his corbone, faded but stubborn, like it had decided to stick around for good.

    Honestly, it wasn''t the right time to be distracted, but the sight was almost too much. Paired with his face, it was no wonder no woman could keep her cool around him.

    ra faked a cough and hurried out of the bedroom.

    But when she got to the living room, she found the table already set-breakfast ready and still warm.

    She turned to go back and ask about it, but as she opened the door, he was just about toe out too.

    Her nose nearly collided with his chest.

    His suit jacket hung open, and the man who was usually all seriousness now looked almost rxed, with a hint of mischief she''d never seen before.

    She took a step back, only now realizing just how reckless she''d been the night before.

    He seemed to notice her awkwardness. "What do you want for breakfast?" he asked, gentle.

    ra made a quick escape to the bathroom to wash up, only to spot an extra toothbrush by the sink. So, he''de preparedst night.

    Dn was a weird one, honestly.

    He always acted cold and distant, but still remembered to bring a toothbrush after getting called over.

    And for someone supposedly so reserved, he was anything but shy in bed.

    Brushing her teeth, ra''s mind drifted. Out of nowhere, she thought of Z.

    He''d been here plenty of times, and what happened between them in this apartment was anything but innocent.