MISS YOU

Sophia sprawled across her bed, exhausted but with a smile on her face. She couldn't believe how much had changed in such a short time. Just a few days ago, she had wanted to escape this castle, and now… now her heart raced every time she thought of him.

"Oh my God…" she whispered to herself, covering her face with her hands.

How had she managed to fall for him?

She got up from the bed and headed toward the bathroom, slipping her dress off her shoulders. The warm water was already running, steam filling the room as she stepped into the tub. She let the heat wash over her skin, hoping it would calm the chaos in her mind.

But barely twenty minutes had passed since she left his chambers, and already, he was looking for her.

Darian stood outside her door, staring at the wood in front of him, deep in thought. He debated whether to knock or just leave. But then he shook his head. Who was he kidding? He wanted to see her.

He knocked a few times.

Silence.

He leaned in closer. "Sophia?"

Still nothing.

He tried again.

No response.

With a sigh, he decided to enter. The door was unlocked, so he quietly pushed it open and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from flickering candle flames. The scent of lavender filled the air, and he instantly knew she was in the bathroom.

He sat on the couch beside her bed, crossed his arms, and leaned his head back.

He had no idea what kind of shock was about to come.

The bathroom door suddenly swung open, and Sophia stepped out, wrapped in nothing but a soft towel. Her long, wet hair clung to her skin, droplets trailing down her neck, shoulders, and collarbones… and then she saw him.

Her eyes widened in horror.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" she shrieked, immediately retreating back toward the bathroom door.

Darian shot up instantly, moving toward her in a swift motion, pressing a hand over her mouth.

"Shhh… calm down," he whispered, worried someone might hear.

She mumbled furiously beneath his palm, enraged that he had silenced her so easily. When he realized she wouldn't stop yelling, he pulled her a little closer and whispered in her ear:

"I missed you."

She froze.

Stared at him in disbelief.

"It's been less than twenty minutes since I left!"

Darian merely gave her a small, knowing smile. "Too long."

Sophia rolled her eyes dramatically. "You're impossible."

But before she could say another word, he pulled her in and captured her lips with his.

It was a kiss that completely took her by surprise. She stiffened at first, but then her fingers curled around his shoulders, pulling him closer. His arms tightened around her waist, and the kiss deepened.

And then…

The towel slipped.

She didn't care.

His lips trailed down her neck, her fingers moved across his shoulders, sliding down to the buttons of his shirt. She unfastened them impatiently, her fingertips grazing his skin—warm and firm beneath her touch.

Darian let out a low, husky breath.

"Sophia…"

A mischievous smile played on her lips as she pulled him down with her, both of them tumbling onto the bed. His arms wrapped around her, their lips meeting again in a kiss filled with hunger.

That night, nothing else existed but the two of them.