SHE FELL FIRST, BUT HE FELL HARDER

Sophia woke up wrapped in warmth. It took her a few seconds to realize where she was—Darian's arms were tightly wrapped around her, holding her close against his body. His breath was warm on her neck, and her heart raced as she felt him snuggle even closer.

She tried to move, but his arms tightened around her.

"Mmm… no."

His husky morning voice was the first sound of the day.

"Darian…" she murmured. "Let me go."

"No."

"I can't lie here forever."

"Why not? This is perfect for me."

Sophia frowned and tried again to wriggle free, but he only held her even tighter.

"I'm not going anywhere, Darian."

"I know."

"Then let me go."

"I won't."

With a sigh, she gave up and relaxed.

"You need to stop clinging to me like this," she teased, resting her head on the pillow."What if something happens to me?" she continued, now smiling.

Darian let out a low growl but didn't loosen his grip.

"Don't joke about that."

Sophia immediately knew she had touched a sensitive spot.

She turned to him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"You know I won't leave you, right?"

His gaze was dark, yet softened.

"I still don't fully believe you."

"Oh, please," she rolled her eyes. "I was the one who fell in love first."

Darian raised an eyebrow, leaning in closer.

"But I fell harder."

Her heart skipped a beat.

Yeah, she was in trouble. Big, beautiful trouble.

As they lay there, Sophia absentmindedly twirled a strand of his hair between her fingers.

"You know…" she began mischievously.

Darian immediately knew nothing good was about to come out of her mouth.

"What now?"

"I was just thinking… we're both pretty… experienced, yet we hadn't had… you know… in a long time…"

He choked.

"Sophia!"

"What?" she grinned. "Isn't it interesting? Two adults, who hadn't had sex in forever, and then—boom! Turns out you're my curse, and I'm your salvation."

Darian covered his face with his hands.

"Stop talking."

"I can't! I mean, if we had known earlier… well… you know…"

"Sophia!"

She just laughed as he groaned in frustration.

"I can't believe you're joking about this."

"Why wouldn't I? You're my monster now. You have to endure my… hmm… mischievous side."

"You're impossible."

"But you love me."

"Unfortunately."

Sophia giggled, nudging him with her shoulder.

After the laughter faded, they settled into a comfortable silence.

"We seriously need to figure out how to stop your monster," Sophia said.

Darian knew she was right.

"I know. But I've gone through every book I could find… all except…"

"Except what?"

He hesitated.

"Except my family's archives, where the records of my ancestors are kept."

Sophia frowned.

"So why haven't you searched there?"

"Because it's locked."

"Locked?"

Darian nodded.

"And only a certain bloodline can open it."

Sophia raised an eyebrow.

"And I'm guessing that bloodline is yours?"

"Yes."

She thought for a moment.

"Well then, let's open it."

Darian looked at her, then nodded.

Sophia stretched and sat up, while Darian simply watched her with a soft smile.

"What?"

"Nothing. I just… love looking at you."

She blushed but quickly snuggled against him.

"You know…" she began in an innocent voice.

"What now?"

"If all your monster symptoms disappeared after sex…"

Darian stiffened.

"Sophia…"

"I mean, maybe we should test it again?"

Darian grabbed her by the waist and pulled her onto his lap.

"You really don't know when to stop, do you?"

"Never."

And then, he kissed her again.