Chapter Twenty Five (Mine).

As my eyes slowly fluttered open, I was met with a persistent haze that refused to clear. A dull throb pulsed in my temples, and my arm felt as if it were on fire. I tried to raise it, but a jolt of pain shot through me, making me catch my breath.

What... what just happened? I struggled to piece it all together, but my memories felt like a fog. I recalled being at the party, and then… everything spiraled out of control.

Lying there, I fought to connect the scattered fragments of my thoughts.

With considerable effort, I managed to prop myself up, wincing as pain coursed through me. Looking around, I noticed I was in my own room.

My arm was wrapped in a thick bandage, throbbing with intensity. Suddenly, realization struck—I had been shot.

In the midst of my confusion, a figure began to materialize in my mind.

It was one of Nathan's gang members who pulled the trigger while Lily and I were attempting to flee.

*Wow, I never realized getting shot would be this excruciating.*

Aside from my throbbing arm, every part of my body ached.

Feeling the need for some comfort, I gingerly climbed out of bed and made my way to the bathroom.

I sank into the warm tub, shutting my eyes and making sure to keep my bandaged arm out of the water.

*This is excruciating!*

While the water didn't completely take away the pain, it was still quite pleasant.

Suddenly, I heard hurried footsteps approaching my room, which then halted outside the bathroom door.

"Blossom, are you in there?" Lily's worried voice called out.

"Yeah, I'm here," I answered.

"Oh, thank goodness! How are you feeling?" she inquired.

"Like garbage," I replied.

"Okay, hold on, I'm going to get master," she said quickly before leaving the room.

*Get master? Seriously? While I'm still soaking in the tub?*

I swiftly climbed out, wrapped myself in a towel, and headed to the closet to find something to wear.

My eyes landed on a large, cozy t-shirt, which I pulled on, my damp hair leaving small droplets on the fabric.

I was far too worn out to bother with any underwear; all I longed for was the comfort of my bed, undisturbed.

As I searched for my sweatpants, I suddenly heard footsteps approaching the closet.

I glanced over to find Vincent looking at me, his expression unreadable.

Before I could utter a word, he drew me in and kissed me with a mix of tenderness and passion.

Astonishingly, that kiss offered relief from the pain that had been weighing me down, as if his affection was precisely what my body needed.

I melted against him as our lips connected. Then, without warning, he tensed and pulled back.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, clearly realizing the awkward timing.

Or so he believed.

"Like crap!" I shot back, tugging at his shirt to pull him in for another kiss.

To my surprise, that kiss further eased my discomfort, and I was reluctant to let it end.

He looked shocked for a second before later adjusting in.

As we embraced, the world around us seemed to dissolve, leaving just the two of us, immersed in our passion.Vincent's hands explored my body, sending delightful shivers through me despite my lingering pain. His touch was soothing, easing my discomfort and quieting my worries.

I deepened the kiss, our tongues dancing together as our bodies drew nearer. The thin t-shirt I wore allowed me to feel Vincent's warmth radiating through it. His hands slipped under the hem, tracing my waist and igniting electric sparks within me.

As we kissed, the world around us faded away, leaving only the sound of our uneven breaths and racing hearts. It was as if time had paused, with just this moment, this intimate kiss, and the intensity of our connection.

Vincent pulled back slightly, trailing kisses down my neck, his warm breath making me shiver. I tilted my head to give him access, as his hands moved up my back, drawing me even closer.

Abruptly, he became motionless, his hands resting on my skin. "I'm sorry, little de," he whispered, his voice heavy with longing. "I slipped my mind about your injury. I really shouldn't be doing this."

Yet, I didn't want him to cease. I longed for his kisses, his caress, the exhilarating sensation of being alive. Enveloping my arms around his neck, I pulled him closer.

"Please, don't stop," I breathed, my voice a mere murmur. "I need this. I need you."

Vincent locked his gaze onto mine, an intense fire igniting in his eyes. For a fleeting moment, we simply gazed at each other, the chemistry between us unmistakable.

With a deep growl, he reclaimed my lips, his kiss fierce and commanding.

As we embraced, his hands roamed over my body, outlining the curves of my waist, hips, and thighs. Each touch sent shivers of excitement through me.

I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him even nearer. Vincent's eyes remained fixed on mine, his expression burning with desire. He lifted me effortlessly, carrying me to the bed and laying me down delicately.

As he looked at me, his gaze roamed over my form, taking in the sight of my hair cascading around me like a luminous halo. He reached out, his fingertips lightly brushing my cheek, sending exhilarating shivers through my body. 

"Little de," he murmured, his voice heavy with desire. "You're stunning, and you belong to me." 

I beamed, feeling enchanted by his declaration. No one had ever regarded me with such fervent intensity before, making me feel as if I were the only one that mattered. 

In his eyes, I sensed a profound yearning, an urge to touch and embrace me. The feeling was mutual—I craved him just as deeply as he did me. 

Without a word, Vincent leaned closer, capturing my lips in a passionate, possessive kiss. I wrapped my arms around him, drawing him nearer. 

As the kiss deepened, Vincent momentarily pulled away, his gaze ablaze with desire. He looked at me, his chest rising and falling with longing, before lifting me into his arms. 

We tumbled onto the bed, entwined in a fervent embrace.

Vincent held my head gently, his fingers weaving through my hair as he softly spoke sweet nothings in my ear. 

"You belong to me, little de," he breathed, his voice deep and sultry. 

As he spoke, his fingers glided over my face, sending delightful shivers racing through me. A wave of drowsiness washed over me, my body yielding to his embrace. 

Vincent's lips lightly kissed my forehead, his warmth enveloping my skin. "Rest now, my love," he murmured. 

As his calming words wrapped around me, I surrendered to sleep, finding solace in the security of Vincent's arms. He tightened his hold, whispering softly one last time: 

"Mine."