The soft rays of morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. Cee stirred slightly, her body snug against Carlos, their legs tangled beneath the sheets. His arm was draped possessively around her waist, holding her close even in sleep.
She turned her head slightly, watching Carlos sleep—his dark lashes resting against his skin, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.
A small smile tugged at her lips. He looked peaceful, completely relaxed. It was rare to see him like this, without the usual edge of dominance and control.
As if sensing her gaze, Carlos stirred, his grip on her tightening before his eyes fluttered open. Sleepy but intense, his gaze met hers, a slow smirk playing on his lips.
"Morning, baby," he murmured, his voice rough from sleep.
Cee bit her lip, feeling shy under his gaze. "Morning."
He reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear before caressing her cheek. "You're blushing," he teased, his fingers trailing down her jaw to her lips, brushing over them lightly.
She swatted his hand away, burying her face into his chest. "Stop looking at me like that."
Carlos chuckled, rolling them over so she was beneath him. "Like what?"
"Like you're about to eat me alive," she muttered, her heart racing as he leaned down, pressing his lips to her neck.
He hummed against her skin. "Maybe I am."
Cee gasped as his lips trailed lower, pressing open-mouthed kisses down her collarbone. She arched into him as his hand slipped beneath the sheets, teasing her bare skin.
But before things could escalate, her stomach let out a loud growl, making Carlos pause.
She froze.
Carlos threw his head back and laughed, the deep sound vibrating through her.
"Looks like someone is hungry for more than just me,"," he teased, planting a kiss on her forehead before pulling away.
Cee groaned, covering her face. "You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"
"Not a chance." He smirked as he got out of bed, completely naked and unashamed. "Stay right here. I'll make us breakfast."
Cee peeked through her fingers, watching him walk toward the closet. "You can cook?"
Carlos shot her a look over his shoulder. "I can do a lot of things, sweetheart."
Her stomach flipped at the suggestive tone in his voice.
They got up, and Carlos still insisted on making breakfast while Cee sat on the kitchen counter, wearing only his shirt. She watched him move around with ease, flipping pancakes and brewing coffee. It was such a domestic scene, something she never imagined having with him, yet it felt so natural.
As they ate, Carlos brought up something serious. "I don't want you working at that café anymore."
Cee blinked in surprise. "Why?"
He sighed, setting his fork down. "You don't need to. I can take care of you."
She frowned. "Carlos, I don't want to be taken care of like some... kept woman. I like working."
He leaned forward, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "I know you do. But I don't like the idea of you being there. It's not safe."
Cee hesitated. She knew he wasn't being controlling—he was protective. The attack that night had shaken her, and truthfully, she hadn't felt completely at ease going back.
"Just think about it," he murmured, taking her hand. After a moment, she sighed and nodded.
"Fine. I'll quit."
Carlos' shoulders relaxed as he brought her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "Good."
The next few weeks fell into an easy routine. They texted throughout the day, met up between classes, and spent nights tangled in each other. It was perfect—until the day Ryan cornered Cee.
She had been heading toward her next class when she heard his voice.
"Cee, wait up."
She groaned inwardly, quickening her steps, but Ryan was persistent. He reached out, grabbing her wrist. "Come on, don't be like that. Just talk to me."
Cee jerked her arm away, glaring at him. "Ryan, I've told you before. I'm not interested."
"But why?" he whined, stepping closer. "Is it because of that guy you're seeing?"
"It's none of your business." She turned to leave, but he grabbed her again—this time, pulling her close.
"Just one kiss," he murmured. "Then tell me you don't feel anything."
She struggled against his hold, panic rising. "Let me go—"
Before she could finish, Ryan was suddenly ripped away from her.
A fist connected with his face so hard that he staggered backward, nearly losing his footing. Cee gasped as she turned to see Carlos, his expression pure rage.
"You don't fucking touch her," Carlos growled, stepping toward Ryan.
Ryan, still holding his jaw, spat blood to the side. "What the hell, man?!"
Carlos didn't answer. He just lunged.
The punch sent Ryan crashing to the ground. Carlos didn't stop—he was on him in an instant, fists raining down with deadly precision. Ryan barely got a hit in. He was gasping, bloodied, his pleas ignored as Carlos pummeled him with unrelenting fury.
"Carlos, stop!" Cee cried, pulling at his arm, but he didn't hear her. His eyes were wild, dark with a rage that scared her.
Ryan coughed, barely able to defend himself.
"Carlos, please!" she tried again, louder this time, tugging at his shirt.
Nothing. He wasn't stopping.
Out of desperation, she called Ryan's name. "Ryan, just leave!"
Carlos froze.
Slowly, he turned his head toward her, his expression unreadable. His jaw clenched, his fists tightening as he stared at her.
Cee's breath caught. Something flickered in his eyes—something cold.
"You want me to let him go?" His voice was low, dangerous.
She swallowed hard. "I just don't want you to—"
"To what?" he cut in, his tone sharp. "Hurt your lover?"
Her eyes widened. "What? No—"
But he wasn't listening. He released Ryan with a shove, standing up and taking a step back. His gaze was on Cee now, dark and unreadable.
Ryan groaned, dragging himself up before stumbling away, clearly not wanting to push his luck.
Cee turned to Carlos, reaching for him. "Carlos, that's not what I meant—"
"Save it," he bit out, brushing past her.
Her heart clenched as she watched him walk away, his body tense with barely restrained fury.
For the first time since they started dating, Cee felt a terrifying sense of distance between them. And she had no idea how to close it.