After eating, Craige scooped Luren up into his arms, carrying him bridal-style toward
the shower room. His hands were gentle but possessive, as if he couldn't bear to let go. Once inside, he slowly peeled off Luren's clothes, taking his time, his fingers brushing against bare skin with deliberate tenderness, almost like worship.
Then, he undressed himself, his gaze never leaving Luren's face.
"We've already finished the neutralization potion," Luren murmured as warm water
cascaded over them. Craige had lathered his hands with soap and was massaging slow circles over Luren's back, his touch both cleansing and loving. "But I also created a more potent version, one that'll protect you even if someone tries to drug you. You won't feel anything from it at all."
Craige paused, his fingers stilled on Luren's waist. "Are you turning me into your
personal test subject now?" he teased, his voice low and playful, lips brushing Luren's ear.
Luren laughed softly, leaning back against Craige's chest, enjoying the warmth of his
lover wrapped around him. "No need to worry," he said, smiling up at him.
"Velzra volunteered first—it worked perfectly. I've taken it too. So now, you'll be safe... and I'll be right beside you."
Craige turned him around slowly, their wet skin sliding together. His eyes searched
Luren's face, filled with quiet intensity. "Wait… you drank it first? Why would
you take that risk before me?" His hands cradled Luren's face, thumbs brushing
his cheeks. "What if something had gone wrong? You should've let me take it first. I can't stand the thought of something happening to you."
Luren's smile softened. He reached up, placing a hand over Craige's chest, feeling the strong, fast beat of his heart. "I had to make sure it was safe… because the
person I love most deserves nothing less."
Craige pulled him into a deep, slow kiss under the falling water.
"I don't want anyone else controlling you," Luren's said with a sly pout, his fingers
trailing possessively over Craiges body.
Craige's voice soft and warm, his arms wrapping protectively around Luren.
"Yes, baby, I've taken it a million times," he said firmly, pulling Luren closer. Then his
tone softened, his fingers brushing through Luren's damp hair. "But… I have something to say," he added, hesitation creeping into his voice, something rare, almost unsettling.
Luren's brows knotted at Craige's sudden nervousness. He looked up at him, heart
tightening. "What is it?" he asked softly, sensing that whatever Craige was about to say… it mattered deeply.
"Well, the night watcher is on the way here to report… and to get some rest," Luren nodded, waiting for Craige to continue. "…and Fiona—"
They had just finished showering. Luren had thought they might go for another round, but
the moment he heard a woman's name escape Craige's lips, something shifted
inside him. His body tensed. He quickly reached for the robe, wrapping it around himself with urgency, the warmth between them vanishing in an instant.
Without another word, he turned and walked out of the bathroom.
"Let's talk outside," Luren said, his voice low and firm, laced with seriousness and
something deeper—hurt? Jealousy?
Craige, startled by the sudden change, grabbed his own robe and silently followed, his heart beating a little faster as he tried to read the storm brewing in Luren's eyes.
Craige wrapped his arms tightly around Luren's waist, holding him close.
"It's not.what you think, baby," he whispered softly. Gently, he pulled Luren toward the
bed, and they sat down together, Craige still clinging to him from behind, as if afraid to let go.
"Then tell me already," Luren said coldly, his voice firm, his expression unreadable.
Craige took a deep breath, resting his forehead on Luren's shoulder. "Keith said… that when my rut comes, I end up sleeping with Fiona. But I don't remember any of it,
Luren. And you know I always remember what happens during my rut. That's why
the story doesn't make sense to me."
He placed a soft, apologetic kiss on the back of Luren's neck, his voice trembling. "I swear to you, I didn't know."
Luren's eyes narrowed slightly, the tension still heavy in the room. "Then how did she
end up in your bed?" he asked, trying to keep his voice even.
"I don't know… they said in the morning that Fiona came out of my bedroom," Craige
continued, his brows furrowed. "I'll have them investigate Fiona."
Luren let out a deep sigh, then turned to face him. He cupped Craige's face gently in his
hands, his touch both tender and frustrated.
"You attract a lot of flies," he muttered with a pout, his eyes narrowing. "It's your fault for being so damn handsome… rich, hot, and sexy. Of course they all want to crawl into your bedroom." His voice dripped with irritation and jealousy.
Craige couldn't help but chuckle, then burst into laughter, amused and a little flattered by Luren's jealousy.
"I'm so sorry for being born this perfect, baby," Craige said with a teasing smirk, pride dancing in his eyes. "But no matter what they say or do, you own me. So go ahead..do whatever you want with me, my Duchess." His voice dropped seductively, his gaze locked on Luren's lips.
Luren turned to face him, the heat between them rising. He slid his knee between
Craige's thighs and settled on his lap, straddling him. His eyes glinted with fierce possession.
"You're mine," he growled softly before kissing Craige's forehead, his cheeks, the
tip of his nose and finally, his lips. He lingered there, sucking gently on Craige's lower lip, then biting it with playful hunger.
Craige let out a breathy moan, his hands gripping Luren's hips. "Yes... I'm yours,
Luren. And you're mine—completely," he murmured before leaning in to return the gesture. He kissed Luren's forehead, down to his cheeks, and paused at his lips. Their breaths mingled before Craige captured his mouth again, deeper this time.
Luren giggled softly, flushed and breathless, before wrapping his arms tightly around
Craige's neck.
"I love you, baby," Craige whispered hotly against his ear, his voice trembling with emotion.
"I love you too," Luren whispered back, his tone just as needy, just as full.
Their lips met again, desperate and hungry now, hands roaming, hearts pounding, as the
heat between them turned into a slow-burning fire. After baring their hearts, they let their bodies speak next
Craige's hands moved to Luren's robe, fingers skillfully untying the ribbon as he kissed and sucked on his soft neck, leaving behind faint, possessive marks.
Luren let out a soft moan, helping Craige slide the robe off his shoulders, their bodies
brushing as heat crackled between them,
when suddenly—
Knock knock knock
"Luren, time to wake up! It's already afternoon," Clara called from outside the door. "You need to check something!"
"Your Grace, you must return to your duties," Keith added more formally.
Craige groaned in frustration, burying a kiss into Luren's lips, slow, lingering, and full of the desire he clearly wasn't ready to end.
"We'll be out in a minute," Craige called back, voice thick with restrained need.
Luren chuckled softly, amused at the annoyed flicker in Craige's eyes. With one last glance and a tempting brush of their fingers, they both moved to get dressed,
preparing to face their responsibilities… though the fire between them still burned hot beneath the surface.
As Luren reached for his shirt, Craige grabbed his wrist, pulling him back with a smirk.
"We still have one minute," he whispered huskily, pinning Luren gently against the edge of the bed.
"Craige—" Luren barely spoke his name before his lips were claimed in another heated kiss, deeper, needier, laced with frustration and craving.
Craige's hands slid under Luren's robe, still barely hanging off his shoulders. "You tempt me too much," he murmured, pressing kisses down his collarbone. "They can wait."
Luren arched into him, his breath catching as Craige's hand trailed lower, teasing just enough to make his knees weaken. "You're the one who started it," he whispered, voice trembling with want.
Craige's eyes darkened. "And I'll be the one to finish it—later."
With one last deep kiss, Craige pulled back, both of them breathless, cheeks flushed and
eyes locked in silent promise.
"Now," he said with a sigh, adjusting Luren's clothes with teasing fingers
"Let's go out"
Luren smirked, brushing a kiss on Craige's jaw. "alright"