𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝑅𝑒𝑖𝑔𝑛

47

(Pause the video, I'll tell you babes when it's time to press play)

❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎

Salvatore's hand rested firmly on Kailani's lower back as they walked down the darkened hall toward their bedroom. His touch was possessive, every slight pressure a silent reminder of the control he held over her, but it was also the only thing tethering her to some sense of safety. His fingers lingered on the nape of her neck, sometimes drifting to her waist or brushing lightly over her skin as if he was memorizing every inch of her. It made her heart race, though not with fear-at least, not the kind of fear that would make her want to run. No, this was different. His presence grounded her, made the strange and overwhelming world she was thrust into feel bearable, almost comforting.

But then his hand slipped away.

He moved just a step ahead, his focus shifting momentarily as one of the maids passed by with a tray, and in that fleeting moment of separation, Kailani's world tilted. Her breath caught in her throat, panic swelling within her chest. She hadn't realized how desperately she relied on his touch, his proximity, until it was gone. Instinctively, she moved toward him again, the space between them unbearable. Her fingers brushed against the fabric of his suit jacket, seeking out that familiar connection. She didn't even think about it-her body acted on its own, her need for him overriding everything else.

When his hand found her again, his fingers slipping around her waist and pulling her close, her racing heart began to calm, but the realization lingered. She was completely dependent on him, in a way that felt deeper than logic could explain.

They reached the bedroom, the grand space filled with soft golden light, where maids were already busying themselves with preparations for the night. The moment they entered, the attention of the room shifted to her. The maids fawned over her as they always did, their voices sweet and gentle, but too much, too overwhelming.

"You look so beautiful tonight, Miss Kailani," one maid gushed, her eyes wide with admiration as she fussed over the hem of Kailani's dress. "He's going to love this look on you."

Another maid moved to brush her hair, her fingers careful but lingering a little too long. "Your skin is so soft, Miss. It's no wonder he's so obsessed with you."

Kailani's smile was thin, more out of politeness than genuine pleasure. It was strange, being the center of such attention. She wasn't used to it, and it made her uncomfortable, but she didn't know how to stop it. The maids were always so eager to please, but their adoration felt suffocating, like they were watching her with too much intensity.

As she tried to step away from the attention, one maid leaned in close, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "The way he watches you, the way he needs you. It's... suffocating."

Kailani stiffened, her eyes darting to the woman. The maid's expression was too knowing, too full of warning, and for a brief moment, a sliver of doubt curled around her mind. Could it be true? Was Salvatore's obsession too much? But she dismissed it just as quickly. The maid didn't understand. No one did. Salvatore wasn't suffocating her-he was protecting her. He was everything she needed, the only one she could trust. The maid was wrong. She had to be.

Still, as the maids continued their work, fixing the bed and adjusting the curtains, Kailani's body remained tense. Their hands, their eyes-it all felt wrong. The thought of anyone else touching her, speaking to her in that intimate way, made her stomach twist in discomfort. She didn't want anyone else near her. Only Salvatore.

When he finally returned, stepping back into the room with that silent, commanding presence, Kailani practically melted into his side. She hadn't even realized how much she missed him in the few moments he was gone, but now, with him beside her, the world felt right again. She clung to him without hesitation, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as she pressed herself against his arm. He didn't have to say a word. His touch alone, his arm pulling her closer, was enough.