𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐱 | 18 +

𝐓 𝐖 𝐄 𝐍 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐒 𝐄 𝐕 𝐄 𝐍

Carter

The sun was just starting to filter through the blinds, casting a soft golden light over the kitchen as I stood by the counter, pouring us both a cup of coffee. I loved mornings like this quiet, slow, with just the two of us. Juliet had come down a little while ago, looking much more well-rested than she had yesterday, and the first thing she did was smile when she saw the white roses sitting in a vase on the kitchen table.

"You really didn't have to, you know." she said, walking over to the flowers and brushing her fingers over the delicate petals. But there was a warmth in her voice, a softness that told me she loved them.

"I know." I said, handing her a cup of coffee. "But I wanted to. You've been through a lot, and I wanted to do something to make you smile."

Juliet's eyes met mine over the rim of her cup, and for a moment, she just stared at me, her expression unreadable. Then, before I could say anything else, she set her coffee down on the table and closed the distance between us in two quick steps.

Her lips crashed into mine, and I barely had time to process it before her hands were on my face, pulling me closer. The kiss was intense, passionate, like she was pouring every ounce of emotion she had into it. I melted into her touch, my hands sliding up to rest on her waist as I kissed her back, losing myself in the moment.

God, she tasted like coffee and sweetness, and I couldn't get enough. I felt her fingers thread into my hair, tugging gently, and I couldn't help the soft sound that escaped me. Every time Juliet kissed me like this, it felt like the world disappeared, like nothing else mattered but the two of us.

Just as I was about to deepen the kiss, the sound of the penthouse door bursting open startled us both, and we pulled apart quickly. My heart was still racing, and I turned toward the door, blinking in confusion as Serena and Camila strode in like they owned the place.

"Seriously?" Juliet muttered under her breath, her tone sharp as she glared at them.

Serena didn't even seem to notice Juliet's scowl. She waved her off with a grin, completely unbothered. Camila, on the other hand, looked a little more apologetic as she gave Juliet a small, sheepish smile.

"Good morning to you, too." Serena said, walking over to the kitchen and helping herself to a cup of coffee from the pot. "We thought we'd come by and check on you, just in case you were feeling too fragile to call."

Juliet shot her a look that could have cut glass. "I'm fine, Serena. I don't need you babysitting me."

"I'm not babysitting." Serena said with a shrug, leaning against the counter as she took a sip of her coffee. "I'm just being a good best friend and making sure you haven't completely lost your mind cooped up in here."

I chuckled softly, shaking my head as I grabbed a couple of extra mugs and poured coffee for Camila and myself. Camila gave me a grateful smile as she took the cup, quietly stepping aside to give Serena and Juliet room for their usual back-and-forth.

"You're healing okay, though, right?" Serena asked, her tone softening just a little as she glanced at Juliet's side where the stitches were hidden beneath her shirt.

Juliet sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Yeah, I'm healing. Slowly, but I'm getting there. The stitches come out in a few days."

"Good." Serena said, nodding. "I was ready to storm in here with an army if you said otherwise."

"An army?" I raised an eyebrow, handing Juliet her coffee and sliding back beside her, feeling the tension in the room ease slightly. "What kind of army are we talking about here? 'Cause I'm pretty sure Juliet would take them out herself, stitches or not."