Kingsley Academy

Chapter 44

A few days pass, and though there haven't been any more texts or creepy incidents, the tension hasn't completely gone away. I've been staying at Kade's dad's house longer than I expected, and I can feel the weight of it pressing down on me. I'm grateful, but at the same time... I don't want to overstay my welcome.

Sitting in the living room, I glance over at Kade, who's on his phone, probably checking security updates or something equally intense. My stomach twists a little as I take a deep breath, deciding to speak up.

"Kade," I start, my voice tentative, "I think I'm overstaying my welcome here."

His head snaps up, eyes narrowing as if the idea is completely ridiculous. "You're not going back to that dorm," he says flatly, like it's not even up for debate.

I sit up straighter, crossing my arms. "I'm not saying I want to go back, I just... I can't stay here forever. This isn't my home."

He stands up, pacing the room like he's already gearing up for a fight. "You're safer here. End of story."

I sigh, feeling the frustration building. "I can't live in your dad's house indefinitely, Kade. I need to get back to my life."

His jaw tightens, and I can see the storm brewing in his eyes. "You're not going back to that dorm," he repeats, his voice harder now. "Not after what happened."

I stand, matching his intensity. "Then what's your solution? I can't just hide out here forever!"

Kade stops pacing, turning to face me, his eyes serious. "Move in with me."

I blink, stunned by his words. "What?"

"We'll get a place, just the two of us," he continues, his voice steady, determined. "Close to school, with security so tight no one can even breathe near you without my permission. Somewhere safe."

I stare at him, my mind spinning. "You... you want us to live together?"

He takes a step closer, his expression softening just a bit. "Yes, I love you and I want you to be safe. And I don't trust anyone else to make sure of that. Not the police, not security—just me. I can't stand the thought of you being somewhere I can't protect you. You mean everything to me, and this—us—it feels right. Let me take care of you."

My heart races, and for a moment, I'm speechless. The thought of moving in with Kade—of us getting a place together—feels like a huge step. But at the same time, there's something comforting about the idea. Something that feels... right.

I can't stop the laugh that escapes me, half disbelieving. "You're serious."

"Dead serious." He steps closer, his hand brushing against my cheek. "You don't get it, do you? I want you safe, and not just for now—for good. I want to wake up with you every morning, argue about who makes coffee, fight over what to watch on TV. Spend entire Sundays in bed just because we can. I want to kiss you whenever I feel like it, hold you whenever you need me, and... as an added bonus..." His lips curl into a wicked grin. "You can scream my name as loud as you want, and no one will tell us to keep it down."

My cheeks burn, and I slap his arm. "Kade!" I hiss, mortified.

He laughs, the sound low and rich, but then his face softens again, his eyes turning serious. "I'm serious, Al. I love you. I want you to feel safe, but more than that—I want us to have something that's ours. No one else. Just you and me."

The sincerity in his voice hits me square in the chest. He isn't just trying to protect me. He's offering me a life with him, a partnership, a future. My heart feels like it's going to burst.

I bite my lip, trying to process it all. "Kade, this is... it's a big decision."

"I know," he says, his voice softer now. "But I don't want you in that dorm, constantly looking over your shoulder. We'll get a place, make sure it's safe. You'll never have to worry again."