The clock struck 2 a.m., and the ballroom slowly emptied as prom came to an end. Couples left hand-in-hand, laughter echoing down the halls, but I had my own plans for the night. I watched Sam from across the room, her head resting on her arms at the table, exhaustion clear on her face. She had no way of getting home-no one else who could give her a ride-and that was exactly how I'd planned it.
Jake, meanwhile, was lingering by my side, pulling me closer as he led me toward the exit. I forced a smile, pretending to indulge in the affection, though every fiber of my being wished I could be back with Sam, watching over her as she slept. Jake leaned in, kissing me passionately, his hands gripping my waist, but the thrill that usually came with being prom queen and having the perfect boyfriend felt hollow. My thoughts were on Sam, her tired face, her fragile frame, the way she seemed to melt into herself when she thought no one was watching.
As soon as Jake pulled away, grinning with satisfaction, I offered him a polite goodnight and hurried back to my car. The moment he was out of sight, I felt a wave of relief. I needed to get back to the ballroom, back to where I knew Sam would be waiting-helpless, asleep, and completely mine.
When I returned, the place was silent, abandoned except for the lone figure slumped over at the table. Sam's breathing was soft and even, her body draped over her arms. The sleeping pills I'd slipped into her drink had worked beautifully; she was entirely under my control, and the sight of her like that sent a thrill through me.
Without a second thought, I approached her, sliding my arms under her and lifting her from the chair. She felt so light, so delicate in my grasp. Holding her close, I could smell the faint scent of her perfume, mingling with the warmth of her skin. She stirred slightly, her head resting against my shoulder, but she didn't wake.
I carried her over to the photo booth, carefully positioning her beside me, her head gently resting on my shoulder. The camera flashed, capturing us together-the perfect image of a couple in love, her peaceful expression frozen forever beside mine.
Once the photos were done, I took her back to my car, placing her gently in the passenger seat, then drove back to the mansion in silence. She remained unconscious the entire ride, lost in a dream world I could only hope involved me.
When we arrived, I carried her up to my bedroom, the grand room illuminated by soft candlelight. I laid her carefully on the bed, pausing to admire the way she looked against the pillows, so serene and vulnerable.
With delicate fingers, I slipped her out of her prom dress, handling her with care as I dressed her in one of my soft, oversized shirts. She looked even smaller in my clothes, swallowed by the fabric that smelled of me. Satisfied, I climbed into bed beside her, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her close. Her body fit perfectly against mine, her warmth seeping into me as I buried my face in her hair.
"Goodnight, my Sammi," I whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. She murmured in her sleep, turning toward me instinctively, and I felt a smile spread across my lips.
This was how it was meant to be. Just the two of us, together, with no one else to interfere. As I lay there, holding her close, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. Sam was mine, and nothing could ever take her from me.
Tonight was perfect, and I knew that, from this moment on, she would never be alone again.
