Her Protector

Love and War

Rey composed herself as she entered her father's office. Kylo hesitated at the door but her father waved him in. Kylo entered and closed the door behind him. Rey's father smiled at her,

'Take a seat my dear.'

Rey sat down opposite her father, Kylo stood behind her. She noted the framed picture of her mother holding her as a baby on his desk. She felt a stab of pain in her chest as she always did when she saw that picture.

Rey was always regretful that she wasn't closer to her father, her mother had died when she was so young, and her father had the responsibility of an entire country on his shoulders as he tried to work through his grief. She understood why he had kept her at arms length, she understood why he found it hard to look into her eyes so similar to her mothers and she understood why she had been raised ever since by a revolving door of nanny's and babysitters. Yes, she understood, but that didn't mean she had to like it.

As the king's only child her life has been incredibly sheltered, which was both a blessing and a curse. She was never allowed to be alone but her father also encouraged her to stay out of the public eye as much as possible. Meaning now that she was old enough to look after herself, she had been allowed to live in their family home, while her father remained at the palace. They saw each other as much as possible but she suspected their relationship would always be somewhat strained.

Rey didn't remember her mother but there was a part of her heart that missed her terribly and she didn't think it would ever go away.

'Rey, there has been another attack. This time on my brother Luke.'

'Oh my god, is he okay?'

'He is. He isn't harmed, just shaken up. It appears the goal was to kidnap him and probably blackmail me.'

Rey swallowed hard, but a lump formed in her throat.

'Do the police have them?'

'No, they escaped.'

Her blood ran cold.

'So they're still out there?'

'For now yes. That's why I hope you can understand I'm going to ask you to restrict your movements to the house for now. I will increase your security detail of course but Kylo will remain as primary.'

Rey nodded.

'Okay, Dad.'

'Good girl. Thank You.'

Her father addressed Kylo,

'I don't have to tell you to remain vigilant do I?'

'No Sir.' Kylo replied.

'I have to attend an emergency meeting now, I will call you later with more details. Stay safe.'

Rey smiled and nodded as her father left.

Alone in the office, Kylo and Rey stared at each other.

'God Kylo, Luke? Who will they go after next?'

'Let me worry about that.'

'What if.....I'm next?'

'I would never let that happen.'

'You can't watch me all the time....what if.....'

Suddenly Kylo was in front of her, fixing her with an intense gaze,

'I would never let anything happen to you Rey. I would give my life before I let anyone take you.'

They looked at each other, the room was charged with energy. As if he just couldn't hold back anymore, Kylo pulled her to him and pressed his lips to hers. He  held her face in his hands as he deepened the kiss. As he pulled away, Rey noticed his eyes were dilated he put his forehead against hers.

'Come on, I gotta get you home.' Kylo took her hand and reached for the door.

Rey nodded, her brain was cloudy and her thoughts were fuzzy. Had that actually just happened? Was she dreaming? She pinched her arm. Ouch. Okay, not dreaming.

Kylo frowned at her,

'I told your father I would keep you safe. That includes keeping you safe from yourself you know, so no more nipping.' He said rubbing her arm and kissing the mark gently.

Rey's mouth fell open. Kylo distanced himself from her as soon as they were outside of the office, which gave her a chance to clear her head and think things through. Apparently Kylo has decided that their relationship was moving to the next level despite all the risks and her heart stopped for a moment when she realised she was affective being put under house arrest with him as her only companion. She swallowed hard. Was she ready to have his full attention on her? Her head said no but her heart thumped yes, yes, yes as she headed out to the car.