The Safest Place

William had learned the value of restraint not because he wanted to but because he had to.

There had been a moment-one he refused to replay too clearly-when something between him and Est had tipped too far, too fast. Since then, everything had become careful. Controlled. Measured down to the smallest distance between their bodies.

Est seemed content to let things stay that way.

William just tried to forget.

Because some mistakes are easier to bury than confront. Easier to ignore than name out loud. And if both of them were willing to pretend nothing had changed, then maybe the fragile balance between them could survive.

But buried things have a way of resurfacing.

Especially when they were never truly dead to begin with.

"If this is about sex... then just have sex with me."
"Stay in my bed, at least then I know you are safe."

Safe.

Like offering, the one person he's been trying not to touch, his own bed is somehow the responsible decision.

William should have probably refused. Instead he had quietly agreed to the rules.

And by the time the night is over-

William was exactly where Est had insisted he should be.

In Est's bed.
The safest place Est could think of.

For William? Or for both of them?