"Sleep," he whispered, voice wrecked with need. "You have a busy day tomorrow."
Lucy whimpered, frustration and longing rolling through her.
"Please," she whispered, barely able to form the word. "I'm ready."
Byron groaned deep in his chest, the sound raw and broken.
"You don't want it like this," he said hoarsely. "Not rushed and angry."
He pressed a kiss to her forehead, lingering.
"I’ll give it to you soon," he promised. "And when I do… you’ll never walk the same again."
Lucy couldn’t help but laugh, “you’re so cringe it’s unreal”.
He wrapped her in his arms, his scent filled her lungs, his heartbeat pounding against her back — and just like that she slipped into sleep.
Lucy woke the next morning alone in bed, her body still warm from the memory of last night.
Her hand drifted to the empty side of the mattress.
"When the hell did he slip out?" she whispered to herself, frowning.
Byron must’ve been a ghost — slipping away without waking her once. The thought made her stomach twist in ways she didn’t want to examine too closely.
Maybe it was something she needed to bring up with Corey.
Lucy sighed and dragged herself into the shower.
As the hot water washed over her, she kept thinking about Byron — his kiss, his hands, the way he held back like he was dangerous.
Her skin tingled at the memory.
Fresh from the shower and still towel-drying her hair,
Barnaby’s voice floated through the door, chipper as ever.
"Lucy! Morning! Quick update."
She opened the door, eyebrows raised.
Barnaby stood there, tablet in hand, looking far too awake.
"You need window sensors fitted. Preferably like, today."
Lucy coughed awkwardly, cheeks heating. Of course, after last night’s little invasion, security needed upgrading.
"I'll make sure it gets done," she said quickly.
Barnaby grinned and zipped off down the hallway.
Lucy wandered toward the window, curiosity pulling her.
She pulled back the curtain just a sliver and looked down.
The wall Byron would have had to climb was sheer stone, at least three stories high.
"How the fuck did he do that?" she muttered under her breath.