The first exam day left me drained in more ways than one. I barely slept that night, even with Damien’s arm wrapped tightly around me like it always was now. His body was warm and solid against my back, his breath steady on my neck, but my mind wouldn’t stop racing. The professor’s hesitant answer about “security reasons” kept replaying. Damien’s careful explanations felt like they were hiding something bigger. Every time I closed my eyes, Lila’s voice whispered in my head.
Morning came too soon. I woke up to the smell of coffee and Damien already moving around the kitchen. He brought me a cup in bed, sitting on the edge of the mattress with that careful look in his eyes, the one that said he was trying so hard to be gentle while still keeping me here.
“Today’s the second part,” he said
