Lucian
I didn't know what woke me first—the scent of coffee… or the faint sound of her voice.
My head still felt heavy, the world spinning slow and thick, but the burning fever had settled into a dull haze. Enough to make me slow, but painfully aware.
I heard her say, "There's a first time for everything."
And then, click.
The call ended.
She sounded different. Not like Professor Mehra. Not like the cool, untouchable CEO who ruled classrooms and boardrooms with equal ease.
She sounded… soft. Still in control. But not some distant force.
I blinked against the light creeping in through the curtains, and finally pushed myself up from the guest bed. Every muscle ached, but the warmth of the room felt good—like it was holding me, not letting me fall apart.
I padded out quietly, my bare feet touching the cold floor. Heat still lingered beneath my skin, but the worst was gone.
And then I saw her.
Messy bun. Oversized shirt that swallowed her frame. Coffee mug in hand, eyes staring out the window like she was carrying the weight of the world right there on her shoulders.
That soft, serious look on her face—so unlike the sharp, unshakable professor everyone knew.
I leaned against the wall, arms folded across my bare chest, and let a grin spread slow and lazy.
"You undressed me."
She froze.
Turned slowly, eyes wide with surprise—not guilt.
Not even a little.
"I had to," she said, voice steady but her fingers tightened around the mug like it was an anchor. "You were burning up."
I stepped forward, trying to keep my voice low, teasing. "So… you touched me."
"That's what people do when someone has a fever, Lucian."
"Oh?" I tilted my head, arching an eyebrow. "And wiping me down with a cold towel? Placing me in your guest room? Carrying me like some kind of damsel?"
She raised a brow. "I was being responsible."
Her cheeks flushed a subtle pink, even though she tried to act like it didn't faze her.
I smirked. "Right. Very professorial of you, ma'am."
She set the mug down with a quiet clink, then walked past me—deliberate, unbothered.
For a moment, I thought maybe I should let her go.
But then I called out, voice softer now.
"I heard you on the phone."
She paused, shoulders stiffening.
"I didn't catch much," I added, stepping closer. "Just… the way you said you're taking the day off. For me."
The silence between us stretched, tight and fragile.
I leaned in a little, feeling a sudden rush of something I couldn't quite name. "I like you like this, Daphne. No heels.Just you. No cap... and that soft look you get when you're not trying to push me away."
Her back was still to me, but I saw the slight shift in her posture. The tiniest crack in her armor.
Then, without turning, she said in that calm, dangerous voice I couldn't resist—
"Go back to bed, Lucian."
I grinned wider, daring to tease. "Only if you join me."
She finally turned her head, just enough for me to see the faintest twitch at the corner of her lips.
Not quite a smile.
But I was definitely getting close.