The door clicked shut behind them, and the chamber fell silent. K paced slowly near the bookshelves, hands behind his back, while Noah stood near the fireplace, eyes watching him like a hawk.
"You told me to meet you," K said. "But you didn't say why."
Noah stepped forward, his usual confidence tinged with something more vulnerable.
"I'm making the announcement tomorrow," he said.
K's heart skipped. "What announcement?"
"That you're mine," Noah said, voice low. "And that anyone who tries to touch you — politically or otherwise — answers to me."
K's jaw tightened. "You know what that will cause."
"I don't care anymore."
K finally turned to face him. "Then why am I so scared?"
Noah walked up to him, cupped his face gently, and whispered, "Because no one's ever protected you like I will."
K exhaled shakily, eyes fluttering closed.
And in that small, stolen moment — in a room meant for secrets — they kissed like the world hadn't already decided they shouldn't.
