Morning sunlight filtered softly through the thin white curtains of Jay's apartment, painting the room in warm gold.
The world outside was awake.
But inside?
It was quiet.
Peaceful.
Jay slowly opened her eyes.
For a second, she forgot everything —
Then she felt it.
An arm wrapped securely around her waist.
Strong. Warm. Protective.
She turned her head slightly.
Keifer.
Still asleep.
His face looked different like this. Calm. Almost boyish. The sharp, ruthless CEO expression gone. Just a man who finally felt safe enough to sleep deeply.
She tried to move carefully so she wouldn't wake him.
Big mistake.
His grip tightened immediately.
"Don't," he murmured, voice thick with sleep.
Her lips curved. "You're awake?"
"Now I am."
She turned to face him properly. "I was just getting up."
"No, you weren't."
"Yes, I was."
"You were escaping."
She rolled her eyes softly. "I live here, Keifer."
"Exactly."
He opened his eyes slowly and looked at her — really looked at her.
"No office today."
"You gave me the leave. That doesn't mean you have to stay too."
"I know."
"Then why are you still here?"
He didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
"Because yesterday," he said quietly, "I meant what I said."
Her heartbeat slowed.
"What part?"
"That I'd burn the world for you."
Silence filled the room.
"But today…" he continued, softer now, "I don't want to burn anything. I just want to stay."
There was something in his voice — not dominance, not teasing.
Vulnerability.
And that hit her harder than any dramatic line ever could.
She searched his face. "You're not used to staying, are you?"
"No."
"Then why try now?"
"Because you're not someone I want to lose."
That shut her up completely.
For once, Jay didn't tease.
Didn't argue.
She just reached out and placed her hand over his.
He intertwined their fingers instantly.
"You're more stubborn than me," she muttered.
"I have to be."
"Why?"
"So you don't push me away when you're scared."
Her breath caught slightly.
He knew her too well.
She tried to change the mood. "You canceled meetings, didn't you?"
"Delegated."
"You hate delegating."
"I hate leaving you more."
She stared at him.
He leaned in slowly and pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead.
Not rushed.
Not demanding.
Just warm.
Safe.
"Today," he murmured against her skin, "we're doing nothing."
"That sounds boring."
His eyes darkened slightly — playful now.
"Oh?"
He shifted closer, pulling her lightly against him again.
"I can make it interesting."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Oh really?"
He smirked faintly.
"Yes. But first…"
He reached for his phone on the side table.
"What are you doing?"
"Ordering breakfast."
She blinked.
"That's it?"
"For now."
She laughed softly and rested her head against his chest.
His hand settled naturally at her waist again, thumb brushing small circles absentmindedly.
For the first time in a long time, Keifer wasn't thinking about enemies.
Or deals.
Or revenge.
Just her.
And staying.