[POV: Damien]
I didn't know what pissed me off more the fact that Alec pushed me out of the way and saved my life, or that his body had been pressed against mine for far too long, his breath hot and fast, our chests rising in sync.
I hadn't said a word since we stormed out of the study room. The shattered chandelier still echoed in my mind. That bastard. Who the hell does he think he is?
I clenched my fists, trying to block out the memory of his weight on me, his eyes locked with mine like he could see into my very soul. And worse, I didn't push him off immediately.
Caspian's voice rang in my head: "Watch him, Damien. He's not just a bodyguard. He's trained to protect you whether you like it or not."
Yeah, well, I didn't like it.
I stormed into the hallway, pacing aimlessly, ignoring the concerned glances from the palace staff. My fingers brushed the scratch on my cheek a tiny cut from a shard of glass. Just enough to sting.
And he had the nerve to touch my face after. "You're bleeding," Alec had said in that low, commanding voice...Screw him.
[POV: Alec]
He hadn't spoken to me since the accident, and honestly, I wasn't expecting gratitude. But this silence? It was... something else.
I could still feel his heartbeat under my palm, the tension in his muscles when we were tangled under that shattered chandelier. I didn't mean to stay that long on top of him but something about the closeness, the danger, the way he stared back froze time for a few seconds.
He hated me. I was fine with that.
But he was starting to confuse me. There was something behind the anger in his eyes something raw.
I leaned against the wall outside his quarters, arms crossed, trying not to relive the moment. But it was pointless. I could still smell the expensive cologne he wore, mixed with sweat and adrenaline.
And his lips God help me when they parted slightly, like he was about to say something before he bit it back...No. I can't think like this.
[POV: Damien]
Of course, I found him waiting. Like a damn soldier at my door.
"Move," I ordered.
Alec straightened. "We need to talk."
I scoffed. "About what? You being on top of me for a solid minute like some desperate..."
"You're welcome," he cut in. "For not letting your royal skull get crushed."
I stepped closer, eyes narrowing. "You enjoyed that. You think I don't see it? You like playing the hero."
His jaw tightened. "You think I enjoy being assigned to a spoiled prince who throws tantrums at every corner?"
My hand shot out, shoving his chest.
He didn't budge.
"I dare you to touch me again," he muttered.
There it was again that tension. Crackling in the air between us. My breathing hitched, and I hated that he noticed. His gaze dipped for a second only a second to my lips...No. No no no.
I turned, walking back inside my room, slamming the door shut...My heart was thundering like a traitor.
[POV: Alec]
I stared at the door he just slammed shut.
His anger didn't bother me. I could handle being hated I was trained for worse. But what I wasn't trained for was… desire. The way my body reacted when his skin brushed mine. The way he looked at me just now, like he was trying to read a language he wasn't sure he wanted to understand.
I paced for a few seconds, then without thinking, I opened the door and stepped inside.
He turned sharply. "What the hell are you—"
"You're shaking," I said bluntly.
"I'm not."
"You are."
His chest rose too fast. Hands clenched too tight. Still, he lifted his chin in defiance.
"I didn't ask for your concern," Damien snapped. "In fact, I didn't ask for you at all."
"Well, Your Highness," I said, stepping closer, "you've got me anyway."
His eyes widened, the air thick between us again. Tension. Dangerous. Addictive. His back hit the edge of the dresser as I stopped just inches away.
"You like playing games," I said, voice low. "But you've no idea what you're playing with."
"I'm not scared of you."
"Good," I whispered, "because I'm not going to protect you from this."
His breath caught...And then someone knocked.
[POV: Damien]
Saved by the damn knock.
I pushed Alec hard in the chest again, needing space, needing to breathe.
"Your Majesty," came a guard's voice from behind the door, "His Highness the King requests to see you both. Now."
Alec stepped back first, straightening like nothing had happened.
I didn't trust my legs for a second. My mind was spinning and my skin still burned from how close he was.
I turned toward the mirror briefly my lips were slightly parted, pupils blown wide. I slapped cold water on my face and cursed under my breath.
This was madness....
We left together, walking side by side but silent.
[POV: Alec]
The King's expression was unreadable as we entered his private office.
"I heard about the chandelier," he said coolly. "And that both of you were under it when it fell."
Neither of us spoke.
The King's eyes landed on me. "Alec, was there any sign of sabotage?"
My spine straightened. "The break in the chain wasn't natural. Someone tampered with it. Possibly from inside."
Damien's eyes snapped to mine.
The King nodded, voice turning grave. "Then this isn't just about protecting him anymore. This is about uncovering who in this palace wants him dead."
Damien scoffed, folding his arms. "Plenty of people would prefer me out of the way."
"Don't joke," the King said firmly. "This isn't a court prank."
His gaze sharpened. "Both of you will stay close. From now on, Alec, I want daily reports on Damien's activities. No exceptions."I nodded once.
Damien didn't look at me. He was staring at the fireplace like he was trying to burn the truth into it.
[POV: Damien]
Great. More time with the man I can't seem to stop thinking about.
And now someone might be trying to kill me? Just perfect.
Later that night, there was a banquet hosted in the east wing. I didn't want to go but the King insisted. "Show strength," he said.
So I dressed up. Tight black suit, gold cufflinks, hair slicked back. I looked every bit the untouchable prince.
But inside, I was a storm...Especially when I saw her.
Lady Selene. Stunning, confident, and completely inappropriate ,She clung to my arm like I belonged to her. Her perfume was sharp, her laugh fake.
"Your Highness," she purred, leaning in close, "I hope you're not still upset about the chandelier. I'd be devastated if anything happened to that pretty face."
Alec was across the room, silent and stiff.
He saw us. His jaw tightened.
Jealous?
I leaned into Selene's touch, even smiled.But it didn't work.
Because all I could feel was Alec's stare burning through me ,And that was when I knew...
Whatever this is between us ,it's not just hate anymore...It's something far more dangerous.