The room’s floor was in disarray.
Nelly leaned on the table with one hand, her pained expression revealing her discomfort.
“Nelly!” Alpha Kilian’s demeanor shifted instantly as he rushed to her side. “What’s wrong?”
She remained silent, eyes closed and brows knitted, as if bracing against something.
“Nelly!” His gaze locked onto her. Spotting the phone on the table, he reached for it, but she placed her hand over his.
She shook her head slightly. “I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine,” he replied firmly.
The pain faded as quickly as it had come, and Nelly appeared completely recovered.
“I’m truly okay. It was just a headache. I’ll be fine now,” she assured him with a smile.
Kilian frowned, concern still etched in his eyes.
“I promise, I’m alright. I just need some rest. I’ll feel better after a nap,” she added.
He gazed deeply into her eyes, and after a moment, he swept her up in his arms, carrying her toward the bed.
Gently laying her down, he studied her and said, “I was too rough with you yesterday. You need to rest.”
Nelly smiled back. “You didn’t sleep well last night either, did you?”
His expression was inscrutable as he met her gaze. After a pause, he admitted, “No, I didn’t. I spent half the night in a cold shower.”
Though it sounded like a joke, his seriousness was palpable. “Why don’t you take a nap too?” she suggested.
The concern on his face was unmistakable. “If you say that, I might take it the wrong way and think you’re inviting me to join you.”
“You’re not mistaken. It is an invitation,” she replied, causing his heart to race.
Nelly held his gaze, but a moment later, Kilian stood and headed for the door.
Watching him, her brow furrowed with confusion. What was happening?
But just as he reached the door, he locked it.
Turning back to her, his eyes held a depth of emotion, and he returned to the bed, lying beside her.
As they pulled the quilt over themselves, his hand began to wander across her body, triggering memories of the previous night.
“Alpha Kilian… I’m still not-” Nelly started, but her words trailed off as she looked at him, certain he understood.
He lowered his gaze, filled with unspoken feelings. “I know.”
“Then you-”
“Don’t worry. I’m not that reckless. I just want to hold you.” He wrapped her in a tight embrace, resting his chin atop her head, gently rubbing it against her hair, as if trying to draw her closer.
Nelly felt his intensity. Snuggling against his chest, she murmured, “Why did you lock the door then?”
“I didn’t want anyone to disturb your sleep,” he replied softly.
A smile spread across her face, and she settled comfortably into his arms, closing her eyes.
Nelly had always cherished sleep; it was her greatest solace. It wasn’t long before she drifted off.
When Alpha Kilian heard her steady breathing, his eyes snapped open.
He turned his head to watch her, his lips pressed together, a swirl of complicated emotions flickering in his usually indifferent gaze.
Meanwhile, Donna woke up and sought Nelly.
Finding the door locked, she knocked but received no answer.
Just then, Tony and Ben emerged from their rooms and approached her.
“What’s going on?” Tony asked.
“Nelly’s door is locked. I can’t get in,” Donna replied.
Ben stepped forward to try the handle but failed. “It’s really locked,” he confirmed, looking at his siblings.
Tony observed the situation with narrowed eyes. “Daddy’s probably-”
Before he could finish, Donna’s phone buzzed. Checking it, she saw a text from Alpha Kilian: *Your Nelly is asleep. Keep it down.*
She quickly showed the text to Tony and Ben, and they all stared at the door in disbelief.
“They’re sleeping…”
“With the door locked…”
“In the middle of the day?”
They exchanged glances, then Tony said, “Let’s go.”
Reluctantly, they turned to leave.
As they walked away, Donna asked, “The fact that Daddy’s in there too can only mean one thing, right?”
Tony nodded. “Exactly.”
She frowned, clicking her tongue. “Why is Daddy so reckless?”
“Did you expect anything less?” Ben shot back.
!