Shelter in His Arms
The lingering tension from the attack still hummed in my chest as we walked into work.
The attempted robbery played over in my mind—how quickly Daniel had reacted, how calm and controlled he had been.
Rosa Bellamy
*raising a brow* Well, well, look who finally decided to show up.
Elise Carter
*voice filled with excitement* You won’t believe what happened on our way here. We got mugged—well, almost. Daniel stopped it.
Rosa Bellamy
*eyes widening* Wait, what?
Elise Carter
*turning to Daniel, half in awe, half teasing* He was amazing. The guy had a knife, and Daniel took him down in seconds. It was like something out of an action movie.
Daniel Reed
*sighing, shaking his head* It was still dangerous, Elise.
Elise Carter
*folding her arms, smirking* Yeah, it was. But you didn’t even flinch. You protected us. It was impressive.
Daniel Reed
*meeting her gaze, firm* Now you see that I can and will protect you.
Rosa Bellamy
That’s some heroics. Maybe you should consider a career in security instead of waiting on tables.
I felt a warmth spread through my chest. Safe. It had been a long time since I felt that way.
The shift passed in a blur, the restaurant busy enough to keep my mind occupied.
But as the evening wound down, a quiet sense of anticipation settled in my chest.
Elise Carter
(Would someone be waiting for me? Would Adrian come to take me back to the mansion?)
Elise Carter
Stepping outside, eyes darting around (No one... No one is waiting for me.)
A strange pang of disappointment twisted in my stomach. So Adrian was serious. He wasn’t coming back.
I wasn’t sure why it affected me so much—wasn’t this what I wanted?
Daniel Reed
*nudging her shoulder* Expecting someone?
Elise Carter
*hesitating, then shaking her head* No. Just… thought I might see someone, that’s all.
Daniel Reed
*studying her for a moment* Come on, let’s get a drink. *smiling* You look like you could use one.
Elise Carter
*letting out a breath, nodding* Yeah. Okay.
The bar was warm, buzzing with quiet conversation and clinking glasses.
As we sat at a small booth, I found myself relaxing. With each sip of my drink, the tension in my shoulders eased.
Here, with Daniel, I felt normal. Safe. Like I didn’t have to think about vampires or everything else.
Elise Carter
*taking a sip* (I don’t need the mansion. I don’t need the boss. I don’t need any of them.)
Daniel Reed
*watching her closely, voice soft* You know, you don’t have to figure everything out tonight. You can stay with me as long as you need. No pressure, no expectations. Just... stay.
Elise Carter
*glancing at him, something warm settling in her chest* You mean that?
Daniel Reed
*smirking, leaning back* Wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t.
His casual confidence made it sound so simple, so easy. And for the first time in what felt like forever, I considered it. Maybe I didn’t need to go back.
Elise Carter
*tilting her head, teasing* What if I never leave?
Daniel Reed
*grinning* Then I guess I’ll have to start charging you rent.
Elise Carter
*laughs, shaking her head* Wow, real generous of you.
Daniel Reed
*leaning in slightly, voice lower* I am generous. You just haven’t seen the full extent of it yet.
His words held a teasing edge, but there was something else beneath them—something that sent a small thrill through me.
Elise Carter
*raising a brow* Is that so?
Daniel Reed
*resting his chin on his hand, eyes flicking to her lips for just a second* Mhm. Stick around, and you might find out.
The night stretched on, filled with warmth, quiet laughter, and the slow, growing awareness between us.
The casual touches—his hand grazing mine when he reached for his drink, the way his knee brushed against mine under the table—became something more.
By the time we stumbled back to his apartment, I felt lighter than I had in days. The alcohol dulling my usual hesitations. When he reached for my hand, I let him.
Elise Carter
*heart pounding, standing in the dim light of his living room, gripping his arm* (For once... I don’t want to think. I just want to feel safe.)
Daniel Reed
*leaning in* Elise... *kissing her*
Elise Carter
*reciprocating, breath hitching as he deepens the kiss*
The atmosphere shifted. The playful banter faded, replaced by something softer, something unspoken.
Daniel Reed
*kissing her all over, hands wandering to her breasts*
Elise Carter
*moaning softly*
Clothes fell away, his hands exploring, teasing. My body jolted with anticipation and pleasure as he touched me, guiding me into a comfortable rhythm.
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