Chapter 24
The room felt lighter today.
Warmer.
Jay lay comfortably on the bed.
The pain had reduced.
Not gone completely—
But better.
And beside her—
Keifer sat quietly.
Holding a glass of warm water.
"Drink."
His tone calm.
Unquestionable.
Jay looked at him.
Then at the glass.
Then back at him.
A small smile slowly forming.
"What?"
He asked.
Suspicious.
Jay sat up slightly.
Taking the glass.
But her eyes…
Never left him.
"You're very obedient today."
A pause.
Keifer frowned slightly.
"I always am."
Jay let out a soft laugh.
"No, you're not."
She took a sip.
Then tilted her head.
"You're scary."
Another sip.
"Dangerous."
She leaned a little closer.
"And now…"
A small pause.
"…you're acting like my maid."
Silence.
Complete.
Keifer stared at her.
Unblinking.
Jay tried to stay serious.
But her lips betrayed her.
A smile escaping anyway.
"I mean…"
She continued teasingly.
"The great mafia boss…"
She gestured toward him.
"…bringing me water, arranging pillows, buying things…"
Her eyes sparkled slightly.
"It's funny."
A dangerous pause.
Because he didn't respond.
Didn't argue.
Didn't deny.
Instead—
He leaned closer.
Slowly.
Jay's smile faded just a little.
Her heartbeat picking up.
"What's funny?"
He asked lowly.
Her breath hitched slightly.
"I… I was just joking—"
"Say it again."
Now closer.
Too close.
"That I'm your maid."
Jay swallowed.
But the teasing spark didn't leave her.
"…you are."
She whispered.
Silence.
Then suddenly—
He moved.
Fast.
Closing the distance completely.
Jay gasped softly.
Her back hitting the pillow again.
His hand resting beside her.
Trapping her between him and the bed.
"Careful."
He murmured.
"You're getting bold."
Her heart raced.
But she didn't look away.
"You let me."
A pause.
His gaze darkened slightly.
"Only you."
Her breath slowed.
That answer…
It did something to her.
"You don't act like this with anyone else, right?"
"No."
No hesitation.
No doubt.
Jay smiled again.
Softer this time.
"Good."
A small silence.
Then she added quietly—
"Because I like this version of you."
Keifer didn't respond immediately.
But something in his expression…
Shifted.
Not control.
Not dominance.
Something softer.
Something only she brought out.
"You should rest."
He said finally.
But his voice…
Was no longer cold.
Jay didn't move.
Didn't look away.
"Stay."
She whispered.
A pause.
Then—
"I am."
And he didn't leave.
Because the world could wait.
His power could wait.
Everything could wait.
But her?
Never.
End of Chapter 24