Chapter 8 AKLAN

The second the door to Valora's room clicked shut, she was on me, her hands shoving me against the wall with a force that made the wood creak. Her lips crashed into mine, hungry and relentless, her nails digging into my shoulders as she pressed herself closer. I couldn't help the low giggle that escaped into the kiss, the sudden intensity catching me off guard.

I laughed against her mouth, half caught off guard, half entertained. "What's gotten into you?"

She drew back just enough to murmur, "What do you mean?"

I tilted my head, watching her through half-lidded eyes. "We spent the night together. I left your room just this morning, you're acting like you haven't seen me in weeks. Didn't think you'd be this-" I smirked. "Insatiable."

Her answering grin was slow, predatory. "Maybe I am. Maybe I need you too often for my own good."

I could've laughed again if it didn't sound so true.

She stepped back, her movements deliberate as she made a show of undressing. The purple corset dress she'd been wearing slid to the floor, revealing smooth skin and curves that never failed to pull my attention. It was always a performance with her - Valora never moved without the intent to be watched.

I exhaled through my nose, amused, until my hands found her waist again.

I leaned against the wall, watching her with a raised brow. "You do love your dramatics, don't you?"

Her eyes flicked to mine, wicked amusement in them. "And you love to watch."

She wasn't wrong.

I smirked, my own shirt hitting the ground as I followed her lead. I closed the distance between us, grabbing her waist and spinning her so her chest pressed against the wall. She gasped - half surprise, half anticipation. Her head tilted back, her breath unsteady. I could feel her pulse racing against my fingertips.

My fingers worked quickly, unbuckling my belt with a sharp snap. "Hands back," I ordered, my voice low.

Valora complied, stretching her arms behind her, and I looped the belt around her wrists, pulling it tight. She let out a soft whimper, her body already trembling with anticipation. But instead of closing the gap, I stepped back, leaning against the opposite wall, my eyes locked on hers.

She twisted her head to look at me, confusion flickering across her face. "Aklan? What are you doing?"

"Don't move," I said quietly, dragging a hand through my hair. "Tell me something first."

She blinked, wary. "Tell you what?"

I crossed my arms, my gaze steady. "What's our arrangement, Valora?"

Her frown deepened, her bare shoulders tensing. "Why are you asking me that now? I'm practically naked."

"Because this is the only time I know you'll be truthful," I said, my tone sharp. "When you're desperate. So, what's our arrangement?"

Her brows knit together. "You're impossible."

"Humor me."

She stared at me, confusion flickering into a faint smile. "We agreed it's casual. No promises. No emotions."

I nodded, stepping closer but not touching her yet. "Good. Now, what was that earlier, in the cafeteria? Asking who you had to kill?"

Her expression softened, and she let out another small whimper, shifting against the wall. "It was just a joke, Aklan. Harmless."

I tilted my head, studying her. "I don't believe you. You get possessive, Val. Too possessive. I need to know you're not going to pull what you did the first year again. You promised me you wouldn't do anything stupid because of me."

"Aklan-"

"No," I cut in, voice sharper now. "You've done reckless things before."

"I won't," she said quickly, her voice pleading. "I swear, I won't."

I wanted to believe her. Saints, I did. But belief wasn't something I afforded easily anymore.

"Good," I said after a long pause.

I held her gaze for a moment longer, searching for any hint of a lie. Satisfied, I closed the distance, turning her to face me. My pants hit the floor, and I pressed myself against her, my fangs grazing her neck just enough to draw a gasp. She melted into me, her body yielding as I guided her to the makeup desk nearby. Using the belt still binding her wrists, I bent her over the desk, pulling her back into each thrust.

My lips brushed her ear as I leaned down. "This is supposed to be quick," I murmured. "I'm not holding back for you."

I quickened my pace, her moans filling the room as the tension built fast and fierce. It didn't take long before our orgasms crashed over us, leaving us both breathless.

Afterwards, silence settled between us - heavy, spent, my mind already elsewhere. I steadied her, carefully unfastening the belt from her wrists and helping her back into her clothes.

When she was dressed, I pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. She smiled faintly. "You're leaving already?

"I've got class in twenty minutes," I murmured. "And I don't intend to walk in smelling like you."

Her smirk returned, slow and sly. "Shame. I like marking you."

"I'll see you later."

She nodded, still catching her breath, and I slipped out of her room, the door clicking shut behind me.