Love The Way He Lied

Kyel reached the front of the house, completely out of breath, his chest heaving as if he had just outrun a storm.

Sweat clung to his neck, and his pulse thundered in his ears.

He grabbed the doorknob, steadying himself.

"Please don't be asleep, Princess… because I'm about to wake you up. Again," he muttered to himself, pushing the door open.

The house was quiet, cloaked in shadows, save for the faint golden glow leaking out from the bedroom upstairs.

Kyel shut the door softly behind him and bolted up the stairs, skipping two steps at a time.

His boots barely made a sound. Then he stopped at the bedroom door.

There she was.

Eva stood by the window, the moonlight spilling over her as though it had been waiting for her all night.

Her nightgown clung delicately to her frame, her hair cascading freely down her back.

She looked like a painting come to life.

"Princess… I'm back," he said, his voice catching.

She turned slowly. "Kyel."

He stepped toward her, arms aching to hold her. "Princess—"

Eva dropped to her knees in a full bow, forehead almost touching the floor.

Kyel froze. "Princess? What… what are you doing?"

"I'm sorry. "came her voice, muffled and small.

His eyes widened. "Sorry? For what?"

"For hitting you yesterday."

Kyel blinked. "I already told you, it was an accident. You were sleep—"

"And for biting you," she added quickly.

"…Wait," he paused, a note of panic slipping into his voice. "You remember that?"

Eva nodded. "Yes."

"Wait—since when? Where? How much?!" Kyel's voice rose with panic.

"From the moment I jumped on you," she replied softly. "I was drunk… and I attacked you."

"Right. You were drunk," Kyel repeated, more to soothe his own soul than hers. "Drunk. Yes. Exactly. That's what it was. Drunk."

He took a long breath, trying not to picture the moment in vivid detail.

"Princess, please… just get up from the floor. Let me see your face."

"No." She stayed bowed. "Not until I say what I need to say. So just—stay still."

"But—"

"I can't believe I slapped you… and bit you like some wild animal." Her voice cracked.

"It must've hurt so much."

"No, no, it didn't hurt," Kyel said quickly, tugging at his collar. "Look—my neck, my face, all healed. Not a mark left."

Eva finally peeked up. "How did it heal so fast?"

"There's a healer in the capital. He heals injuries instantly," Kyel answered proudly.

"I bet when he saw the bite mark, he thought you were attacked by a Beast."

Kyel choked. "No! Princess, listen—"

But Eva suddenly sprang to her feet. "Here."

She lifted her chin and pointed at her cheek.

"Slap me."

"…What?"

"Slap me.

Do it."

"Princess, I—"

"You always let me get away with everything, Esaliye. I deserve it this time."

She stared straight into his eyes.

"Do it."

"Hit me as hard as you can."

Kyel stepped closer,"…As hard as I can?"

"Yes."

"You're serious."

"I can take it. I'm strong."

He took another step closer.

"Wait—wait—let me close my eyes first," Eva said quickly, squeezing them shut.

"Your hands are big, I need to brace myself."

She tilted her face up with mock bravery.

"Here. Go on."

Kyel stared at her. One second. Two seconds.

She stood there, face tilted, eyes closed, lips slightly parted, completely bracing herself for a blow.

Kyel leaned in—and kissed her cheek.

Her eyes flew open. "Wait—I told you to hit me, not to—"

Kyel cupped the back of her neck and pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss.

His lips crushed into hers with such urgency it stole the breath from her lungs.

When he finally pulled back, her lips were still parted in shock, cheeks burning.

Her hands trembled at his chest.

"Kyel…" she breathed.

He looked down at her, their foreheads touching. "You told me I could hit you as hard as I can… right?"

Eva blinked, then nodded slowly.

He smiled.

"Then let's do it."