Love begins..

Hayden awoke to a throbbing headache and an unfamiliar room bathed in soft morning light. Disoriented, he sat up, the luxurious sheets slipping off his body, revealing his bare skin. Panic surged through him as he realized he wasn’t in his dorm room. He glanced around, trying to piece together the events of last night.

His heart pounded as his eyes landed on the figure next to him—Zenos, the powerful CEO whose presence had drawn him in like a moth to a flame. Those magnetic blue eyes were now warm and intense, watching him with an unreadable expression.

"Good morning," Zenos said softly, his voice sending shivers down Hayden's spine.

Hayden's mouth went dry. "What... What happened?" he stammered, his mind racing to fill in the blanks.

Zenos reached out, his hand gentle as it cupped Hayden’s cheek. "You don’t remember?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Hayden shook his head, his anxiety spiking. "No, I was drunk... I don't remember anything."

A slow, reassuring smile spread across Zenos' face. "You’re mine, Hayden. Forever."

The words sent a jolt of confusion and fear through Hayden. He pulled away, clutching the sheets to his chest. "I... I need to get dressed," he mumbled, looking around for his clothes.

Zenos nodded, his eyes never leaving Hayden. "Your clothes are over there," he said, gesturing to a chair in the corner of the room.

Hayden scrambled out of bed, his movements frantic as he grabbed his clothes and pulled them on. Once dressed, he glanced at Zenos, who was watching him with an intensity that made his pulse quicken.

"I'm going to the bathroom," Zenos announced, standing and stretching, his chiseled physique on full display. He disappeared into the adjoining bathroom, leaving Hayden alone with his racing thoughts.

As soon as the bathroom door clicked shut, Hayden rushed to the bedroom door, his heart pounding. He twisted the handle, but it wouldn’t budge. The door was locked.

Panic set in, and he banged on the door, calling out, "Zenos! Let me out!"

The bathroom door opened, and Zenos emerged, a towel wrapped around his waist, water dripping from his hair. He crossed the room in a few strides, his expression a mix of concern and determination.

"Hayden, calm down," he said firmly, placing his hands on Hayden’s shoulders. "You're safe here."

Hayden's breaths came in short gasps as he stared up at Zenos. "Why is the door locked? Why can't I leave?"

Zenos sighed, his grip on Hayden tightening slightly. "I locked it for your safety. You were disoriented and I didn’t want you wandering off in a panic."

Hayden's eyes searched Zenos’ face, looking for any hint of deceit. But all he found was a calm, resolute expression that made his heart flutter despite his fear.

"I don't understand," Hayden whispered. "Why are you doing this?"

Zenos' gaze softened. "Because I care about you, Hayden. I want to protect you. Last night was just the beginning. I want you by my side, always."

Hayden's mind was a whirlwind of confusion and conflicting emotions. Part of him wanted to run, to escape the intensity of Zenos' presence. But another part of him, a deeper, more primal part, felt a strange sense of belonging.

"I need time to think," Hayden said finally, his voice trembling.

Zenos nodded, releasing his grip. "Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere."

With that, Zenos stepped back, giving Hayden the space he needed. Hayden sank onto the bed, his thoughts a chaotic jumble. He had to figure out what he wanted, and what his heart was telling him.

As he sat there, trying to make sense of everything, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life had just irrevocably changed. And deep down, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to go back to the way things were before.

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