Kael's gaze was steady on Esme as she sat beside him in the car, her fingers trembling slightly against her lap. The events of the night had left her shaken—her face pale, eyes still wide with the remnants of fear.
He reached out, his fingers curling beneath her chin, tilting her face up to him. His black eyes scanned her features, searching. "Are you hurt?" His voice was low, almost gentle, sending waves to Esme,
Esme blinked, surprised at his concern. She swallowed hard and shook her head. "No…"
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly as he leaned in, his hands moving to her shoulders, then down her arms, inspecting every inch of her like he didn't trust her answer. He lifted her wrist, turning it over, his thumb brushing against her skin as if searching for bruises.
"I said I'm fine, Kael." Her voice was quieter now, but it lacked its usual bite.
Only when he was satisfied that she was truly unharmed did he nod and release her. "Good," he said simply, before shifting back into his seat and motioning to the driver to start the car.
The ride home was silent. Esme kept glancing at Kael from the corner of her eye, noticing the dried blood on his temple, the way his shirt was slightly torn, the bruises already forming along his knuckles. He had fought without hesitation, without fear. The memory of it sent an unfamiliar warmth through her chest. She wasn't sure what she felt at that moment 'had she gotten herself into deep trouble?'.
By the time they arrived back at the mansion, Esme had forgotten all about her silent treatment. As soon as they stepped into their room, she turned fully to Kael, and for the first time since they got attacked, she truly looked at him. He was hurt—more than she initially thought. She frowned .
"You're bruised…" Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Kael scoffed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah?." He played off
But Esme wasn't listening. She rushed to the bathroom, retrieving the first aid box before hurrying back to him. Without a word, she gestured for him to sit, and to her surprise, Kael obeyed, watching her with unreadable eyes.
She kneeled in front of him, opening the box and pulling out antiseptic. As she gently dabbed at the cut on his cheek, Kael remained eerily silent. He didn't flinch. He didn't complain. He simply watched her.
His gaze was intense, unwavering, making Esme shift uncomfortably under his scrutiny. She focused on his wounds, ignoring how close they were, how his scent—faintly laced with cologne and blood—wrapped around her.
"You're staring," she murmured without looking up.
"I am…" he replied instead, his voice laced with amusement.
She rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the small smile that tugged at the corner of her lips. She grabbed a plaster, peeling it open before carefully placing it over the cut on his cheek.
"All done." She finally met his eyes, only to realize how close their faces were.
Esme cleared her throat, standing up quickly. "I'll put this away," she said, grabbing the first aid box and turning away from him.
Kael's lips twitched, but he said nothing.
When she returned, she hesitated for a moment before finally voicing the question that had been eating away at her since the attack.
"Kael… who were those people?" She bit her lip, gathering her courage. "And why were they after us?"
Kael leaned back, resting his arm on the couch. He exhaled slowly, tilting his head slightly as he regarded her.
"You're curious now?"
Esme frowned. "I think I have a right to know."
Kael was quiet for a moment, then smirked. "You do." His smirk, however, didn't reach his eyes. "But the answer won't be one you'll like."
Esme's stomach twisted. "…Tell me anyway."
Kael studied her for a second longer before finally saying, "They were after me. You were just collateral damage."
Esme's heart skipped. "Huh? But why?"
His expression darkened slightly. "Because, Esme… not everyone likes the White family."
There was something about the way he said it—calm yet dangerous—that sent chills down her spine.
Esme clenched her fists. "Does this mean I'll always be in danger now?"
Kael's eyes softened for just a second before his cold mask returned. "Not as long as you're with me."
Esme's breath hitched, but she quickly masked her emotions. She crossed her arms, forcing herself to remain composed. "That's not exactly reassuring, Kael."
Kael chuckled. "It wasn't meant to be."
Esme glared at him but found herself sighing instead. She had so many more questions, but she wasn't sure she wanted the answers.
For now, all she could do was try to process everything that had happened.