Off Limits
CHAPTER ONE: BACK HOME
LEAH:
I used to think I had my emotions under control. That I could lock a memory away like an old book and never touch it again. But the moment I saw him—Kingsley—standing at the doorway with that same unreadable stare, I felt the past crack wide open.
He wasn't supposed to be back yet. And definitely not tonight, while I was laughing with Kurt over popcorn and cheesy horror movies like nothing ever happened. Like I hadn't kissed my best friend's brother in the dark two years ago and kept it buried ever since.
Kurt leapt up from the couch, oblivious as ever. "Yo! Kingsley! You didn't say you were coming back today, man!"
Of course he didn't.
Because Kingsley never says anything unless he has to.
And when he finally spoke, it wasn't to me.
"Didn't feel like announcing it," he said, tossing his keys on the table, voice deep, cool—dangerous.
I kept my face still. Neutral. Safe. But my fingers gripped the throw pillow tighter.
Because he hadn't looked at me. Not once.
But I could feel it—the pull, the storm, the memory of that night that started it all. The kiss that should have never happened. The moment that made him leave without a word. The silence that lasted for two whole years.
And now… he was back.
And I was dating someone else.
Someone who wasn't Kingsley.
⸻
Kurt disappeared into the kitchen, yelling something about drinks, just as the front door opened again.
Daniel.
Tall, charming, and dependable Daniel.
He walked in like he belonged—because these days, he kind of did. Kurt introduced us a few months ago, thinking we'd be a good match. And Daniel? He was easy. Normal. Safe.
"Hey, babe," Daniel said, walking straight over to me and leaning down to press a soft, casual kiss on my lips.
Warmth. Familiarity.
But not fire.
Not chaos.
Not like him.
When I opened my eyes, Kingsley was watching.
His jaw was tight, his hand curled into a fist on the edge of the couch. And even though he didn't say a word, that look said everything.
"I didn't know you were back," Daniel offered with a polite smile, extending a hand.
Kingsley's eyes dropped to the hand like it was a ticking bomb.
Then he stood up slowly. "Neither did I."
And just like that, he walked out of the living room.
⸻
I couldn't breathe.
Daniel kept talking beside me, something about work or football—I wasn't really listening. My heartbeat was too loud, my head too full of memories I'd tried too hard to bury.
Because I remembered what Kingsley's lips felt like.
And I remembered the fire that followed.
⸻
FLASHBACK – TWO YEARS AGO
It was late.
The party had died down, and I had wandered outside to the balcony, needing air—needing space.
Then Kingsley appeared beside me, quiet as always.
He didn't say anything at first. Just stood there, watching the city lights. And then…
"You looked miserable in there," he said, voice low and rough.
"I was," I admitted.
He looked at me.
Not like Kurt's annoying friend. Not like a kid. But like something else. Something… dangerous.
Then he leaned in.
No warning. No hesitation.
And kissed me.
It was heat and hunger and confusion all at once. The kind of kiss that messes with your reality.
But before I could say anything… he pulled away.
And left.
The next morning, he was gone—off to college without a word.
⸻
BACK TO PRESENT
"Leah?" Daniel nudged me with a grin. "You good?"
I nodded too quickly. "Yeah. Just tired."
But I wasn't.
Because Kingsley was back.
And my heart wasn't as safe as I thought.
⸻
Daniel's hand slid around my waist, pulling me closer as he whispered something into my ear that made my skin crawl—not because it was inappropriate, but because he was watching.
Kingsley.
Across the room, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze pinned on us like a blade. He wasn't even pretending not to look anymore.
Daniel's fingers brushed down my arm, his lips grazing my cheek again. "You wanna stay a little longer? Or I can take you home if you're tired."
"I… I think I'll go," I muttered.
I felt Kingsley's stare burn even hotter.
"Leah?" Kurt popped his head out from the kitchen, a slice of pizza in his hand. "Want me to walk you home? I can drop by the gas station after. My car's parked right out front."
Daniel stepped in before I could answer. "It's fine, bro. I'll take her."
My stomach tightened.
Kingsley pushed off the doorway.
His voice sliced through the room, calm but heavy. "Kurt. Go with them."
Silence.
Kurt blinked. "Wait… what?"
Daniel straightened. "I said I've got it—"
"I know what you said," Kingsley cut in, finally walking into the room.
The air shifted. His presence was too big, too intense.
"But I want Kurt to go. With both of you."
Daniel scoffed. "Man, what's your deal?"
Kingsley stepped closer, eyes locked on him. "Nothing. Just don't feel like watching any more of your touchy routine."
"Kingsley," I warned softly, trying to calm the fire growing in his eyes.
He glanced at me then—and for a moment, something cracked through that cold stare. Hurt. Something deeper than anger.
But it was gone just as fast.
Kurt looked between the three of us, the tension finally hitting him like a punch. "Okay… I'm definitely missing something here."
It's late already i just want her home safe, anything happens to her is on this house so Kurt do this house a favor and join them... Kingsley said turning towards the kitchen.
Ok fine I will…. Common guys it's not a big deal Kurt added while dragging Leah outside.