A groggy haze clung to me as consciousness crept back, the warm weight of arms enfolding me pressing gently against my chest. I tried to stir, a flutter of panic rising when I realized I was not alone.

Peeling my eyes open, the sight of Mariano’s familiar face hovering just above startled me so fiercely I startled awake with a sharp gasp.

"Oh my god!" I exclaimed, pushing at his arms, scrambling away and curling protectively around myself.

He shifted back, propping himself up on his elbows with an easy smirk. "Why the sudden alarm?" he asked, eyes twinkling with amusement.

My pulse quickened, distance widening between us as I paced, clutching at the thin fabric draped over me. "Where am I? Why am I in your bed? And... where's my dress?" My voice trembled, edged with confusion and fear.

Mariano’s expression softened, his tone gentle yet teasing. "You don’t remember? You went a bit overboard with the wine last night, and since we weren’t sure where you lived, we brought you back here." He paused, meeting my wary gaze. "I swear, nothing happened. I would never take advantage of you."

The fog of memory stirred, images flashing: my head resting in his lap, the warmth of his touch, a strange dream that left a blush burning my cheeks despite its surreal nature.

"Who changed me?" I asked, voice barely above a whisper.

"Valerian’s sister—wanted to respect your privacy," Mariano replied, a hint of protectiveness threading through his words.

"You fell asleep next to me because you wouldn’t let go. You pulled me down, and that’s how we ended up sharing the bed," he added with a grin.

My face flamed scarlet; I looked away, suddenly shy. "Did I do anything embarrassing?" I queried nervously.

He shook his head, amusement dancing in his eyes. "No, just a few harmless moments."

My fingers nervously twisted the hem of the silky nightgown. "Where exactly am I?"

Before he could answer, the bedroom door creaked open, revealing Valerian and Alessandro. The subtle energy in the room shifted palpably.

"This is highly unprofessional," I muttered, stepping back against the wall, heart pounding.

"Funny you say that," Alessandro murmured dryly from my side. I raised a brow, turning to him. "What do you mean?"

His smirk deepened as he glanced at Mariano, who shot him a warning look. "Nothing—just had an... interesting ride with you," Alessandro teased.

"What is he talking about?" I asked, baffled. Mariano gave a helpless shake of his head.

"Nothing, really. Just that you did a lot of riding," Alessandro quipped, prompting Valerian to lightly jab him in the chest.

A pounding throb settled behind my temples, and I pinched the bridge of my nose. "My head hurts," I admitted, voice thick with discomfort.

Mariano rose, concern replacing his teasing smile. "What’s wrong, bambina?" His hand reached out, gently cradling my face.

Tears pricked the corners of my eyes as I whimpered, "I need to get home for medicine."

He stroked my hair softly. "That’s a hangover. We have something here for it, okay?" I nodded hesitantly, allowing him to lead me to another room.

Light flicked on, revealing a small, airy bathroom. Mariano lifted me up effortlessly, and I yelped in surprise.

"What are you doing?" I asked as he placed me carefully on the counter.

Ignoring my protest, he bent down to retrieve a pill bottle. "Take two of these. I’ll grab you some toothpaste and a brush."

He handed me the items before quietly exiting, leaving me alone with my swirling thoughts.

As I brushed, my mind replayed the vivid dream—intense and strange—yet every memory sparked a thrum of warmth through me.

The way I'd pressed against Mariano’s thigh in the dream had felt better than anything, igniting sensations I barely dared acknowledge. The whispered 'kitten' and the command to 'come for me' echoed in my mind, sending shivers down my spine.

My cheeks flushed crimson; how could I entertain such forbidden fantasies about one of my students? Yet the feelings felt so real, so potent.

Shaking off the unsettling thoughts, I rinsed and splashed cool water to clear my head, steeling myself before stepping out.

There he was—Valerian—shirtless, his defined abs catching the morning light. My breath hitched, but I forced my gaze upward, meeting his calm, knowing eyes.

"Mariano forgot to give you water for the pills," Valerian said, handing me a bottle with a teasing wink before turning away.

I swallowed the pills, watching him retreat, my heart fluttering with a confusing mix of gratitude and unease.

Wandering aimlessly in the vast mansion, I encountered Mariano in what looked like a moment of vulnerability, his head tilted back, eyes nearly closed.

"Mariano?" I called softly. Some muffled groans and a faint smacking noise floated to me. He hastily threw a blanket across his lap and turned toward me, cheeks flushed.

"Are you alright?" I asked, stepping closer.

He nodded but seemed flustered. "Yeah, just... what do you need?"

"My things. I need to go home," I said, clutching the nightgown tighter.

He hesitated. "They’re downstairs. I need a moment to get dressed."

I offered a weak apology. "Sorry for being such a mess last night. I've never had wine," I confessed, cheeks burning.

"It's okay," he replied softly.

I left to find the stairs, the unfamiliar heft of my sore feet aching as I descended cautiously.

At the bottom, I found my heels, dress, and handbag neatly arranged on a table. Pulling out a pen and a sticky note, I scribbled a quick message explaining I'd ordered an Uber, not wanting to inconvenience them.

Slipping on the heels, I clutched the dress against my chest and stepped onto the front porch, dusk settling coolly around me.

"Ms. Pritchett, what are you doing out here?" Valerian’s voice came from behind, making me spin around.

He regarded me with a curious frown. "I called an Uber. I don’t want to trouble you this weekend," I said, offering a reassuring smile.

"We’ll take you home. It’s freezing," he insisted.

"No, really, I’m fine—ah!" I yelped as he suddenly scooped me up over his shoulder.

"Put me down!" I whimpered, clutching his body, heart pounding fiercely.

Ignoring my protests, he carried me back inside, finally setting me down gently.

"That was unprofessional and inappropriate," I scolded, narrowing my eyes.

"I said we’d take you home," he replied with a smirk.

"No! My babies need me," I whined, referring to my beloved pets.

"Babies?" Valerian echoed, expression blank.

I sighed, placing a hand on my hip. "My pets."

He nodded slowly, a smile tugging at his lips. "Fine. How about you eat here, then we’ll take you home?" He motioned toward the kitchen.

Peeking inside, my eyes widened as I saw Mariano and Alessandro cooking shirtless, Alessandro feeding Mariano with a spoon, their hands intertwined tenderly.

A flush spread across my cheeks, and I hesitated. "I can eat later," I murmured.

"You need to eat," Valerian said firmly. "Pills like those require food."

Resigned, I sat at the kitchen table with a huff, resting my chin in my hands and frowning playfully. "You know this is basically kidnapping, right? You’re holding me against my will."

His eyes darkened with a hint of something mischievous. "All for your own good, kitten."

Despite my protests, a small smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. Deep down, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be, tangled in the complicated web they wove around me.