𝐂𝐡𝐩𝐭 𝟏𝟔

Kamala had fallen asleep in my arms, her breathing soft and steady. As I watched her, I knew I should be mad—furious, even. But being mad at Kamala? That was damn near impossible. If anything, my anger burned for someone else. Stanley.

She liked Kamala—it was obvious. And even though she had no idea about me and Kamala, she couldn't stand to see us together. Maybe the story Kamala told me was true, maybe it wasn't. I had no way of knowing. But what I did know was that Stanley was pushing boundaries she had no business crossing.

I promised Kamala I wouldn't lay a hand on that woman, and I meant it. But if she pulls some slick shit like that again—trying to take Kamala away from me—there won't be any more talking. Titles don't mean a damn thing to me. Professor or not, next time, I'm crashing out.

As I was lost in my thoughts, I pressed a gentle kiss to Kamala's forehead, letting the warmth of her body against mine anchor me. The steady rise and fall of her chest, the soft little snores escaping her lips—I couldn't help but smile.

Sleep pulled me under soon after, wrapping me in the quiet safety of her presence.

Morning arrived with the sun's rays spilling through the curtains, warming my skin. I let out a slow yawn, stretching as I reached over—only to find the space beside me empty. My brows furrowed, but before worry could set in, my eyes landed on a small note resting on the pillow.

Pink hearts were drawn around the edges.

"Good morning, my beautiful baby. I had to leave early for a meeting but I'll be back later to get you so make sure you're dressed. I love you so much."

A smile tugged at my lips before I even had the chance to stop it. I already knew it was going to set the tone for my day.

Wasting no time, I headed straight for my closet. I never knew where we'd be going, so I played it safe with something casual for the warm weather. White shorts and a baby pink tank top—it was simple, cute, and perfect for the heat.

I hesitated for a moment, knowing Kamala would probably have something to say about my choice. But whatever. I'd take the risk.

With that settled, I ran a brush through my hair, letting it flow freely down my back, my middle part crisp and clean. Satisfied with how I looked, I took one last glance in the mirror before turning my attention back to the note, curiosity growing by the second.

But first—my morning routine. I did my skincare, brushed my teeth, and gave myself a moment to wake up fully. Kamala hadn't mentioned what time she was coming, so until then, I decided to step outside for some fresh air.

The moment I stepped out, the warm spring breeze kissed my skin. The sun shone brilliantly overhead, and the sky stretched above me, a perfect shade of blue. Everything felt calm and alive all at once.

I reached into my pocket, pulled out my AirPods, and queued up my playlist. As I walked, the sounds of birds chirping mixed with the distant laughter of kids playing outside. Mornings like this always felt good—just me, the fresh air, and a few quiet blocks to get my blood flowing and set the tone for the day.

As I walked, my thoughts naturally drifted to Kamala—what she was doing, if she was thinking about me too. No matter what I was doing, she always found a way to take up space in my mind. She had this effect on me, this pull I couldn't ignore. In my eyes, she was perfect, and I couldn't imagine my days without her.

I wasn't the type to simp. But for Kamala? I would. No hesitation.

Reaching the last block, I started making my way back, lowering the volume of my music as I approached my house. That's when I spotted my neighbor outside, shooting hoops in their driveway.

Just great. Please don't see me. Just keep your back turned until I pass, and everything will be smooth.

But, of course, life wasn't that easy.

"Wassup, Allura? You look pretty today," Jay said, turning around with that obnoxious smile I knew all too well.

I barely spared him a glance. "Hey, Jay." Short. Simple. Dismissive. I didn't slow down, didn't give him any room to drag me into conversation.

But, of course, Jay never knew how to take a hint.

"Wait, wait, hold up." Jay hurried to match my pace, dribbling his basketball as he walked beside me. "When are you gonna stop acting like that and let me take you out?"

I let out a deep sigh, already over this conversation before it even started. Side-eyeing him, I finally turned slightly to face him.

"Boy, never. Didn't I already tell you I don't like men?"

He chuckled, unfazed, spinning the ball in his hands. "Yeah, you did—but that's only 'cause you haven't experienced me yet."

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head as I shoved him away. "Bye, Jay."

"It's not gonna happen, Jay," I said, shaking my head. "You're cool, don't get me wrong, but you already know I like women."

He smirked, tossing his basketball up and catching it with ease. "I respect it, lil' mama. But whenever you're ready to stop playing, I'm right next door." He threw his hands up in surrender, as if he wasn't just trying—again.

I rolled my eyes, ready to brush him off for good, but before I could respond, the low rumble of a car engine caught my attention.

Right next to me.

"You know her?" Jay asked, eyeing the car with curiosity.

I didn't even have to look—I already knew. Kamala.

For some reason, a wave of nervous energy ran through me.

"Yes, she does," Kamala's voice cut through the moment, firm and unmistakable. "Allura, get in."

I shot Jay an apologetic smile, but deep down, I was grateful for the save. Without hesitation, I slid into the passenger seat, shutting the door behind me.

As soon as I turned toward Kamala, I found her already looking at me—eyes dark, expression unreadable.

Challenging.

"Who was that?" Kamala asked, her voice sharp with concern. "Did he try to touch you? Come here, let me see you."

Before I could say anything, Kamala cupped my face gently in her hands, her touch soft but urgent. She examined me closely, like she was making sure there wasn't a scratch or bruise on me.

Her lips pressed against my skin in quick, affectionate kisses, one after the other, each one making my heart beat a little faster.

"What were you doing out here anyway?" she asked, pulling back just slightly but still keeping her hands on me.

"I was going for my morning walk," I explained, trying to steady my breath. "He happened to be out here when I was coming back. That's my neighbor."

Kamala shifted slightly in her seat, those brown eyes locking onto mine like she was reading me. "Does he like you or something?"

I could feel myself fidgeting with the hem of my shirt, nervous energy crawling up my spine. "Yeah, but I don't like him like that. He knows that."

Kamala gave a small nod of approval, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. Her eyes drifted over my body, and I felt a rush of heat spread through me.

Kamala's gaze turned heated, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "You look so pretty right now, I could just eat you up. But those shorts? Not gonna cut it."

I raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "What's wrong with them?"

She smirked, her eyes darkening. "You're showing skin, sweet pea. Skin that's for my eyes only. So, how about we go inside and find you something a little more... covered?"

Before I could respond, Kamala was already out of the car, striding around to my side. Without a word, she opened the door and grabbed my hand, her grip firm as she led me inside. Her pace was steady, determined, like she knew exactly what she wanted.

We reached my bedroom, and Kamala didn't hesitate—she marched straight for my closet and pulled out a pair of white sweats.

I scrunched my face in immediate protest. "You've got to be kidding me."

Kamala raised an eyebrow, unbothered. "You can make that face all you want, but you're wearing these sweats. Either that or some jeans."

Kamala didn't waste a second. She grabbed me by the belt loop, unzipping my shorts with a practiced ease. They fell to my ankles, and I stepped out of them, kicking them aside. I knew I wouldn't get far with these shorts, but I had to at least try testing my luck.

I put the sweats on, shooting Kamala a challenging look as I did.

She stood up from the bed, a grin spreading across her face as she twirled me into a 360 spin.

"Look at you. Just stunning." She examined me with a smile that seemed to light up the room. "These sweats look just as good as those shorts."

I felt a flutter in my chest, but she didn't let me linger on it for long. "If you don't want me to show leg just say that, Kamala."

Kamala's expression shifted, turning serious. She stopped mid-step, her eyes locking onto mine.

"I don't want you showing leg," she said, her tone firm, not a hint of playfulness.

I raised an eyebrow, but her gaze didn't waver. There was no room for argument.

"Now, let's get going," she added, her voice softening just enough to let me know she wasn't upset, just in control.

I followed her out the front door, the anticipation buzzing through me. "Can you tell me where we're going this time?"

Kamala glanced back at me, her mischievous glint still dancing in her eyes. "Since you asked like a good girl, I can. We're going to a bakery in town."

The Bakery ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

"Everything looks so delicious here," Kamala said, her voice playful. "Do you see anything you like, princess?"

I scanned the display of desserts, my mouth watering at the options. Finally, my eyes landed on a blueberry muffin behind the glass.

"Hmm, I think I'll try the blueberry muffin."

"Blueberry muffin it is." Kamala turned to the worker, still holding my hand with a steady grip. "Could I please have one blueberry muffin and a slice of the caramel cake, please?"

The worker smiled and nodded. "Yes, of course. Would you like any drinks, ma'am?"

Kamala turned to me, that warm smile still on her face. "Do you want a drink, Lura?"

I couldn't help but smile back. "I'll do a white milk."

"White milk, please." Kamala turned to the worker with a polite tone, before adding, "For me, I'll do a strawberry milk."

I couldn't help but feel a rush of affection. Ugh, she's so sweet.

We grabbed our desserts and made our way to a table in the middle of the bakery. Kamala kept glancing at my muffin, and I couldn't hold back my laughter.

"What are you laughing at?" Kamala asked, her voice carrying that playful tone.

I grinned and held the muffin out toward her. "You wanna try some of my muffin?"

Her face lit up with excitement as she leaned forward, opening her mouth to take a bite, humming in approval.

"Do you like it?" I asked, my smile widening.

"That's really good! I probably should've gotten that too." Kamala took a piece of her caramel cake with her fork and, with a gentle hand, cupped my chin.

"Here, try this," she said, offering me a bite.

I took the cake into my mouth as Kamala watched me in awe. We both took a sip of our milks.

"This is really good," I said, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.

Kamala started laughing, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she pointed at my lip.

"You've got a milk stache, sweet pea."

I couldn't help but laugh along with her, feeling a little embarrassed but mostly amused by the situation. Looking up, Kamala had one just as big as me and the laughter came out.

"You've got one too, Kamala."

We both burst into laughter, the sound filling the air. I quickly pulled out my phone, snapping a picture of Kamala with a grin. She did the same, capturing the moment before she leaned in, her face softening.

Without a word, she placed a gentle kiss on my lips, and I could taste the strawberry milk lingering on her lips. As I kissed her back, I bit down gently on her bottom lip, just enough to draw a soft moan from her mouth. She pulled back slightly, a smirk tugging at her lips.

Kamala pulled back just slightly, her voice low and teasing. "Don't get me started, Allura. I'll make sure you can't walk."

I leaned back, raising an eyebrow, my lips curling into a smirk. "Oh, really? Challenge accepted."

Cute chapter since they've been going through it a little bit. <3