𝐂𝐡𝐩𝐭 𝟏𝟗

I pushed myself up from the bed, my legs shaky beneath me. Kamala caught me just in time before I could collapse.

"Struggling to walk, Allura?" she teased.

I let out a small chuckle. "Not at all. I'm perfectly fine, thank you very much, Professor Harris."

With a firm yet gentle grip on my waist, she guided me toward the bathtub. Given how spacious Kamala's house was, it wasn't surprising that her bathroom was as big as my living room.

"Alright, Ms. Independent. Let's get that bath started."

Kamala took my hand and helped me ease into the tub. She turned on the water, adjusting the temperature to ensure it was just right for me. Her kindness never failed to warm my heart.

"I know I've got some lavender oils around here somewhere. Is the water warm enough for you, sweet pea?" she asked, rubbing my arm gently.

For a moment, I just gazed at her, taking in the sight of her. "It's perfect."

She smiled before pressing a soft kiss to my lips.

"Good. I'll go grab some Epsom salt. Be right back."

With that, Kamala slipped out of the bathroom, leaving me in silence for a brief moment. The second she was gone, I missed her already. No matter how short the separation, I always longed for her presence. But even now, alone in the warm water, I felt completely cherished. Kamala saw me—truly saw me—and there was no doubt in my heart that I was deeply in love with this woman. I had never felt this way about anyone before.

A few minutes later, she returned, wearing that signature pout of hers.

"You look adorable when you do that," I teased, leaning over the edge of the tub and biting my lip slightly. "It seriously drives me crazy."

Kamala smirked, but I could tell she meant every word when she said, "Allura, if you keep sweet-talking me, you'll end up right back on that bed, begging for my mercy."

I lifted my hands in surrender, grinning. "Wouldn't mind that one bit."

She chuckled, gently rubbing her nose against mine.

"Well, we're out of Epsom salt, so I'm gonna run to the store and grab some more."

I glanced up at her, my voice soft. "Are you sure? I can go get it for you."

Kamala threw on her green hoodie and a pair of black sweats. "No, it's okay, sweet pea. I know you're a little wobbly right now," she said, letting out a deep, belly laugh as she glanced back at me.

"Oh, so you've got jokes now, huh?" I tilted my head, trying to sound offended, but I couldn't help laughing along with her.

"I do, but I'm not wrong," she teased, grabbing her keys before leaning in to press one last, lingering kiss to my lips. Her softness against mine sent a warmth through me. "You stay here. I'll be back before you know it."

Our eyes locked as I returned the kiss.

"I'll miss you," I murmured, reaching for her hand.

"Aww, I'm gonna miss you too, babygirl. I won't be long. Stay put, okay?"

Kamala walked out, and I heard the soft click of the front door closing behind her. Leaning back slightly in the tub, I gazed up at the ceiling with a smile. The warm water eased my sore muscles, so I let myself sink further, fully submerging beneath the surface.

I stayed under for a few minutes when I suddenly heard the front door open again. That was fast—Kamala did say she'd be quick, but this was almost too quick. I remained underwater, waiting for her. But then, the distinct sound of heels clicking against the floor caught my attention. Before I could resurface, I heard my name.

"Oh my god, Allura!?"

I quickly shot up, water cascading down my face as I blinked in surprise. I hadn't been expecting her.

"H-hey, Maya."

Shit. I was completely naked, my soaking curls clinging to my skin. This was definitely not how I wanted to be seen. Silence hung in the air as we both froze. Maya's wide eyes locked onto me, as if she had just seen a ghost.

"I'm so sorry, Allura. I didn't know you were in here," she said, her voice hurried.

She hesitated for a moment before stepping closer to the side of the tub.

"Umm, it's fine," I muttered, clearing my throat. "I'm just waiting for Kamala to get back from the store. I didn't know you two lived together."

I reached for a towel, ready to get out, but Maya quickly stopped me.

"No need, Allura. Stay right where you are—don't let me interrupt," Maya said with an apologetic smile as she perched herself on the edge of the tub, her eyes fixed on me. The whole situation felt awkward as hell.

"Oh, uh—okay," I mumbled, shifting slightly. "But I should probably cover up, you know... since you're here." I let out a nervous laugh, hoping to ease the tension and find a way out of this uncomfortable moment.

I have to find a way to get out of this before Kamala gets back.

"Wow, I get why Kamala's so..." Maya's voice trailed off before she added, "protective. You're beautiful like this."

I was completely speechless. Maya was sitting there, looking at me like she wanted to devour me whole.

She moved closer, sitting right next to the tub. Her fingers gently traced the line of my cheek before sliding into my hair. Her face was so close to mine, I could feel her breath on my skin.

"You're so beautiful, Allura. Your scent, your hair—everything about you is just..." She pulled a lock of my hair to her nose, inhaling deeply.

I shifted uncomfortably, my heart racing. "Maya, I can't do this. I love Kamala, and I would never do anything to hurt or betray her—"

Before I could finish my sentence, she pressed a finger to my lips, silencing me.

"Shh, just listen," Maya murmured, her lips hovering dangerously close to mine. "I know what you're thinking, but I've wanted you since the moment I stepped foot in that school. You're so incredibly smart, and Kamala... she doesn't treat you the way I would."

I tried to stand, desperate to put some space between us, but my legs refused to cooperate—they were still weak from earlier. Defeated, I slowly sank back down into the water.

Maya let out a low, knowing laugh, that single dimple of hers appearing.

"So, my sister has your legs weak, huh?" She leaned in, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "If it were me, you'd be screaming my name, Allura."

The sound of the front door opening made me jump. But Maya? She didn't even flinch. She remained perfectly still, her eyes locked onto mine, completely unfazed.

"Maya, if Kamala sees you, she's going to flip," I whispered urgently, motioning for her to leave. But she didn't budge.

Kamala's footsteps echoed through the house, getting closer. And then, she was there—standing in the doorway of the bathroom.

The bag she was holding slipped from her grasp, hitting the floor with a soft thud. Her eyes immediately locked onto Maya's. On the surface, she looked calm. Too calm. But I knew Kamala—this was the quiet before the storm.

"Maya, why the hell are you in here?" Kamala asked, leaning against the doorframe as she kicked off her shoes, her voice laced with warning.

Maya finally shifted her gaze to Kamala. "Well, you didn't mention that Allura was here," she said smoothly. "I came looking for you and just happened to find her instead."

Kamala's brow furrowed, her jaw tightening. I could see the vein on the side of her head start to appear—a clear sign that she was barely holding back her temper.

Mommy is pissed.

"Okay, so why are you still in here, Maya?" Kamala's voice was steady, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. She took a step closer, her eyes locked onto her sister. "Let me make something crystal clear—Allura is mine. She's not yours to have. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, Kamala, I understand," Maya said smoothly as she rose from the edge of the tub. "I was only keeping her company until you got back."

Kamala inhaled slowly, her expression unreadable as she pulled off her hoodie. "That's what I'm here for," she shot back. "So stop making excuses."

Before leaving, Maya offered an apologetic smile, but there was something unreadable lurking beneath it.

Kamala wasted no time crossing the room to me, gently cupping my face as she studied my expression.

"I'm sorry I took longer than expected, sweet pea," she murmured, her thumb brushing over my cheek. "Are you okay? Did my sister try anything?"

I instinctively leaned into her touch, finding comfort in it. "No, I'm fine. She really didn't know I was in here."

Kamala sighed, her eyes dark with something unspoken. "I'm sorry you had to see that, but we need to set some boundaries," she said, beginning to undress.

"I understand."

Now completely undressed, Kamala stepped toward the bathtub, her gaze locked onto mine.

"You belong to me, Allura Wright," she murmured, her voice low and possessive.