INSOMNIA

“I think you should see a doctor as well,” Carson said, his concern for Drake clear in his eyes. For a moment, Drake stood frozen in his spot.

That worry, which had never been there before, was suddenly back. He could feel the old friend he had missed for so long within Carson. Why was he suddenly worried now? Carson had never cared when Drake got shot three times in his arms and legs.

“Uhm… I don’t think it’s that severe, though,” Drake said, feeling a bit uneasy with the sudden change. It’s true that sudden changes, even if they are acts of love and care, can feel uncomfortable and unreliable at the beginning.

Carson sensed the discomfort and quickly took his hand away. “Yeah, alright,” he muttered, his temples twitching as he opened the door and stepped inside the room.

‘Is this uneasiness going to last all night?’ Carson sighed internally, noticing Luna’s eyes fixed on him. He didn’t want her to know how he felt around her.

Without uttering a single word, he left to wash up. Luna’s anxiety grew stronger, wondering what would happen next.

Soon enough, Carson emerged from the bathroom. Dressed in a loose robe with a towel in hand, he dried his hair. Water droplets slid down his hair, tracing the sharp contours of his chest.

What could be more captivating than the most dangerous and handsome mafia heir? It felt as though Luna had stumbled upon a fortune cookie—but its message was concealed with both hope and fear.

His gaze settled on her. It was obvious she was fidgeting with her fingers and biting her lips repeatedly. She looked nervous. Scared. Anxious.

A playful smirk spread across his ruggedly handsome face. Slowly, he made deliberate steps toward her, the faint sound of his movements announcing his approach.

“Get up.” Those two words were enough to startle her. She was so consumed by her nerves that she hadn’t even noticed when he came out of the bathroom.

“Y…Yes, sir.” She gulped harshly, trying to stand but stumbling as her legs trembled beneath her.

Carson’s hand shot out, wrapping around her waist and steadying her.

A sudden silence filled the room. His gaze locked onto her face, so close to his. His heartbeat thundered in his chest, and hers mirrored the rhythm. For a fleeting moment, she caught sight of his crystal-clear eyes again.

“Beautiful,” he breathed out, unknowingly.

“Huh?” She made a small noise, blinking rapidly. ‘Was that meant for me?’ she wondered.

“Uhm…” He quickly released her, running his fingers through his hair in an attempt to calm himself. “Sleep on the couch there. You’ll find some blankets in the closet. Go!” He practically shouted the last word as if annoyed.

She flinched slightly, lowering her head and moving stiffly. Step by step, she walked to the closet, retrieved a blanket, and settled on the couch.

“Why did he even ask me to stay here if he wasn’t planning to do anything?” Luna muttered softly to herself, confident that the bed’s distance would keep her voice unheard.

“Do you want me to do something?” Carson’s deep, hoarse voice cut through the air.

“Huh! I…” She was completely taken aback. ‘What the hell!’

Carson stepped closer, shoving a pillow into her hands. She tried to take it, but his grip remained firm as though he didn’t want to let go.

“Stop provoking me when you know you can’t handle it,” he said, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. Stiff and fidgeting, she resembled a ball of nerves. Without another word, he turned away and opened his laptop.

Luna sat frozen, hearing him type away. She didn’t dare make a sound or move further. She lay down on the couch, trying to remain as calm as water in a glass.

She couldn’t sleep all night, listening to the constant noise of his typing. Finally, in the early hours of the morning, his movements ceased, allowing her to relax.

When she opened her eyes the next moment, she couldn’t move her body. Her blanket was unfamiliar, and someone was holding her. All she could see was a blurry, masculine figure embracing her.

He was calm and still, radiating warmth. A sudden rush of panic surged through her, and she tried to pull away, though unsuccessfully.

Carson pulled her closer. Their noses almost touched, and his warm breath grazed her soft skin. ‘So damn close.’ Her eyes widened in shock.

Slowly, Carson stirred awake, his half-lidded gaze meeting hers. In his subconscious state, he couldn’t resist her soft, plump lips and leaned in to kiss her.

Luna froze, forgetting to breathe. His kiss was gentle and deliberate, as though he was savoring cotton candy.

The next moment, her collar irritated her skin, and she let out a small sound of discomfort. Carson immediately pulled back, concern flashing across his face.

“Ehm…” He shoved her away as though he hadn’t meant to touch her in the first place. “Something came over me. I’m sorry. I have to go,” he said hurriedly. “Why am I even explaining this?” he muttered, shaking his head as he disappeared into the bathroom.

“What… what just happened?” Luna whispered in disbelief, trying to process the events. She sat up straight, realization dawning upon her.

“This isn’t where I fell asleep,” she murmured, running her hands over the soft silk sheets. “I’m in bed?” Her shock deepened.

A knock on the door interrupted her spiraling thoughts. Drake entered with a cheerful smile.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he said, relieved. ‘So, nothing happened,’ he thought.

“Good morning,” Luna replied with a genuine smile.

“Where’s Carson?” Drake asked, his tone conversational but curious.

“In the bathroom. He just woke up,” she replied earnestly, her trust in Drake making her comfortable around him.

Drake chuckled. “He what?”

“He’s in the bathroom,” she repeated innocently, pointing toward it.

“Yeah, I get that. But he just woke up? He slept?” Drake’s tone betrayed his surprise.

Luna frowned in confusion. She was certain Carson had been sleeping earlier.

Just then, Carson emerged from the bathroom, raising his brows at the sight of Drake talking to Luna.

“What’s the matter?” Carson asked, noting their startled expressions.

“I heard you slept?” Drake said with a grin, attempting to act friendly.

Carson’s gaze shifted between Luna and Drake. “Stop smiling. And stop acting like we’re friends,” Carson snapped, rolling his eyes. Drake’s smile vanished.

“What’s the schedule?” Carson asked, glancing at the time. Though it was nearly noon, he knew nothing urgent awaited him until evening.

Drake cleared his throat. “We need to check on the club at Northeast Mulberry. You have an appointment with Top and Greg. That’s about it. But later tonight, we need to—”

“Shh!” Carson cut him off, his eyes darting to Luna. She appeared lost in thought, but he didn’t trust her not to overhear.

“Hey! You! Big eyes. Go take a shower or something,” Carson barked at Luna. She jumped and immediately headed to the bathroom, keeping her head low.

“How long have you been working here?” Carson asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

“My whole life?” Drake replied uncertainly, unsure of what Carson wanted.

“And yet you still don’t have a clue about discretion? Why do I have to put up with this level of stupidity?” Carson said with exasperation. He couldn’t fire or harm Drake—his father’s orders were clear.

“I’m sorry,” Drake muttered, closing his tablet. He moved to the closet, picking out Carson’s outfit for the day—a part of his daily duties.

As they were about to leave, Luna stepped out of the bathroom. Her damp hair clung to her skin, and she wore only the towel she had found. Believing they had already left, she walked to the closet, oblivious to Carson’s piercing gaze.

“Go wait by the car,” Carson ordered Drake.

Drake hesitated. He knew Carson’s temper too well, but he had no choice. With a sigh, he left the room.