Bzz, bzz, bzz… Bzz, bzz, bzz…

  Kasra stirred, the persistent buzz cutting through the last remnants of sleep. Squinting at his phone, he saw Seven’s name flashing on the screen, a call that couldn’t be ignored.

  He fumbled to answer, his voice hoarse. “Morning, Sev. What’s up?”

  On the other end, Seven’s tone was brisk, though a flicker of hesitation softened it. “Sorry for waking you, Kas. I need to step away for a while, but Sana had a nightmare last night. I don’t want her waking up alone, and I can’t reach Lara.”

  His concerning words pierced Kasra’s drowsiness, drawing him upright. “Is she asleep?”

  “Yeah, for now,” Seven murmured, the unspoken fear settling between them.

  “I’m on it,” Kasra replied, fully awake. “Go do what you need to.”

  He hung up and turned to Lara, buried beneath the covers, her bare shoulders rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. Leaning over, he brushed a hand over her bare back as he said, “Darling, I need to check on Sana. I’ll be back soon.”

  A low groan escaped her, followed by a complaint. “Kasra, you’re a beast! If we don’t set some boundaries, I swear I’m breaking up with you. I’m so sore I can barely move.”

  Kasra noticed the love marks on her skin, a reminder that he’d lost control last night. “I’m sorry, Lara. I’ll make it up to you, alright? Full-body massage when I get back?”

  She snorted, her eyelids barely open. “Just go already.”

  Her sharp tone stung, and he swallowed the urge to apologize again. This was something he’d smooth over later. As he sprang out of bed, his gaze caught on the bloodstained sheets, another reminder that he’d pushed her too far. Cursing under his breath, he hurried into the closet, pulling on a T-shirt and boxers before slipping out.

  In Sana’s room, relief washed over Kasra at the sight of her in deep sleep, her small figure dwarfed by the California King. Quietly, he slid into the empty side, letting exhaustion take over.

  ……

  When Seven returned, he stopped in his tracks. Kasra was sprawled out beside Sana. He stirred at the sound of the door sliding open and gingerly slipped out of the bed.

  “Sev, I… I need some medical advice,” he whispered, careful not to wake his sister.

  Seven glanced at Sana. Her breathing was even, her face serene. He nodded, following Kasra out. They stepped into the study, where Kasra’s expression tightened.

  “Last night, Lara and I… we had sex,” he began, rubbing the back of his neck, words failing him for a moment. “When I got up this morning, I saw bloodstains on the sheets.”

  At the mention of blood, Seven’s demeanor shifted. “Was it dried or fresh?”

  Kasra swallowed, visibly uneasy. “Dried, I think.”

  “Do you want me to examine her?”

  Kasra shook his head, the tips of his ears turning red. “No. She’d be mortified. And, well… you’re a man.”

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  Understanding the delicate situation, Seven continued, “What are her symptoms?”

  Kasra echoed her grievance, a trace of guilt in his eyes. “She said she’s so sore she can’t even move.”

  Seven paused, then suggested, “How about this: I won’t examine her physically. I’ll only talk to her. I want to be sure it’s soreness and nothing more serious.”

  Kasra hesitated, weighing the proposal before relenting. “Alright. Should we go now? Will Sana wake and need you?”

  “I’ll check,” Seven replied, already padding toward the room with quiet steps.

  Sana shifted as they entered, her lashes fluttering. Seven leaned close and greeted her. “Morning, Princess.”

  “Mm, morning,” she mumbled, her mind still caught at the edges of sleep.

  Seven allowed himself a brief smile. “Lara isn’t feeling well, so I’ll go check on her. Do you need anything before I go?”

  Sana’s eyes snapped open, concern evident even through her sleepiness. “Is she alright?”

  “I’m not sure yet. I’ll be back soon. Do you need anything?”

  “No,” she hummed. “I’ll buzz you if I do. Go check on her, please.”

  Seven planted a kiss on her forehead before pulling away.

  ……

  As they reached the door, Kasra lingered. “Let me make sure she’s covered up.”

  Inside, Kasra called softly, and she stirred. “Lara, I brought Seven. He wants to talk to you, nothing more,” he said, his voice laden with a rare vulnerability.

  Lara’s gaze darted to the door, her cheeks puffing. “Why did you? It’s embarrassing.”

  Kasra offered an apologetic smile. “I’m worried about you. Just a quick check, okay?”

  Despite her reluctance, Lara finally agreed. Kasra stepped back and opened the door, gesturing for Seven to enter.

  Seven approached her bedside, his demeanor disarming. “Morning, Lara. Don’t worry, I won’t examine you physically. I just want to make sure you’re alright. Is that okay?”

  Her features softened slightly. “Yes, that’s fine.”

  “Are you still bleeding?” he asked gently.

  “N-no, I don’t think so,” she said, her uncertainty palpable.

  “Can you describe the soreness?” Seven’s approach was clinical yet kind, allowing her to speak without judgment.

  She looked away, embarrassed, but managed, “I’m sore all over, like I did an extreme workout after a long hiatus. And… down there, it hurts.”

  Seven gave her a compassionate nod. “Was it your first time?”

  Her blush deepened, and she dipped her head in confirmation.

  Getting her answer, he turned to Kasra. “Was it yours too?”

  Kasra hummed in admission, his gaze dropping to the floor.

  Turning back to Lara, Seven asked, “Would you mind moving the covers for a bit? I want to check the severity of the discharge.”

  With visible discomfort, Lara complied, pulling back enough for Seven to confirm that the stains weren’t heavy and were indeed dried. He released a quiet breath, reassured.

  “From what I can see, you’ll be fine after a few days. Avoid intercourse until you’re fully recovered,” he said, directing the last part at Kasra.

  Kasra’s shoulders slumped, remorse settling deep in his bones. “I’m sorry, Lara,” he murmured. “I… I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

  Lara turned away, frustration and shyness coloring her expression. Her silence carried the weight of unspoken emotions.

  Sensing the tension, Seven stepped in gently. “Lara, we’re all adults. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I’ll prepare a soothing cream to apply vaginally and a pain-relief cream for sore muscles. In the meantime, rest.”

  At his words, Lara finally summoned the courage to face Seven. “Thank you for your help.”

  Hearing that Lara’s injuries weren’t serious, Kasra exhaled.

  “Thanks, bro. Is there anything I can do?”

  Seven shook his head. “No. I’ll handle it. Take care of her.”

  Just as he turned to leave, Kasra called after him, “Sev, don’t forget the stylist is coming at ten.”

  Seven smirked. “Got it.”

  ……

  As the door clicked shut, a taut silence settled over the room. Lara rolled onto her side, her back to Kasra, anger simmering beneath the surface.

  Kasra’s chest tightened, but he didn’t pull away. He slid in beside her, his fingers ghosting down her back. “Lara… I freaked out when I saw the blood. I lost control. I’m a beast. Please forgive me. It was my first time, and I didn’t know my strength. Lara, please say something.”

  Her heart melted at his raw distress. She turned and rested her head against his chest. “Kasra, it was our first time. I’m sure you didn’t mean to hurt me. I… I forgive you.”

  Her words didn’t ease his guilt. Instead, they sharpened it into something quieter and heavier, a resolve to be gentler, to be worthy of the trust she had placed in him. Kasra held her as though she were something fragile, his arms no longer possessive but careful, reverent. He pressed soft kisses into her hair, whispering “I’m sorry” between each one, each repetition carrying the depth of his regret.

  Author's Note 1:

  Author's Note 2:

  Heads-up: The next update drops on Dec 26 at 8 PM SGT (+8 UTC)/ 12 PM UK GMT/ 7 AM EST / 4 AM PST! That said, if these three chapters weren’t enough to satisfy your craving, I’ve uploaded six advance chapters over on my —plenty more drama, tension, and love waiting for you there. ??

  Author's Note 3:

  It's still a few days out, but I'd like to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas in advance! ??? Thank you for following along on this wild ride—I hope your holidays are filled with warmth, laughter, and a little romance of your own. ??