The silence after their storm was never quiet.
Cassian traced lazy circles on Riven's bare back, still damp with sweat. The sheets tangled around their limbs, evidence of the chaos that had just unfolded. But it wasn't over—not really.
Because something unspoken clung to the air between them. Heavy. Hot. Dangerous.
"You haven't asked about Silas," Riven murmured, eyes trained on the ceiling.
Cassian's fingers stilled. "Because I don't need to."
Riven turned, meeting his gaze. "He kissed me."
Cassian didn't flinch. Didn't even blink. But the shift in his body was undeniable. A sharp inhale. A slight tremor in the hand still resting on Riven's hip. "Did you kiss him back?"
Riven didn't answer right away. And that pause spoke louder than words.
Cassian rolled away, sitting on the edge of the bed, muscles tense. "Do you still love him?"
"No," Riven said, too quickly. Then again, slower. "I don't think I ever did. Not the way I love you."
Cassian turned, eyes dark, hungry, possessive. "Then why does it feel like he still owns a piece of you?"
Riven sat up, letting the sheet fall, baring the bruises Cassian had left. "Because I gave it to him once. And he broke it. And now I'm terrified that you'll do the same."
Cassian stood and crossed the room. "I'm not him."
"Prove it."
And just like that, the heat reignited.
Cassian didn't touch him gently. Not this time. His hands gripped Riven's wrists, pinning them above his head against the wall. "You want me to prove it?" His voice was a whisper against Riven's ear. "Then you don't get to hide."
"I'm not hiding—"
"You are," Cassian growled. "Behind sarcasm. Behind those walls you built for him. But not with me. Not anymore."
Riven's heart pounded as Cassian dropped to his knees, spreading his thighs apart.
"Say my name."
"Cassian."
"Louder."
"Cassian—fuck—"
His mouth found Riven, all tongue and fire, and Riven arched with a cry that echoed off the walls. His fingers tangled in Cassian's hair, tugging, begging, needing.
Cassian didn't let up. Not until Riven was shaking, gasping, falling apart against the wall. He stood then, lifting him, carrying him to the bed like a man on a mission.
"Mine," he whispered, lining up, thrusting in slow and deep. "You're mine, Riven. No one else gets to touch you. No one else gets to see you like this."
Riven clawed at his back. "Then don't ever stop."
They moved together—grinding, panting, pushing each other to the brink. Each thrust was a promise. Each kiss a vow. Cassian whispered Riven's name like a prayer, over and over, until neither of them could tell where one ended and the other began.
After, when their breaths evened out and the sweat dried, Riven curled into Cassian's side.
"He wants to come between us," he said softly.
Cassian held him tighter. "Then let him try. I'll burn down the world before I let him have you again."
Riven didn't speak—but the way he held on said everything.