Klaus scooped Emily into his arms as he descended the staircase and crossed the hallway. The wall sconces cast a soft, warm glow, elongating their shadows on the wall.
"Put me down, Klaus," Emily seized the moment when Klaus was closing the door to his room and slipped out of his grasp.
She attempted to slip past him, but his reflexes were quicker.
Klaus, towering over her, blocked her path with his broad frame. He braced his hands against the wall, using his lower body's strength to pin Emily's legs. In the confined space, his warm breath gently brushed against her cheek as he gazed down at her.
"Where do you think you're going, huh?" Klaus nudged the tip of his nose against her cheek, "You're stuck with me tonight, kitten."
"Klaus," Emily's breath caught in her throat due to his closeness, and she tilted her head to the side, avoiding his gaze.
