Before Lucas knew what was happening, Katelyn burst out of the bathroom with a grin, her eyes sparkling. "Surprise! Did you miss me?"

Lucas’s face lit up with joy, his tiredness and dizziness momentarily forgotten. "What are you doing here?"

"I talked to Mom and Dad," Katelyn explained, stepping closer. "They said it was okay for me to come stay with you for the night."

Before she could say another word, Lucas rushed over and wrapped her in his arms, holding her tightly. "I’m so happy you’re here," he whispered, his relief palpable.

"I saw the competition," Katelyn said, her voice soft as she hugged him back. "I was hiding in the back so you wouldn’t see me. I’m proud of you. Congratulations on the win!"

"Mmmm," Lucas hummed, his face buried in her neck. "None of that matters as much as having you in my arms right now."

Katelyn giggled, squeezing him closer. "I love you."

"I love you too," Lucas murmured.

But then something shifted. Lucas suddenly felt hot, his vision swimming. A wave of dizziness hit him hard, and Katelyn pulled back, noticing the beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"Are you okay?" Katelyn asked, her voice filled with concern as she wiped the sweat from his face. "What’s wrong?"

"I don’t know," Lucas muttered, swaying slightly. "I feel... dizzy. Really hot."

Before she could say more, Lucas leaned in and kissed her deeply, his lips trailing down her neck, his body pressing into hers.

Katelyn’s heart raced. Something was off. She gently placed her hands on his chest, trying to calm him down. "Lucas, I think... I think you might have been drugged."

Lucas paused, realization dawning on him. He blinked, trying to focus. "Drugged?" He swallowed, feeling the haze clouding his mind. "Maybe you’re right. I’m sorry. Did I scare you?"

Katelyn shook her head, her voice soothing. "No, you didn’t scare me. I know it’s not your fault." She brushed a hand through his damp hair. "Why don’t you take a cold shower? I’ll tuck you in afterward."

Lucas gave her a weak smile. "Yes, Mommy," he teased.

Katelyn laughed and playfully swatted his arm. "Quit joking around and get in the shower."

"Okay, okay," Lucas chuckled, though his legs wobbled beneath him. "Can you help me? I’m too dizzy to walk there by myself."

With a nod, Katelyn helped him to the bathroom. Lucas undressed slowly and stepped into the cold shower, the cool water helping to clear the fog from his mind. As the water ran down his body, he started feeling more like himself again, but Katelyn’s mind was elsewhere.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Katelyn’s thoughts raced. It had to be Lucy, she thought, her fingers clenching into fists. She’s been too quiet. I bet she planned to come here, thinking Lucas would be drugged and alone.

Katelyn smirked to herself. Wait until she knocks on this door and finds me here instead.

When Lucas finally emerged from the bathroom, wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist, Katelyn’s breath hitched. His toned chest glistened with water, and she quickly looked away, her cheeks flushing pink.

Lucas grinned, noticing her reaction. "Like what you see?"

Katelyn’s face turned an even deeper shade of red as she fumbled for words. "Umm... get dressed," she muttered, avoiding his gaze.

Laughing, Lucas quickly pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. "Okay, you can look now. It’s safe."

Katelyn turned back around, trying to compose herself. "Quit teasing me and lay down. I’ll get you a glass of water. You need rest." She handed him the glass, her voice suddenly serious. "I think Lucy did this to you."

Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I think you’re right. It must’ve been at dinner when she brought the drinks."

"She’s such a nasty witch," Katelyn hissed, her anger bubbling to the surface. "I’m so mad right now."

Lucas reached out and grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze. "Don’t worry. She can’t have me."

Katelyn’s heart softened at his words. "But what if I wasn’t here?"

Lucas smiled, his voice gentle. "I just wouldn’t have answered the door."

As the conversation faded, Lucas yawned deeply, the lingering effects of the drug pulling him under. He drank the water Katelyn handed him, then laid back on the bed, his eyes already closing.

Within minutes, he was fast asleep, his breathing deep and steady.

Katelyn sat beside him, her fingers gently brushing stray strands of hair from his face. Her heart ached with love for him. She leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead.

Lucy thought she could pull something like this and get away with it, Katelyn thought, her eyes narrowing. But she’ll regret ever messing with Lucas—and with me.

As Lucas slept soundly, Katelyn stayed close by, determined to protect the one person who meant everything to her.