Lucy screamed, her voice shrill and panicked, echoing off the walls. "I can’t believe you’re doing this to me, Lucas! Let me go!"

Lucas held her down with a firm grip, his patience gone. "Shut up!"

Lucy’s tone shifted, tears streaming down her face as she tried to act innocent. "Kate, I swear, he gave me the card! He just doesn’t want you to know what’s going on between us."

Fury blazed in Lucas’s eyes as he snapped, "I said shut your filthy, lying mouth!"

Katelyn stood by, arms crossed, watching the scene with a cold, detached expression. She let out a laugh, shaking her head. "Do you really think I would believe your lies, Lucy? My Luke would never do something like that."

Lucy’s frustration flared. "Fine, you caught me. But you can’t do anything to me. My family is powerful—they’ll bail me out."

"Oh, really?" Katelyn’s voice was calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "I guess we’ll just have to see if they’re really that powerful."

Just then, a knock echoed at the door. Katelyn rushed over to open it, revealing two police officers. They stepped into the room, taking in the scene before them.

"Miss Walters?" one of the officers said, moving forward and snapping handcuffs onto Lucy’s wrists. "You’re under arrest. We’ll need statements from both of you about what took place."

Lucas nodded. "No problem, Officer."

The officer glanced at Katelyn. "You too, Miss."

"Of course," Katelyn agreed.

They gave detailed accounts of what had happened, and after the officer finished writing everything down, Lucy was led out of the room, still ranting and raving about her "powerful family." But Katelyn and Lucas both knew her words were empty now.

When the door finally closed behind them, the room fell silent. Katelyn stood still, watching Lucas, who walked over and gently wrapped his arms around her.

"I’m so sorry you had to deal with all of this," Lucas murmured into her hair, his voice thick with guilt.

Katelyn rested her head against his chest. "It’s not your fault. Lucy’s completely lost her mind."

Lucas tightened his hold on her, his jaw set. "This time, we need to press charges and be done with it. No more second chances."

Katelyn nodded. "Okay. I’ll follow your lead. Do you think she can actually get out of this?"

Lucas shook his head, his voice firm. "I don’t see how. Plus, I don’t think my father-in-law will let this go."

Katelyn raised her eyebrows playfully. "Father-in-law? Who’s your father-in-law?"

Lucas grinned, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "My future wife’s father... that’s who."

"Future wife?" Katelyn teased, her lips curling into a smile. "Since when?"

Lucas chuckled, lifting her chin to look into her eyes. "We’ve only got two months left until graduation. Let’s just finish school and get married."

Katelyn blinked up at him, her heart fluttering. "Wait, are you proposing right now?"

Lucas’s grin widened. "No, this isn’t a proper proposal. I’m just telling you my plan."

Katelyn smirked, mischief glinting in her eyes. "Who said I’ll marry you so soon?"

Lucas’s smile faded slightly, confusion crossing his face. "What do you mean?"

"I thought we could wait until after college," Katelyn said with a playful shrug, stepping out of his embrace.

Lucas’s eyes narrowed as he reached for her. "I’m not waiting that long."

Katelyn giggled, wriggling out of his grasp and darting to the other side of the bed. "Well, you have no choice!"

With a determined grin, Lucas lunged toward her. "Get back here! You need to be punished for saying that."

Katelyn laughed, her eyes sparkling as she ducked away. "And how will you punish me?"

Lucas’s grin turned devilish. "Come here, my little naughty girl, and find out."

Katelyn squealed as Lucas jumped onto the bed, lunging toward her. He caught her mid-laugh, pulling her down with him as they collapsed onto the mattress, their laughter filling the room.

For a moment, they lay there, catching their breath, lost in the simplicity of being together. Then, Lucas’s voice dropped, playful but commanding. "Come here."

He pulled Katelyn closer, his lips finding hers in a deep, passionate kiss. His fingers trailed lightly over her skin, sending sparks down her spine. Katelyn’s hands tightened in his shirt, her body responding to the heat of his touch as their kiss deepened.

Soon, Lucas shifted, flipping her gently onto her back as he hovered above her, his lips returning to hers with an intensity that left her breathless. His hands moved slowly, sliding up her thighs, the fabric of her nightgown rising inch by inch beneath his touch.

But then, Katelyn’s hand reached out, grabbing Lucas’s wrist.

Their eyes met, the fire between them undeniable. But there was also something else—an understanding, a mutual respect. Katelyn’s gaze softened as she whispered, "Not yet."

Lucas paused, his expression shifting from desire to tenderness. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before rolling onto his side, pulling her close to his chest.