The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft rays across the bed where Liza lay, her mind drifting back to the events of the previous night. Marco's betrayal had given them the upper hand, but it also served as a grim reminder of the world she was now deeply immersed in. She had come so far from the woman who had been shattered by Christoph's deceit.And then there was Viktor.Her thoughts flickered to the way Viktor had held her in his arms after they had returned from the safe house. His touch had been gentle, soothing, so different from the ruthless man he was to the outside world. He had been her anchor through the storm of vengeance and violence, and for the first time, she allowed herself to admit that it wasn't just about the mission anymore.There was something deeper between them.Liza stirred, rolling over to find Viktor already awake, his piercing blue eyes watching her. His gaze was softer now, devoid of the icy edge he so often wore in front of others. She felt a warmth spread through her chest as she met his eyes, a connection that went beyond words."You're awake," he said, his voice husky from sleep."Couldn't sleep much," she admitted, her fingers tracing absent patterns on the bed sheet. "Too much on my mind."Viktor's hand reached out, his fingers brushing her cheek, a small but intimate gesture that sent a shiver down her spine. "You've been through a lot, Liza. More than most people could handle."She met his gaze, feeling the weight of his words sink in. "And yet, I'm still here."He leaned closer, his forehead resting against hers. "Stronger than ever."They stayed like that for a moment, their breaths mingling in the quiet room, the intimacy between them growing stronger with each passing second. Liza found herself drawn to him in ways she hadn't expected—there was a raw intensity to Viktor that terrified and excited her in equal measure. But it wasn't just his danger or power that captivated her. It was the way he looked at her, the way he saw her strength and vulnerability and didn't shy away from it.Liza reached out, her fingers brushing over Viktor's jaw, feeling the slight stubble that lined his face. "I don't know how you manage it all—this life, the constant danger. How do you keep going?"Viktor's eyes darkened slightly, but the warmth in his gaze remained. "I never had a choice. This world… it shaped me. But you've given me something different. Something worth fighting for."Her heart skipped a beat at his words, her pulse quickening. She had never expected to find tenderness in someone like Viktor, but there it was—hidden beneath the layers of ruthlessness was a man who cared for her in a way that no one else ever had.Before she could respond, Viktor's lips found hers, the kiss slow and deep, filled with an intensity that sent a rush of heat through her body. It wasn't the frantic, desperate kind of kiss they had shared before—it was softer, more deliberate, as if Viktor was savoring every moment with her.Liza melted into the kiss, her body responding to his touch as his hands slid down her waist, pulling her closer. There was a passion between them that couldn't be denied, but now, there was also a new layer—respect, understanding, and an unspoken promise of something deeper.When they finally pulled apart, breathless, Viktor rested his forehead against hers again. "I'll protect you, Liza. I'll always protect you."The words were like a balm to her soul, soothing the scars left by Christoph's betrayal. Viktor wasn't just offering her protection—he was offering her a partnership, a life where she didn't have to face her demons alone."I know," she whispered, her fingers threading through his hair. "And I'm not going anywhere."Later that afternoon, as Liza moved through Viktor's penthouse, she found herself feeling more at ease than she had in weeks. The tension that had been gnawing at her seemed to dissipate, replaced by a quiet confidence. She wasn't just surviving anymore—she was thriving, finding strength in herself and in Viktor.But Christoph hadn't disappeared from her life. Far from it.As if summoned by her thoughts, her phone buzzed on the kitchen counter. Liza's heart skipped a beat when she saw the name flash across the screen: Christoph.She stared at the phone, her mind racing. What could he possibly want? After everything he had done to her, every lie, every betrayal, he still had the audacity to reach out.Taking a deep breath, she answered. "What do you want, Christoph?"There was a pause on the other end, and when Christoph finally spoke, his voice was low, almost pleading. "Liza, I need to see you. We need to talk."Liza scoffed, anger bubbling to the surface. "Talk? After everything you've done? You don't get to 'talk' to me anymore, Christoph. You lost that right.""Please, Liza," he continued, his tone more desperate. "I made a mistake—many mistakes. But I still—""Don't," Liza cut him off, her voice cold. "Don't you dare say you still care about me. You only cared about yourself. About your power. And now I know what you've been hiding."There was a brief silence before Christoph spoke again, his voice hardening. "So you're with him now, aren't you? Viktor."Liza didn't respond immediately, her heart pounding in her chest. The truth hung between them, but she wasn't about to give Christoph the satisfaction of an answer."Goodbye, Christoph," she said firmly, before hanging up.As she set the phone down, Viktor appeared in the doorway, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What did he want?"Liza met his gaze, feeling a surge of protectiveness for the man standing before her. "He wanted to talk. But I'm done with him."Viktor stepped closer, his hands finding her waist as he pulled her into his arms. "Good. He doesn't deserve you."Liza leaned into him, resting her head against his chest. "No, he doesn't. But you do."Viktor's arms tightened around her, and in that moment, Liza knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. Christoph might still want her, but he had lost her the moment he betrayed her. Viktor, on the other hand, had earned her trust, her respect—and perhaps even her heart.As they stood there, wrapped in each other's embrace, Liza felt a sense of peace settle over her. She was no longer the broken woman who had been left shattered by Christoph's betrayal. She had found something new, something stronger, in Viktor—a love built on respect, loyalty, and a fierce sense of protection.And for the first time in a long time, she felt truly free.