Vanessa woke up to the faint light of dawn streaming through the curtains. She instinctively reached out, but her hand found only empty sheets. A small frown formed on her lips as she pushed herself up. Her pregnancy made movements more cumbersome, but she managed to get to her feet.
The house was quiet, save for the distant hum of the heater. Wrapping her robe tightly around her, she made her way toward Vincenzo's office. The scent hit her the moment she approached the door—a blend of whiskey and cigarette smoke, sharp and invasive. Her stomach churned, and she pressed a hand to her mouth to stave off the wave of nausea.
Pushing the door open slightly, she found him hunched over a map spread across the desk, a cigarette perched between his fingers. His hair was mussed, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar, and a half-empty glass of whiskey sat within reach.
"Vincenzo," she said softly, her voice carrying just enough reproach to make him glance up.
He quickly stubbed out the cigarette, guilt flashing in his eyes. "Vanessa, I—"
She stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "You promised," she said, her tone firmer now. "I'm pregnant, and you're smoking?"
"I wasn't smoking," Vincenzo said, rising from his chair. He approached her slowly, his hands reaching out to pull her close. "I just lit it. I didn't take a puff."
Vanessa raised a skeptical eyebrow but allowed him to guide her onto his lap as he sank back into his chair. His arms wrapped around her, firm and protective, his lips pressing against her temple.
"How was your night?" he murmured, his voice low and soothing.
"Fine," she replied, though her tone held a trace of exasperation. She leaned into him, her hands resting lightly on his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat calmed her, even as the lingering scent of smoke made her wrinkle her nose.
Vincenzo inhaled deeply, his nose brushing against her hair. "You smell like lavender. It's intoxicating."
Vanessa tilted her head to look at him. "Vincenzo, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," he said, though his eyes betrayed him. He held her tighter, his lips brushing against her forehead. "I just want to hold you for a while."
She gave him a knowing look, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Really? Then why do I feel something poking me from underneath?"
Vincenzo smirked, unrepentant. "You drive me insane, Vanessa. Even when I'm drowning in stress, all I want is you."
Her cheeks flushed, but she met his gaze steadily. "If you want me, just tell me. You have so much on your plate, Vincenzo, and I... I can't deny you this. I'm yours."
Vincenzo cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "You're more than just mine, Vanessa. You're my everything. The only light in this madness."
His lips captured hers in a kiss, slow and deliberate, as though he wanted to savor every moment. Vanessa responded with equal intensity, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. The heat between them grew, his hands roaming carefully over her back as he held her close.
When they finally broke apart, both were breathless. Vincenzo rested his forehead against hers, his eyes dark with emotion.
"Vanessa," he murmured, his voice heavy with unspoken words. "You and our child are the only things keeping me sane. I won't let anything happen to you."
Vanessa ran her fingers through his hair, her touch soothing. "You don't have to carry this alone, Vincenzo. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. Whatever we're facing, we'll face it together."
For the first time in what felt like days, Vincenzo allowed himself to relax. The weight of the world was still pressing on him, but in that moment, with Vanessa in his arms, he felt a sliver of peace.