The helicopter ride back to one of Damien's secured estates was quiet, the adrenaline from their escape finally beginning to wear off. Elena sat nestled against Damien's side, his arm draped protectively around her. Despite his calm demeanor, she could feel the tension in his body, the weight of the night still pressing heavily on him.
When they landed, the early morning light bathed the secluded estate in a soft glow. It was a stark contrast to the chaos they had just endured. The quiet was almost unsettling, but it also felt like a much-needed reprieve.
Damien guided Elena inside, his hand resting on her lower back. "You need rest," he said softly.
"So do you," she countered, her eyes flicking to the bloodstain on his sleeve. "You're hurt."
"It's just a scratch," he said dismissively. "But I'm more worried about you."
She sighed, knowing she wouldn't win this argument. "Fine. But let me help you first."
Damien hesitated, then nodded, leading her to the spacious bathroom attached to their suite. Elena gathered the first-aid supplies while Damien removed his shirt, revealing the graze on his arm. The sight of his bare skin sent a flutter through her chest, but she quickly focused on the task at hand.
"This might sting," she said, dabbing the wound with antiseptic.
Damien didn't flinch, his gaze fixed on her face. "I've been through worse."
She looked up at him, her lips curving into a faint smile. "You're always so composed. Do you ever let yourself feel anything?"
His expression softened, and he reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I feel everything when I'm with you, Elena."
Her breath hitched at the intensity in his gaze. The air between them shifted, charged with unspoken emotions. She finished tending to his wound, her hands trembling slightly as she applied the bandage.
"There," she said, stepping back. "All done."
Damien caught her hand before she could move away, his grip firm but gentle. "Elena," he said, his voice low. "Come here."
She hesitated for only a moment before stepping closer, her heart pounding as his hands slid to her waist. His touch was warm, grounding her as his gaze searched hers.
"I thought I might lose you tonight," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "That's a feeling I can't afford to have again."
"You didn't lose me," she said softly, her hands resting on his chest. "I'm right here."
His lips curved into a faint smile, and he leaned in, his forehead resting against hers. "You're everything to me, Elena. You and our child. I'll protect you with everything I have."
Her heart swelled at his words, and she cupped his face, her fingers brushing against the stubble on his jaw. "I believe you," she said, her voice trembling. "And I trust you."
Damien's lips brushed against hers, a soft, tentative kiss that quickly deepened. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer as their breaths mingled, the world outside fading away. Elena's fingers threaded through his hair, her heart pounding as she surrendered to the moment.
The kiss grew more urgent, filled with the emotions they had been holding back. Damien lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the bed as their lips remained locked. He laid her down gently, his weight pressing against her in a way that was both comforting and exhilarating.
"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice husky.
"Yes," she whispered, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "I want this. I want you."
Damien smiled, his gaze filled with a tenderness that took her breath away. "You have me, Elena. Always."
Their movements were slow and deliberate, every touch a promise, every kiss a reassurance. The love they shared was raw and unguarded, a connection that transcended the chaos surrounding them.
When they finally lay together, tangled in the sheets, Elena rested her head on Damien's chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt truly safe.
"I love you," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Damien pressed a kiss to her hair, his arms tightening around her. "I love you too, Elena. More than anything."
As sleep claimed them, the world outside felt a little less threatening. For now, they had each other, and that was enough.