The sunlight streamed through the large windows of the estate's bedroom, casting a warm glow over the room. Elena stirred, her body nestled against Damien's. His arm was draped protectively around her, his steady breaths a comforting rhythm against her back. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, there was a semblance of peace.
But peace, she knew, was fleeting in their world.
She shifted slightly, careful not to wake him, but Damien's arm tightened around her. "Where are you going?" he murmured, his voice still heavy with sleep.
Elena smiled softly, turning to face him. "Nowhere. Just stretching."
His eyes opened, their stormy grey depths meeting hers. "Stay," he said simply, his voice laced with a vulnerability he rarely showed.
She leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. "I'm not going anywhere."
Damien's fingers brushed against her cheek, his touch sending a warmth through her chest. "Good," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Because I'm not ready to let you go."
Elena rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "What now?" she asked softly.
"We prepare," Damien said, his voice growing serious. "Castellano may be in custody, but his network is still out there. We have to dismantle it completely."
Her stomach tightened. "Do you think they'll come after us again?"
"They might," Damien admitted. "But this time, we'll be ready. I won't let them touch you or our child."
His words were reassuring, but Elena couldn't ignore the weight of their reality. "What if it's not enough?" she whispered.
"It will be," Damien said firmly, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. "Because I won't stop until it is."
The kitchen was quiet as they sat together, sharing a rare moment of normalcy over coffee and breakfast. Marcus joined them, his expression grim but focused.
"We've confirmed Castellano's arrest," Marcus said, setting a tablet on the table. "He's being held in a high-security facility. So far, he hasn't said a word."
"He won't," Damien said, his tone sharp. "He knows talking will only make things worse for him."
Marcus nodded. "Even so, his associates are already scrambling. They're trying to regain control of their operations, but without him, they're vulnerable."
"Good," Damien said, his jaw tightening. "We'll use this time to hit them where it hurts."
Elena glanced between the two men, her nerves fraying. "What does that mean?"
"It means cutting off their resources," Damien said. "Their money, their weapons, their allies. We cripple their ability to fight back."
"And what about us?" she asked, her voice trembling. "How do we stay safe while all of this is happening?"
Damien's hand found hers, his grip firm. "By staying together. You're my priority, Elena. Everything else comes second."
Her chest tightened at the intensity in his gaze. Despite her fear, she felt a flicker of hope. "Okay," she said, her voice steadier now. "What can I do to help?"
"Stay here," Damien said. "Stay safe."
Elena frowned. "Damien—"
"You've done enough," he interrupted gently. "Now it's my turn to finish this."
She wanted to argue, but the determination in his voice stopped her. Instead, she nodded, trusting him to protect them.
The rest of the day was a blur of preparations. Damien and Marcus worked tirelessly, coordinating their team and finalizing plans to dismantle Castellano's network. Elena stayed nearby, offering what support she could, though the tension in the air was palpable.
As night fell, the estate grew quiet again, the weight of the day settling over them. Elena stood by the window in their bedroom, staring out at the darkened landscape. The stars glittered overhead, a stark contrast to the turmoil she felt inside.
"Can't sleep?" Damien's voice broke the silence.
She turned to see him leaning against the doorframe, his shirt unbuttoned, his sleeves rolled up. He looked tired, but his eyes were as sharp as ever.
"Not really," she admitted. "There's too much on my mind."
He crossed the room, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "I know the feeling."
She leaned into him, her head resting against his chest. "Do you think it'll ever end?"
"Yes," he said without hesitation. "It will. And when it does, we'll have the life we deserve."
His words sent a warmth through her chest, and she turned to face him, her hands resting on his shoulders. "I believe you."
Damien smiled, leaning in to kiss her. The kiss was slow, deliberate, filled with unspoken promises. As his arms tightened around her, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them.
For now, they had each other. And that was enough.