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For one soft, disorienting second, I thought everything that happened last night had been a dream.
Then I felt it.
The dull, tender soreness between my thighs. The ache in my hips. The way my body still felt opened, claimed, cared for.
Definitely not a dream.
I rolled onto my side, reaching for him without thinking.
The bed was empty.
My body tightened.
"Nico?" I whispered, my voice hoarse from sleep.
Nothing.
I pushed myself upright, the sheet slipping down my body, and winced slightly at the movement. My cheeks warmed at the memory of why I felt like this.
Slowly, carefully, I stood.
That was when I noticed his shirt folded neatly at the edge of the bed. Black. Soft, like he had just taken it off and placed it there for me.
I slipped it on instinctively.
It swallowed me, the hem brushing mid-thigh, the collar hanging loose against my collarbone. I inhaled without meaning to.
He smelled like safety and him at the same time.
I padded toward the kitchen, the penthouse quiet except for the faint hum of the city far below. The morning light spilled through the windows. Everything looked so bright.
That was when I heard his voice.
Not the one from last night.
Not soft. Not careful.
This one was low.
"I know, he's not happy Lesio, but he touched her."
I stilled. I remembered who he is. A Mafia King. I didn't fully understand what that meant, all I know is... it was dangerous, meant authority, and definitely wasn't something fully legal. Nonetheless, it didn't scare me because it was Nico. That would never change, how I viewed him.
I stood just out of sight, my hand curling around the edge of the wall.
"I am taking care of it," Nico continued, his tone ice-cold. "And it does not concern her. It never will."
A pause.
Another voice answered, muffled, loud.
Nico exhaled slowly. "She has Enzo, he's okay with that. I don't need anyone."
My chest tightened. I didn't know what they were talking about but he sounded frustrated.
"She has nothing to do with this," he said. "She is under my protection now."
Silence. I tried not to breathe too loud.
Then, quieter but far more dangerous: "I don't care. I will not do it."
The call ended.
For a moment, everything was still.
Then Nico turned and saw me.
His entire body changed.
The tension drained from his shoulders. His jaw softened. His eyes found mine instantly, dark with concern.
"Daria," he said gently. "You should still be in bed."
"I woke up," I said softly.
He crossed the room in three long strides and stopped in front of me, his hands warm as they settled at my waist, careful and grounding.
"Are you okay?" he asked. "Does anything hurt?"
I hesitated, then nodded a little. "I'm... sore."
His expression softened further, a small tilt pulling at the side of his lips.
"I figured," he said quietly. "There's food on the counter. The cook made something light. And painkillers. You don't have to take them, but they're there."
That alone, was the reason why Nico was perfect.
He leaned down and kissed my temple, slow and steady, pulling me gently against his chest.
I rested my forehead against him, breathing him in.
"Nico," I said, my voice small, "what did you do with him?"
He didn't pretend not to understand.
"What do you want me to do with him?" he asked calmly.
The question sent a chill through me.
I swallowed. "I don't know."
His lips brushed my neck as he pulled me closer.
"Say the word," he murmured against my neck, "and I'll ruin any man who thinks he can touch what's mine."
My heart raced.
"No," I said quickly, turning my face toward him. "Don't kill him."
He stilled instantly.
I searched his eyes. "I want to face him. I need answers."
He studied me for a long moment, then nodded once.
"Okay," he said. "I won't touch him. For now."
Relief flooded me. No matter how much of an asshole, my biological father was. I knew there were things I needed him to answer first.
His phone buzzed sharply against the counter.
He cursed under his breath and glanced at the screen.
"I have to go see my father," he said. "I won't be long."
My stomach tightened. "Nico—"
He lifted my chin gently.
"Stay in," he said softly. "Enzo will be here, to keep you company. Your phone's on the couch. You should call your family. They're safe. We checked on them."
I nodded. I was still nervous. I just don't know, if I'd tell my family what's been happening.
"You're not going anywhere without me today," he added calmly.
"I'm okay," I said.
"I know," he replied, kissing the top of my head. "That doesn't change anything."
He pressed one last kiss to my lips, slow and grounding. I parted my lips, allowing him to deepen.
I wanted was for him to stay, hold me. I felt safe around Nico. He hesitantly pulled back.
"Eat," he said quietly. "I'll be back."
Then he was gone.
I stood there in his kitchen, wearing his shirt, surrounded by his world, my heart still pounding.
And somehow, even with everything waiting outside these walls, I felt protected.
I waited until the apartment was quiet again before I went to take a bath.
The water was warm, almost too warm, and I let myself sink into it slowly, wincing a little as my body protested. Everything felt tender, sore in a way that reminded me I was still real, still here.
Still safe.
I washed my hair, closed my eyes, and let the water muffle my thoughts for a few precious minutes. When I finally stepped out, wrapped in one of Nico's towels, the penthouse felt even quieter than before.
I padded back into the bedroom and opened his closet without really thinking about it.
Black shirts. White shirts. Expensive fabric. Everything smelled expensive like Nico.
I tugged one free at random, a soft black tee that was definitely too big, and slipped it over my head. It fell to mid-thigh and swallowed me whole again.
Perfect.
I had just finished tying my hair back when I heard it.
The elevator.
My heart jumped violently.
I swallowed, every nerve firing at once. Nico had said he'd be back later. Way later.
I stepped quietly toward the living room, my bare feet silent against the floor, peeking around the corner like I was expecting trouble.
The elevator doors slid open.
"Daria!"
Enzo's voice echoed cheerfully through the penthouse.
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
"Hi, Enzo," I said, stepping fully into view.
He had a cheesy grin when he saw me. "How are you?"
"I'm... good," I said honestly. "I'm doing better. Thank you for coming."
He waved it off like it was obvious. "Of course I'd come. You're our princess."
I snorted softly. "I'm not a princess."
Enzo shook his head like I was ridiculous. "Of course you are. You're the new Costa princess."
I laughed, unable to help it. Where did he come up with that?
That was when I noticed the bag hooked over his arm.
"What's that?" I asked.
He lifted it proudly. "Emergency supplies."
"Emergency... what?"
"Clothes," he said. "And snacks. And other important things."
I blinked. "You went shopping for me?"
"Well," he shrugged, "I figured you didn't want to walk around all day in Nico's ugly clothes. I'm the brother with taste."
I laughed harder as he handed me the bag with a wink. He was so sweet.
Inside were a tank top, soft shorts, and a hoodie that looked exactly like something I'd pick for myself.
"Oh my god," I said, pulling things out. "This is literally my style."
Enzo smirked. "I know."
He dug into the bag again. "Also, snacks. Skittles. Chips. Drinks. Random stuff. I don't know what you like, so I bought everything."
My eyes lit up. "You're amazing."
He opened his arms and I hugged him without thinking. He was much taller than me, his hugs felt comforting, and his cologne smelled expensive as well.
"Of course," he said easily. "You're family now."
That word hit harder than I expected.
"I'll go change," I said, holding the bag. "I'll be right back."
He nodded and flopped onto the couch, already scrolling through movie options.
I grabbed my phone from the couch and bit my lip. Uh oh!
Fifteen missed calls.
All from Lizzy.
"Oh shit," I whispered.
I changed quickly, pulling on the tank and shorts Enzo bought, then sat on the edge of the bed and called her back immediately.
She picked up on the first ring.
"DARIA."
I winced. "Hey, Liz."
"You little witch," she snapped. "Where were you? I called you so many times. Your phone kept going to voicemail. I was so freaking worried."
"I'm sorry," I said quickly. "I spent the night at Nico's."
A sigh.
"...You had a sleepover with Nico?"
"Yes," I said, trying to sound casual. "We were watching a movie, it got late, and it was safer. Plus, you weren't home."
I hated lying but the truth was too much for her.
Her tone instantly changed. "That's so exciting. Did you kiss him again?"
I smiled. "A little."
She squealed softly. "I miss you so much. Grandma's is no fun without you."
My chest tightened. "I miss you too."
She hesitated. "I don't know how it's going to be when you move out one day."
I swallowed. "Lizzy—"
"I know you're only staying for me," she said quietly. "But I hate being away from you."
Emotion rose fast and unexpected. "I love you," I said softly.
"I love you too."
A pause.
"Oh! Grandma needs help with something. Are you super, super, super, sure you're okay?"
"Yes," I said. "I promise."
"Okay," she said gently. "Don't get into trouble. And don't kiss Nico too much. Or do anything God wouldn't approve of."
I laughed through the lump in my throat. "I love you."
"I love you."
The call ended.
I sat there for a second before heading back into the living room.
Enzo looked up. "All good?"
"Yeah," I said, sitting beside him. "All good."
"I love this movie. I think you'll love this movie," he said, pressing play.
Tangled. This giant man picked, a Princess movie.
I giggled and glanced at the screen. "Of course you do."
He laughed.
We settled in with snacks, the city humming outside, the danger momentarily distant.
And for the first time since everything had fallen apart,
I felt almost normal again.