38
The sight of her standing there, her tear-streaked face and trembling hands, made something primal snap inside me. My chest felt tight with both relief that she was safe and rage that someone dared to put her in this state.
I held her in my arms, stroking her back as her sobs slowly quieted. The feel of her trembling against me only fueled the storm brewing in my chest. How could she think for a second that I'd ever let her fend for herself?
She was mine to protect.
As I pulled back, her eyes, still glistening with tears, looked up at me, and I felt a twinge of guilt for my earlier tone. I hadn't meant to scare her, but seeing her so fragile brought out the worst kind of fear in me—fear of losing her.
"This won't happen again," I said, my voice firm, each word a vow.
She nodded faintly, her trust in me evident despite the turmoil in her expression. That trust was a gift I didn't deserve but would never take for granted.
Once she was calm enough to sit, I got her a glass of water, my eyes scanning the room as I handed it to her. The space felt too empty, too unprotected. Anyone could have come in, and if she hadn't been quick on her feet... No, I couldn't even let myself finish the thought.
As she sipped, her small hands still trembling, I grabbed my phone and stepped to the side.
"Marco," I growled into the line when my head of security picked up. "I want men posted at her building. Tonight. No excuses."
"Yes, sir," Marco replied without hesitation.
"And find out who those bastards were," I continued, my tone icy. "I don't care how you do it— end them. I want names and proof by morning."
I hung up and shoved the phone back in my pocket, my fists clenching at the thought of those men. They had no idea what kind of hell they'd just unleashed on themselves.
Turning back to Lenora, I knelt in front of her, taking the glass from her hands and setting it aside.
"Did you see their faces?" I asked gently, though my voice was laced with barely contained fury.
She shook her head. "It was too dark. I just... I didn't get a good look."
Her voice cracked, and I cursed silently. I wanted to press her for more details, but seeing her like this, so fragile, made me pull back. There would be time for that later.
"Alright," I said, my voice softening. "You don't have to think about it anymore. I'll handle everything."
Her eyes searched mine, and I saw the flicker of doubt there.
"I mean it, Lenora," I continued, my hand cupping her cheek. "No one's ever going to hurt you again. Not while I'm here."
She leaned into my touch, her breath shuddering as she closed her eyes. For a moment, I just held her there, my thumb brushing lightly against her skin.
But as much as I wanted to stay in that moment, I had work to do.
"Come on," I said softly, standing and pulling her with me. "You're staying with me tonight."
Her eyes widened slightly, and I could see the protest forming on her lips.
"Don't argue," I cut her off, my tone leaving no room for debate. "I'm not leaving you here alone."
The drive to my place was quiet, the tension in the car palpable. Lenora sat beside me, her head resting against the window, lost in thought. I couldn't stop glancing at her, my protective instincts on overdrive.
When we arrived, I led her inside, my hand resting on the small of her back. The second the door closed behind us, I turned to face her.
"You're safe here," I said firmly. "And from now on, you don't go anywhere without telling me. Understood?"
Her brows furrowed, and I could see the flicker of defiance in her eyes, but she nodded reluctantly.
"Good," I said, though I could tell she wasn't happy about it.
Later that night, as she slept in my bed, curled up against the pillows, I stood in the doorway, watching her.
She looked so small, so vulnerable, and yet there was a quiet strength about her that drew me in.
I thought about the fear in her eyes earlier, the way she'd called me, her voice trembling and broken. She'd trusted me to come for her, to protect her.
I wasn't used to this. To feeling so... consumed by someone else.
My hands clenched into fists at my sides. Whoever those bastards were, they wouldn't see another day without knowing the consequences of their actions.
I didn't just want to protect Lenora—I wanted to destroy anything and anyone who dared to touch her.
As I turned off the light and walked to the couch to continue my work, I made a silent vow to myself.
I'd burn the world to the ground if it meant keeping her safe.
The early morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the room in soft hues of gold. I'd barely slept. Every time I closed my eyes, the image of her terrified face flashed behind my lids. I couldn't get the sound of her shaky voice over the phone out of my head.
The only thing that was keeping me sane was Marco's message that the job was done.
Sitting on the edge of the couch, I raked a hand through my hair and glanced toward the bedroom. Lenora was still asleep, her delicate form tangled in my sheets. Even in her sleep, she looked troubled. Her brow furrowed slightly, and her fingers clutched the pillow tightly.
I stood quietly and walked toward her.
She stirred when I sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes fluttering open slowly. For a moment, she seemed confused, disoriented. Then her gaze landed on me, and a flicker of relief crossed her face.
"You stayed," she murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep.
"Of course I did," I replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You think I'd let you wake up alone after last night?"
Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she ducked her head. It was infuriatingly adorable how shy she could get, even with me.
I tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet my gaze. "You don't have to look away from me, Lenora. Ever."
She blinked at me, her lips parting as if to respond, but no words came out. I leaned in closer, my thumb brushing against her jawline, and I could feel her breath hitch.
"You scared me last night," I admitted quietly. "Hearing you like that... knowing I wasn't there to protect you..." My voice trailed off, the anger I'd suppressed bubbling beneath the surface again.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Don't apologize," I said sharply, my grip on her chin tightening slightly. "The only people who should be sorry are those bastards who dared to touch what's mine."
Her breath caught, and I saw her throat bob as she swallowed. I didn't miss the way her body shifted slightly closer to me, as though drawn by some invisible force.
"Luca," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
I leaned in until our noses nearly touched, my hand moving to cup the back of her neck. "You have no idea how pretty you are, Lenora. No idea how hard it is to hold myself back when you look at me like that."
Her lips parted, and I couldn't resist anymore. I closed the distance between us, capturing her mouth in a slow, searing kiss. She melted against me, her hands clutching at my shirt as if she couldn't bear to let go.
The kiss deepened, and I felt my control slipping. I pulled her closer, pressing her body against mine until there wasn't an inch of space between us. My hands wandered, one tangling in her hair while the other slid down to her waist, gripping her firmly.
She moaned softly against my lips, and it was like gasoline on a fire. My grip tightened, and I shifted her so that she was straddling my lap.
"Luca," she gasped as I broke the kiss, trailing my lips down her jaw and to the sensitive spot on her neck.
I smirked against her skin. "You like that, don't you?" I murmured, my voice dark and teasing.
Her only response was a soft whimper, her nails digging into my shoulders.
"My sweet Lenora," I whispered against her ear, my hands sliding beneath the hem of her shirt to rest on her bare skin. "No one else gets to touch you. No one else gets to hear the sounds you make when I'm this close to you."
Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and I couldn't help but chuckle darkly.
"You blush so easily," I teased, pulling back to look at her. "It's almost unfair how much I want to ruin you."
Her eyes widened slightly, and I could see the mixture of shyness and desire swirling in her gaze.
"You're impossible," she muttered, trying to hide her face against my chest.
"And you're irresistible," I countered, my hand tilting her chin up so I could kiss her again.
As much as I wanted to lose myself in her, I knew I had to pull back before I went too far. She wasn't ready for the darkness I carried, and I'd be damned if I scared her away.
Reluctantly, I eased her off my lap and back onto the bed, though I stayed close, my hand resting possessively on her hip.
"We should get up," I said, my voice husky. "I'll make us breakfast."
She looked at me, her cheeks still flushed, and nodded.
Afterwards as we sat in the kitchen, I watched her closely. She was wearing one of my shirts, the fabric swallowing her small frame, and it was a sight I'd never get tired of.
"Eat," I said firmly when I noticed her pushing the food around her plate.
"I am," she replied defensively, though the small smile on her lips betrayed her amusement.
I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing slightly. "I don't like being disobeyed, Lenora."
Her smile widened, her mismatched eyes sparkling mischievously as she raised an eyebrow at me. "And I don't like being bossed around."
A low growl escaped me, and I stood, walking around the table to stand behind her. I leaned down, my hands resting on either side of her chair as I whispered against her ear.
"You forget, little one," I murmured, my voice dripping with dark amusement. "I always get my way."
Her shiver didn't go unnoticed as she bit her lips, as I pressed a kiss to the side of her neck.
God help me, I was addicted to this woman.