She rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall beneath her, each breath a quiet reassurance. His arms tightened around her just slightly—protective, possessive, grounding.
Damien’s eyes lingered on her, tracing the curve of her rosy cheek, the soft remnants of their intimacy. It was beautiful. Peaceful.
In that fragile, perfect stillness, one truth blazed brighter than any fear or threat: he would move heaven and earth to protect her.
The night, with all its heat and passion, had become their fortress. And in its quiet aftermath, wrapped in him, she felt utterly, completely safe.
Then Damien’s lips brushed the crown of her head, his voice a soft, almost mischievous whisper against her ear.
“I love you. Sleep well, love.”
Maya’s heavy lids fluttered, a sleepy
