Leo was quiet for a moment, processing. "Smart kid."
"Very." Bella smiled faintly. "She said her sister taught her to be aware of her surroundings."
"I'll have to thank her later."
They drove in silence for a beat, the mountain road unwinding before them.
Then Leo's hand reached over, finding hers on the console. His fingers laced through hers, warm and solid.
"Don't worry," he said quietly. "I'll handle everything."
Bella looked at their joined hands, then up at his face, the strong jaw, the focused eyes, the way he held himself like he could take on the world and win.
"I know," she said simply.
And she did.
Whatever came next, whatever threat lurked in the darkness, she knew he would find it, stop it, and protect her.
Because that's what Leo did.
She squeezed his hand, and he squeezed back.
Back in the resort room, the clock on the nightstand glowed 2:13 AM.
