"Stay here," Marco said, his voice low and calm, though every muscle in his body was tense. His hand brushed lightly over hers for a moment before he moved to open the door.
A man in a dark suit stepped inside, bowing slightly. It was one of Marco's most trusted men. "Everything is under control, sir," he said respectfully. "The threat has been neutralized. No one can get through now. Your home—and everyone inside—is safe."
Marco's eyes softened slightly as he looked at him. "Good. You did well. Keep an eye out until morning."
"Yes, sir," the man nodded before leaving silently, the door clicking softly behind him.
Marco closed the door, leaning against it for a brief moment, and then turned to Zara. His blue eyes softened as they met hers. "See? Nothing to worry about now."
Zara let out a shaky breath, trying to calm the rapid beating of her heart. She glanced at him, taking in the faint traces of blood on his clothes from the earlier fight. "You… you're hurt," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Why didn't you… tell me?"
He stepped closer, his fingers lightly brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "I didn't want you to worry. You're too precious to me to see you scared or crying."
Her chest tightened at his words, and before she could think, she found herself pressed against him. The warmth of his body, the steady strength radiating from him, made her feel both terrified and comforted at the same time.
"Zara…" he murmured, cupping her face with both hands. "I don't care about the world right now. You and Elena are all that matter."
Her lips trembled as she looked up at him. Every instinct told her to resist, but every heartbeat was drawn to him. Slowly, tentatively, she leaned in—and their lips met. The kiss was soft at first, searching, testing, and then deeper, more insistent.
Zara pulled back suddenly, her cheeks flushed. "Marco… wait… I… I'm not ready," she stammered, stepping back slightly.
He smiled, a gentle and almost teasing curve of his lips. "I'm not rushing you," he whispered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll wait as long as you need. Tonight, I just want you close to me. Sleep beside me. That's all I ask."
Zara's breath caught, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Close to you… but… I don't know if I…"
Marco shook his head softly. "You don't have to say anything. Just lie down. I'll make sure nothing touches you or Elena tonight. I'll be your shield… your warmth… your comfort."
She hesitated, then slowly climbed into the bed, feeling the weight of him behind her before she realized it. He gently wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her protectively against his chest. His other hand rested lightly on her shoulder, stroking her gently.
"I've never wanted anyone like this," he murmured, his lips brushing the top of her head. "Never felt this… alive. And it scares me, Zara. Because I'd do anything to keep you safe. And I don't care who or what stands in the way."
Zara's eyes fluttered shut, her cheek pressed to his chest. She could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, the warmth of his body. "Marco…" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Shhh, he murmured back. "No more words. Just sleep. Tonight, it's only us. No danger. No fear. Just…" He tightened his hold slightly. "…just us."
She closed her eyes, letting herself melt into his embrace, feeling the tension drain from her body. For the first time in a long while, she felt safe. And though her heart raced and her mind was swirling with emotions she didn't fully understand, she allowed herself to rest against him, knowing he would never let anything harm her.
Outside, the night was still, but inside Marco's room, the soft rise and fall of their breathing, the gentle warmth of their bodies intertwined, created a sanctuary that neither danger nor fear could penetrate.
For now, nothing else mattered.