The house was quiet when we got home. Midnight had fallen, and even the staff had long gone to their rooms.
Marco let me rest first, but sleep didn't come. I couldn't stop thinking about the little angel. I tiptoed to the nursery and saw her. Her tiny eyes lit up when she saw me.
she squealed softly, crawling into my arms.
I laughed quietly, holding her close as she played with my hair. Slowly, her eyelids drooped, and soon she was asleep in my arms. I gently laid her down in the crib and whispered, "Goodnight, little one."
After making sure she was safe, I found myself walking toward Marco's door. My hand shook as I knocked softly.
"Enter," his deep voice said.
I hesitated before pushing the door open. Marco looked up from the papers he had been reading. His blue eyes softened the moment he saw me, and a small, almost shy smile tugged at his lips.
I stepped closer, unsure of what to say. My heart pounded.
"Zara… are you okay?" he asked, voice low, almost uncertain.
"I… I just wanted to see if you're alright," I replied quietly, keeping my gaze down. "After everything that happened today…"
He tilted his head slightly, studying me. "You… you worry about me?" His tone was gentle, confused, almost as if he didn't understand why my concern mattered to him.
I nodded. "Yes… I… I care."
Marco's eyes darkened slightly. He ran a hand through his hair, leaning back against his chair. "I… I don't understand." He hesitated. "Zara… I'm not used to… this."
"This?" I asked softly, looking up at him.
"You… caring about me. Smiling at me. Touching me without fear… It's… it's confusing." His voice was low, hesitant. "I don't know how to feel when you're near me. I… I've never felt this before. Not with anyone. Not even—" He stopped abruptly.
I stepped closer, my hand hovering near his arm. "Marco…" I whispered.
He looked at me, a mixture of desire and restraint in his eyes. "I don't want to hurt you… and yet, when you're here, I feel… everything I've kept buried for years."
My heart beat faster. "Marco, I'm not afraid of you," I said softly, letting my hand brush against his. "I… I trust you. I—"
Before I could finish, he leaned in and kissed me. Slow. Gentle. Hesitant. My body froze, shock coursing through me.
Immediately, he pulled back, his forehead resting against mine. "I… I'm sorry," he whispered. "I shouldn't have… I didn't ask—"
I cupped his cheeks, looking into his eyes without fear for the first time. Slowly, softly, I kissed him back.
His hands slid to my waist, lifting me slightly as he pressed me closer. Every touch, every motion was careful yet possessive.
I pulled back slightly, realization hitting me. "You need to rest, Marco," I whispered, trying to step away.
His hands tightened around my waist. "Sleep with me, Zara," he murmured, voice low and rough. "Just tonight. I'll feel better if you stay with me."
Heat rushed to my cheeks, but I nodded.
He led me to his bed, laying me down gently. I rested my head on his chest. His arm wrapped securely around my waist, pulling me close.
We stayed like that for long minutes, breathing in sync, our hearts slowly matching beats.
"I don't… I don't know what to do with these feelings," Marco admitted softly, his hand stroking my hair. "You confuse me, Zara. I shouldn't feel this… soft around anyone. But with you… I can't stop."
I lifted my head slightly to look at him. "Marco… I feel it too. I… I feel safe with you. And something more… something I didn't expect."
His lips curved into a small, almost shy smile. "You… make me feel alive again, Zara. I haven't smiled… truly smiled… since before you came into my life. And yet… I don't understand why someone like you… why I care so much."
I leaned against him again. "You care because you want to protect me. You care because you… feel something real. And it's okay. It's okay to feel, Marco."
He sighed deeply, pressing his forehead to mine. "I'm scared, Zara. I don't want to hurt you. But at the same time… I never want to let you go."
I smiled softly, my hands brushing his chest. "You won't hurt me. I trust you… and I don't want to go anywhere."
Marco's arm tightened around me. "Then stay with me tonight. Let me hold you. Let me protect you… like you deserve."
I nodded, feeling the tension melt into something soft, warm, and safe. Slowly, we lay down together. My head rested on his chest, his hand curled around my waist, holding me like I was the most precious thing in the world.
For the first time in months… Marco's heart felt calm.
And for the first time, I felt truly safe.
We fell asleep that night, together, hearts beating in sync, a fragile peace settling over us.