The peace of the mansion didn't last forever.
Even as the sun rose over the gardens and the roses swayed gently in the breeze, a part of me couldn't shake the feeling that danger still lingered.
He noticed it too.
"You're tense," he said quietly, stepping behind me as I watched a group of workers tending the grounds.
"I'm fine," I replied, but he didn't move.
"You survived an auction, threats, and a syndicate," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "But your instincts haven't disappeared. That's not something to ignore."
I sighed, admitting, "It's just… I can't stop thinking about what could still happen. Even if your enemies are gone, someone else could rise."
His gaze hardened, dark as midnight. "Then they will learn quickly that no one touches what's mine. And no one will touch you."
The weight in his voice made my chest tighten. I knew he meant it. But part of me wondered if the life I was stepping into would always be filled with shadows, even if he was by my side.
Later that evening, a familiar face appeared at the gate.
One of the former syndicate lieutenants, now released but carefully watched, had come to pay respects… or perhaps to test the waters.
I glanced at him, anxiety prickling my skin. His hand rested on the small of my back, a silent promise of protection.
"Let's see what they want," he said calmly, though his fingers tightened slightly.
And for the first time since the auction, I realized that even in peace, danger had a way of finding us.
But I was no longer that terrified girl. I was stronger. And this time, I wouldn't run.