And I hold her, breathing for both of us.
I gently move her head toward me, my fingers brushing through her hair as I guide her face up. Her eyes meet mine, soft and tired, but trusting. I lean in and kiss her—slow, careful, like I’m reminding her she’s safe now, loved. She sighs against my mouth, and I feel it in my chest.
When I pull back, I rest my forehead against hers.
“What would you prefer first, a warm bath or something to eat?”
Her voice is barely above a whisper. “Bath, please.”
That soft, broken sound cracks something in me. I nod immediately. “Okay, princess, I'll go see what these people have in the bathroom.”
“Da… Elijah.” She hesitates mid-word and switches it. The way her voice trembles as she says my name makes my chest ache.
I smile gently, trying to coax one from her too. “Yes, princess, you were fine the first time.”
She lifts her eyes to mine, scared but brave in that way she always is, even when she doesn’t realize it. “Can you stay with me for the bath? I really don't want to be alone right now.”
God. I hate this — hate seeing her so shaken, so uncertain.
“Of course, baby girl,” I say without hesitation, brushing my fingers over her cheek. “But… on one condition.”
I arch a brow, and she nods like she’s waiting for me to ask her for the moon.
“After the bath, you'll eat something — either here in your room or downstairs with the others. Mia and Sophia are here, and I’m sure you’d like to see them. But only if you feel up to it.”
She pauses, considering it. Then nods again. “I think downstairs will be fine, Daddy.”
That word on her lips — soft, affectionate, secure — is everything. A fragile girl clinging to something solid in a storm. And I’ll be that for her. Always.
“Okay, princess,” I whisper, kissing the back of her hand. “Let me run your bath. You’ll feel better, I promise.”
She nods, and I head toward the adjoining bathroom, already planning exactly how to make this feel like peace for her — if only for a little while.
Chapter forty-three
Ava
WhileElijahrunsthebath, my mind won’t stop racing. Just a few hours ago, I was at the store, laughing with my best friend, still glowing from waking up in Eli’s arms. Another morning, another ordinary day that felt anything but. And then—like flipping a switch—everything collapsed.
All because… I don’t even know why.
I’m so lost in the storm inside my head that I don’t even notice when Elijah comes back into the room. I flinch when his hand gently touches my arm.
“Hey, babe, it’s me. Elijah. I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to scare you.”
His voice is soft, careful. But there’s a fire behind his eyes, a fury barely contained. I know it’s not for me. Deep down, I know it’s for George and Henry—for what they did, for taking me from him.
Still, a small voice inside whispers that maybe itisabout me. That maybe, after everything, he won’t look at me the same. That I’ll be too broken in his eyes. Too damaged.
“I’m sorry… I didn’t hear you come in,” I mumble.
“You don’t have to apologize, Ava.” He kneels in front of me. “You’re still in shock. That’s completely normal.”
God, how perfect can this man be?
“Eli…” I swallow hard. “I think… I think I want to talk. About what happened. With you and the others. I don’t think I can survive repeating it over and over again.”
I say it before I lose the nerve—before the fear of being abandoned swallows me whole. George’s words echo in my head, poisoning my hope. But I need to believe they were lies. Because if Elijah leaves me now… I don’t know how I’ll survive it.
