He scoffs.
“He’s dead,” I add quietly. “Drago killed him. Now I just have to keep healing.”
I rest my hand on my dad’s chest, feeling his heart racing. “Drago didn’t do this to hurt you. He tried to deny it so it wouldn’t destroy your relationship.”
He nods once, silent.
“I’m an adult, Dad. I make my own choices. And I choose him. I always will.”
With that, I turn and run back upstairs. Straight to Drago’s office.
I don’t knock. I slip inside and find him sitting on the edge of the couch, head buried in his hands.
My chest caves.
I rush to him, wrapping my arms around him from behind, holding him like I’m afraid he’ll disappear. “I love you, Drago,” I whisper. “I love you so much.”
He exhales shakily and presses his face into my neck, his tears soaking into my skin. It breaks my heart wide open.
“How much did you hear?” he asks quietly.
“Enough to know my dad was way out of line.”
“He’s just shocked.”
I slide my fingers through his hair. “Doesn’t excuse him being a dick.”
He pulls back, a sad smile tugging at his lips. His eyes are red. Devastated. He cups my chin and kisses me.
“I can protect you, too, my love,” I whisper against his mouth.
He lifts me effortlessly, settling me to straddle his lap. Our noses brush. “I’m so fucking lucky to have you, Lily,” he murmurs. “Thank you for saving me.”
I kiss his cheek. “Always.”
I melt into him, and that’s when I see it.
The walls.
Landscapes. Stormy seas. Sun-drenched hills. Light and shadow woven together in breathtaking detail.
And then… me.
Everywhere.
Painted laughing. Thinking. Sleeping. Existing.
My breath hitches.
“Were you planning to open a gallery full of artwork of me?” I tease softly.
His arms tighten around me. “Painting you was therapy,” he admits. “A calm I needed. A reason to keep going when my world felt like it was caving in.”
“They’re beautiful,” I whisper. “Maybe when we get our own house, we can put them up.”
He brushes my hair back. “What kind of house do you want, Lily?”
I tap my chin, smiling through the ache.
