He kisses me. Deep and claiming and full of everything we can't say with words.
And for the first time since this all began, I feel it.
Hope.
Not just survival. Not just acceptance.
Actual hope for our future.
It won't be easy. This life never is.
But we'll face it together.
As partners. As husband and wife. As parents.
Bianca told me I was the power behind Adrian, his eyes, his neck. In reality, we power one another. She couldn't see that because she valued power more than family.
I'm the opposite.
Family will always come first.
CHAPTER 30
Adrian
As Sera's due date gets closer, I feel an odd weight on my chest. We're at thirty-four weeks now. Any day, the doctor says. Things between us are good. More than good. They are fucking great. However, there are still so many threats lingering, and there's a proverbial gun to my head, which is why I'm back to work even though I want to stay in bed.
Not that Sera is complaining. By the time I am dressed and heading out, Sera is in her workroom.
I stop by the door, watching her examine some ancient manuscript Antonio sent over.
She's so focused she doesn't hear me at first. Just runs her gloved fingers over yellowed pages with reverent care.
I want to tease her, but I know if I do, she'll smile, laugh, and I'll never leave. I'll have to fuck her. And unfortunately, I have things that need to be taken care of. Things that will help to ensure her safety.
"I'm leaving," I tell her.
She looks up, removing her magnifying glasses. "Where are you going?"
"Meeting with Antonio," I swallow the heavy lump in my throat. "About Gabriel."
Something flickers in her expression. Pain, maybe, and for a moment, I expect her to push back, tell me to spare him. But she just nods. "Be careful."
"I will." I move into the room, tip her chin up. "Leo is staying here with you. He's your personal guard now."
We'd discussed this. I trust no one else with Sera and my son.
Her shoulders sag.
"I don't need a personal guard in the house. I already agreed to stay put."
I've made a lot of concessions to broker peace in my house, but I will not budge on this one.
"You are far along, and I don't like not being here with you." I kiss her forehead. "Don't argue. Leo's presence makes me feel better."
"Shouldn't Leo be with you?"
"I'll be fine." I meet her eyes. "He'll keep you safe while I'm hunting the people who want to hurt you."
