Chapter 26: A Safe Place
Janet wiped her tears, exhausted and drained.
But Luca was still there, holding her.
Without a word, he lifted her gently into his arms.
"W-Where are you taking me?" she asked weakly, startled.
"To my room," he replied softly. "You'll be safe there. I'll be just beside you. No one can hurt you again."
She wanted to resist, but she was too weak. Her body rested in his arms, her mind slowly calming from the storm.
He opened the door to his room—dark, warm, quiet.
Carefully, he laid her down on the bed, covering her with the softest blanket. He fluffed a pillow beneath her head with unexpected gentleness.
She looked up at him with tired eyes.
But he didn't climb into bed beside her.
Instead, Luca walked to the nearby couch and sat down, taking off his glasses. He rested his elbows on his knees, his eyes never leaving her.
"You don't have to worry anymore," he whispered. "I'm here."
Janet slowly closed her eyes, the weight of safety finally pulling her into sleep.
And Luca sat there silently, watching her.
His heart a battlefield of memories—of high school, of her laughter, of the boy he once was—and fury.
Fury at Dmitri.
The same monster who had harmed the only girl he had ever loved.
And now… he would make sure Dmitri paid.
With everything.