Better In Your Arms (Parisian Mafia 2#)

10

Chapter 10: Unbreakable Bonds

The tension in the Stuart mansion remained thick in the days that followed the confrontation with Vincent Montemayor. The estate’s corridors buzzed with activity, guards patrolling, securing every corner, and ensuring no further attacks. But despite the looming threat, Amari found herself more resolute than ever. She had chosen this life, and she was determined to stand by Lawrence no matter what.

Lawrence, however, seemed to have different thoughts running through his mind. Amari could feel the weight of his guilt whenever he looked at her, the way his brow furrowed and his eyes clouded with worry. She understood it—he was trying to protect her. But what he didn’t understand was that she didn’t need to be shielded; she needed to stand by his side.

One evening, as the sun set behind the vast Stuart estate, casting a golden hue over the mansion’s grand garden, Amari decided it was time to confront him. She found Lawrence standing on the balcony overlooking the grounds, his hands gripping the railing tightly as he stared into the distance, lost in thought.

“Lawrence,” she called softly, stepping out onto the balcony.

He didn’t turn immediately, but she saw his shoulders tense slightly at the sound of her voice. Finally, he sighed and turned to face her, his expression unreadable.

“Amari,” he began, his voice low, “I’ve been thinking…”

She stepped closer, her heart pounding. “About what?”

He hesitated, looking down at the ground before meeting her gaze again. “About us. About this life I’ve brought you into. It’s dangerous, and I—”

“Lawrence,” Amari interrupted, her tone firm but gentle. “We’ve had this conversation before. I know what I signed up for. I’m not afraid.”

“It’s not about fear,” Lawrence said, shaking his head. “It’s about me not being able to live with myself if something happens to you because of me.”

Amari took another step closer, her hand reaching out to touch his arm. “And how do you think I’d feel if something happened to you? You can’t keep shutting me out, Lawrence. We’re in this together.”

For a moment, he didn’t respond. The two of them stood in silence, the cool evening breeze brushing against their skin. Amari could see the conflict in his eyes, the war between his desire to protect her and his need to have her by his side.

“You’re the strongest person I know,” Amari continued softly. “But even the strongest people need someone to lean on. Let me be that person for you.”

Lawrence’s gaze softened as he looked at her, the weight of his emotions evident. Slowly, he reached out and took her hand in his, pulling her closer. “You already are.”

Amari smiled up at him, her heart swelling with love for this man who carried so much on his shoulders. She rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her ear. “We’ll face whatever comes, together. You and me.”

Lawrence wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as the sun dipped lower behind the horizon, casting the world in shadows. For the first time in days, he allowed himself to relax, to let go of the guilt that had been gnawing at him.

“I love you,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “More than anything.”

Amari smiled, her eyes closing as she basked in the warmth of his embrace. “I love you too.”

---

The following morning, the Stuart estate was bustling with preparations. With the Montemayor threat still looming, Lawrence had called for a gathering of their allies to plan the next steps. Amari, though not part of the discussions, could sense the gravity of the situation. She wandered through the mansion, feeling the weight of the tension in the air.

She found herself in the large library, the quiet space offering a momentary reprieve from the chaos outside. As she moved between the shelves, her fingers grazing the spines of the old books, she felt a strange sense of peace wash over her. Despite everything that had happened, this place—Lawrence’s home—was starting to feel like her own.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. She turned to see Alexander, Lawrence’s trusted right-hand man, entering the room. He gave her a small smile, his usual stoic demeanor softening slightly in her presence.

“I thought I’d find you here,” Alexander said, his voice calm.

Amari smiled back, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “It’s one of the few places that still feels…normal.”

Alexander nodded, leaning against one of the bookshelves. “I know things have been tense lately. But you’re handling it well.”

Amari sighed, crossing her arms as she leaned against the large table in the center of the room. “I’m trying. But sometimes it feels like everything is spiraling out of control. And Lawrence…he’s carrying so much on his own.”

“He always has,” Alexander replied, his tone knowing. “Lawrence is a leader, but he also feels responsible for everyone around him. It’s not easy for him to let people in.”

“I know,” Amari said softly. “But I wish he’d let me carry some of that weight with him.”

Alexander studied her for a moment before nodding. “He will. Give him time. He’s lucky to have someone like you.”

Amari gave him a small smile, appreciating his words. “Thanks, Alexander.”

He nodded, pushing himself off the bookshelf and straightening his jacket. “You’re strong, Amari. Stronger than you think. Don’t ever doubt that.”

With that, he turned and left the library, leaving Amari alone with her thoughts once again.

---

Later that afternoon, Lawrence called for Amari to join him in his office. When she arrived, she found him standing by the window, his back to her as he looked out over the estate grounds. The room was dimly lit, the heavy curtains drawn slightly to let in the fading daylight.

“You wanted to see me?” Amari asked, stepping into the room.

Lawrence turned to face her, his expression serious. “There’s something we need to discuss.”

Amari’s heart skipped a beat at his tone, but she forced herself to stay calm. “What is it?”

He gestured for her to sit down, and she did, her eyes never leaving his. Lawrence sat across from her, his hands resting on the desk as he leaned forward slightly.

“We’ve been keeping a close eye on the Montemayor family’s movements,” Lawrence began, his voice measured. “And it seems they’re not done with us yet. They’re regrouping, planning something big.”

Amari’s stomach tightened at the news, but she kept her expression neutral. “What does that mean for us?”

“It means we need to be ready for anything,” Lawrence replied. “And I need you to be prepared for the possibility that things might get worse before they get better.”

Amari swallowed hard, her mind racing. “Are you saying…we’re going to war?”

Lawrence’s gaze was steady as he nodded. “It’s looking that way.”

Amari felt a chill run down her spine, but she pushed it aside, her resolve hardening. She had chosen this life, and she would face whatever came with it.

“I’m ready,” she said firmly.

Lawrence studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he reached across the desk and took her hand in his.

“I know you are,” he said softly. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not worried about you.”

Amari squeezed his hand, her eyes locking with his. “We’ll get through this. Together.”

Lawrence gave her a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Together.”

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