Under His Protection

Chapter 22: Dangerous Desires

The morning light filtered through the blinds, casting soft shadows across the room. Taylor stirred, the warmth of the bed and the comfort of Travis's presence beside her making it hard to fully wake up. The events of the night before lingered in her mind like a vivid dream—intense, passionate, and raw. It was a turning point, not just for them, but for everything that lay ahead.

She turned to face him, watching as Travis slept peacefully for once, his usually tense features relaxed. The powerful mafia boss, always in control, always calculating, looked vulnerable in the morning light. It was a side of him no one else saw. Only her.

As if sensing her gaze, Travis's eyes fluttered open. For a moment, there was a softness in his expression, a rare glimpse of the man behind the impenetrable walls. He gave her a slow, lazy smile, one that sent warmth coursing through her.

"Morning," he murmured, his voice still husky from sleep.

"Morning," Taylor replied, her fingers tracing gentle patterns across his chest. "You look peaceful."

Travis chuckled, pulling her closer. "You do that to me. Make me forget the chaos."

For a few minutes, they stayed like that—wrapped in each other, the outside world feeling far away. But reality was always there, waiting for them just beyond the door. They both knew it wouldn't be long before Santino made his next move.

Taylor broke the silence first. "Last night... What does this mean for us?" Her voice was quiet, unsure. She didn't want to ruin the moment, but the question had been gnawing at her.

Travis's hand tightened around hers, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race. "It means you're mine," he said, his voice low and firm. "And I'm yours. We're in this together now, Taylor. No matter what comes."

There was a finality in his words, a promise she could feel down to her core. But there was also the weight of everything that came with it. Being with Travis wasn't just about them—it was about the world he was a part of. The danger. The constant threat. And the fact that Santino was still out there.

Taylor sat up slightly, the sheets pooling around her. "And what about your world, Travis? The mafia... your enemies... How do I fit into all of that?"

Travis's expression darkened slightly, his jaw tightening. "I'll protect you. That's all you need to know. No one is going to touch you, not Santino, not anyone."

"But you can't always be there," Taylor said softly, her hand resting on his. "I need to know that I'm not just a weakness they can use against you."

"You're not a weakness," Travis growled, sitting up to face her. His eyes flashed with a fierce protectiveness. "You're my strength. You're the reason I fight. I know this life isn't easy, but I've never been more sure of anything. I want you with me, Taylor. Always."

The intensity of his words made her breath catch. She could see it in his eyes—the raw, unfiltered emotion he usually kept so tightly guarded. And she knew then that no matter how dangerous things got, she couldn't walk away. Not from him. Not from what they had.

Taylor's heart raced as she met his gaze. "I want that too, Travis. But I need to be more than just something to protect. I want to stand by your side, not just in your shadow."

Travis studied her for a long moment, his eyes searching hers. Then, with a slow nod, he reached out, his hand cupping her cheek. "You're already stronger than you know, Angel. And if you want to stand by my side, I'll teach you everything. We'll take on this life together."

The promise in his voice made her pulse quicken. Travis wasn't offering her safety; he was offering her partnership. She wasn't just his to protect—she was his equal. And that meant more to her than any declaration of love.

Their lips met in a slow, heated kiss, the passion from the night before simmering just beneath the surface. This time, though, there was something deeper—a sense of unity, of shared purpose.

As the kiss deepened, Travis pulled her onto his lap, his hands exploring her body with a hunger that hadn't faded since the night before. Taylor's breath hitched as his lips moved to her neck, trailing soft kisses down her collarbone. The world outside didn't matter in that moment; all that mattered was them.

"Angel," he whispered against her skin, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine. "You drive me crazy."

Taylor smiled, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer. "Good," she whispered back, her lips brushing against his ear. "Because you drive me crazy too."

They lost themselves in each other, the intensity of their connection consuming them once again. The worries of the outside world could wait. For now, all they needed was each other.