Embers of Us

Unspoken Bonds

The sun had barely risen by the time Lexi stirred in the unfamiliar but now comforting bed. Mila was still fast asleep in her new loft, tucked away in the corner of the room, breathing softly. Ethan lay beside her, his arm draped lazily over her waist, his body warm and solid against her back. The quiet of the morning felt surreal, almost too peaceful after the chaos of the past few weeks.

Lexi had never imagined herself here—living in someone else's home, blending her life with another family's. But here she was, and for once, she wasn't looking over her shoulder or bracing for the next storm. It felt strange, this quiet security, but good. Better than she could have hoped for.

As she gently shifted, trying not to wake him, Ethan stirred and pulled her closer. "You okay?" he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep.

Lexi nodded, her heart fluttering at the feeling of his arm tightening around her. "Yeah, I'm okay," she whispered, even though she wasn't sure how to explain what she was really feeling—this mixture of relief, fear, and something else she hadn't quite identified yet. She wasn't used to leaning on someone, to being part of something bigger than just her and Mila.

Ethan's lips brushed the back of her neck, a soft kiss that sent a shiver down her spine. "Good," he said quietly. "I want you to feel safe here."

And she did. For the first time in a long time, Lexi felt safe. But more than that, she felt seen. Ethan didn't press her for more, didn't expect her to pour out all her feelings right then. He just held her, giving her the space to breathe and process everything in her own time.

"I'm going to get up and check on Mila," Lexi whispered, easing out of his grasp.

Ethan made a small sound of acknowledgment but didn't protest, letting her go. She slipped out of bed, glancing once at his peaceful face before padding softly across the room to check on her daughter.

Mila was still asleep, curled up under her favorite blanket, her little face relaxed and serene. Lexi watched her for a moment, a wave of emotion washing over her. This was why she fought so hard—to give her daughter a life full of love and safety. And now, for the first time, Lexi felt like they had both found a place where they could be at peace.

As she stood there, the sound of Ethan's phone buzzing on the bedside table broke the stillness of the room. He groaned and reached for it, his eyes barely open as he glanced at the screen. Lexi turned to see his expression harden slightly, a flash of irritation crossing his face.

"Who is it?" she asked, walking back toward the bed.

"Tyler," Ethan muttered, sitting up and running a hand through his tousled hair. "He wants me to come in earlier to help with a job."

Lexi frowned. Tyler was always dragging Ethan into something, usually without giving him much of a choice. She didn't like the way Tyler treated him, always putting him down with backhanded comments or demanding more than was reasonable.

"Do you have to go?" she asked softly, though she already knew the answer.

Ethan shrugged, his expression resigned. "Yeah. We've got some customers coming in today. It'll be a long one."

Lexi sat on the edge of the bed, watching him as he stood up and stretched. She hated the way Tyler used Ethan, how it seemed like Ethan couldn't catch a break from him. But she also knew that Ethan was fiercely loyal, even when it hurt him.

"I don't like the way he treats you," Lexi said quietly, her voice filled with concern.

Ethan turned to look at her, a small, tired smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I know. But it's work, and it pays the bills." He leaned down, brushing a kiss on her forehead. "Don't worry about it. I'll handle Tyler."