Under His Protection

Chapter 23: The Family You Choose

The warm hum of the safehouse was replaced with a tense quiet as Patrick and Ross stepped inside. The two men moved with their usual air of confidence, but their expressions were more serious than usual. They carried the weight of unfinished business that couldn't wait.

Taylor glanced up from where she was perched on the couch, a cup of coffee warming her hands. Travis stood near the window, his arms crossed as he watched the two men approach. The trio had an unspoken understanding—they were here to talk about the next move.

"Morning, sweetheart," Patrick said with a lopsided grin, breaking the tension just enough to make Taylor smile.

"Morning," she replied softly, setting her mug down.

Ross gave her a small nod of acknowledgment before turning to Travis. "We've got word on Santino's next shipment. He's moving something big through the docks tonight."

Travis's jaw tightened. "Details?"

"Not much yet, but the timing feels deliberate," Patrick said, leaning against the edge of the kitchen counter. "Santino knows we're closing in. He's either making a bold move or setting a trap."

Taylor watched as the men strategized, their words clipped and efficient. It was a stark reminder of the world Travis lived in—a world of danger, calculated risks, and unrelenting pressure. Yet, as she looked at him, standing there with his signature confidence, she felt a deep sense of pride.

He wasn't just a mafia boss. He was a protector, a leader, and, somehow, hers.

"Taylor," Patrick said suddenly, pulling her from her thoughts. "How're you holding up? You've been thrown into the deep end of this mess."

She blinked, surprised by the question. "I'm... adjusting. It's a lot to take in, but I trust Travis."

Patrick glanced at Travis with a knowing smirk. "She's got more faith in you than most of us do."

"Shut it, Mahomes," Travis muttered, though his lips twitched in amusement.

Ross chuckled. "She's tougher than she looks. You picked a good one, Kelce."

The banter lightened the mood, but it didn't last long. Travis's expression grew serious again as he turned to Taylor.

"This next move—it's going to be dangerous. I need to know you'll stay here and keep safe."

Taylor frowned. "And what if something goes wrong? What if you don't come back?"

"Hey," Travis said gently, moving to kneel in front of her. His hands rested on her knees as he looked up at her, his blue eyes filled with a rare vulnerability. "I'm coming back. I promised you that, didn't I?"

She swallowed hard, nodding even as doubt flickered in her mind.

"Good," he said softly, brushing his thumb across her hand. "Because you're my anchor, Angel. I need to know you're safe so I can focus out there."

Taylor's chest tightened at his words, but she nodded again. "Okay. But you come back to me. No matter what."

"Always."

Patrick cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "Alright, lovebirds, we've got work to do. Ross and I will prep the team."

Travis rose to his feet, his demeanor shifting back to the commanding boss. "I'll join you in a minute."

As Patrick and Ross left the room, Taylor stood, wrapping her arms around Travis's waist. "Be careful," she whispered against his chest.

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, holding her close for a moment. "I will. And when this is over, we'll have that talk about the future. I meant what I said—I want it all with you, Taylor."

Her heart swelled at his words, and she nodded, holding him just a little tighter before he stepped away.

As Travis walked out the door, Taylor was left alone with her thoughts. The weight of his world was heavy, but for the first time, she realized she wasn't afraid. She was ready to face whatever came next—because she wasn't just in his world. She was part of it.