Under His Protection

Chapter 28: Stepping Into the Shadows

Taylor sat at the kitchen table, the morning light spilling through the window as she absently stirred her coffee. Across from her, Travis leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes scanning the reports Ross had dropped off earlier. His face was the picture of focus, but there was a softness in his posture that was reserved for moments like this—moments with her.

She set her mug down, her fingers tapping against the table. "Travis?"

He glanced up, his gaze immediately softening at the sound of her voice. "Yeah, Angel?"

"I've been thinking," she began, choosing her words carefully. "About everything. About Santino. About... us."

His expression turned guarded, and he leaned forward, setting the papers aside. "Go on."

She took a deep breath. "I don't want to just sit on the sidelines anymore. I want to help."

Travis blinked, his brow furrowing. "Taylor, this isn't your fight. I told you—"

"I know what you told me," she interrupted gently but firmly. "But it's not just your fight anymore, Travis. This is my life too. And if we're going to face this together, I need to be a part of it."

He stared at her, his jaw working as he processed her words. "You don't understand what you're asking for."

"Then help me understand," she countered, her eyes steady on his. "Teach me. Show me what I need to know so I can stand by your side, not behind you."

Travis ran a hand through his hair, letting out a low sigh. "Taylor, this world... it's brutal. It's unforgiving. Once you step into it, there's no going back."

"I know," she said quietly. "But I also know that I love you. And I'm not going to let fear keep me from being there for you."

His eyes softened, and for a moment, she saw the man behind the mafia boss—the man who loved her with everything he had. "You really mean that, don't you?"

She nodded. "I do."

Travis stood, walking around the table to pull her to her feet. His hands settled on her hips as he gazed down at her. "You're incredible, you know that?"

She smiled, her hands resting on his chest. "You're not so bad yourself."

He chuckled, but the humor faded quickly, replaced by something more serious. "If you're going to do this, we do it my way. Step by step. And the second I think it's too dangerous, we pull back. Deal?"

"Deal," she said without hesitation.

His thumb brushed against her cheek, and his voice dropped to a soft murmur. "I love you, Taylor."

Her breath caught at the words, even though she'd heard them before. There was something about the way he said it—like it was a vow, a promise he intended to keep.

"I love you too," she whispered, standing on her toes to kiss him.

The kiss started slow, a gentle meeting of lips that spoke of trust and devotion. But as the seconds passed, it deepened, the intensity growing as they poured everything they couldn't put into words into the embrace.

Travis's hands tightened on her hips, pulling her closer as his lips trailed down her jawline to her neck. Taylor's fingers tangled in his hair, a soft sigh escaping her lips.

"Angel," he murmured against her skin, his voice low and gravelly.

She shivered at the sound, her heart pounding in her chest. "Travis..."

He pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers. "Are you sure about this? About stepping into my world?"

"Yes," she said without hesitation. "I trust you."

His eyes searched hers, and whatever he saw there seemed to ease the tension in his shoulders. "Then let's take this one step at a time."

Later That Day

Taylor stood in the back room of the bar, the hum of activity around her both familiar and foreign. Ross was explaining the logistics of one of the upcoming operations, his tone professional but not condescending.

Travis stood nearby, his arms crossed as he watched the interaction. He didn't interfere, letting Taylor take the lead as Ross tested her understanding of the details.

"So, the shipment is coming in through the east docks," Ross said, pointing to a map spread out on the table. "The goal is to intercept it before it reaches Santino's men."

"And the diversion team?" Taylor asked, her brow furrowing as she studied the map.

"They'll be drawing attention at the main gate, giving us a window to move in and grab the goods," Ross replied.

Taylor nodded slowly. "And what's our exit plan if things go south?"

Ross raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Not bad, Swift. You're already thinking like a pro."

Travis smirked, pride flickering in his eyes. "Told you she's a natural."

Taylor glanced at him, her lips curving into a small smile. "I have a good teacher."

Ross chuckled. "Alright, boss. She's got the basics. What's next?"

"Next, we put it into practice," Travis said, his gaze shifting to Taylor. "You up for a little fieldwork?"

Her stomach flipped, but she nodded. "I'm ready."

"Good," he said, his voice steady. "Because this is just the beginning."