Under His Protection

Chapter 42: Security and Love

The villa had become a sanctuary over the past few days, a haven where danger felt like a distant memory. But Travis knew that things were far from settled. Even as the sun dipped lower in the sky and cast golden hues across the property, there was an unspoken tension beneath his usually relaxed exterior.

Taylor lounged on the balcony sofa with a chilled soda in hand, her growing belly more pronounced but still glowing with the radiant energy that always seemed to follow her. Her laughter bubbled up every time Sterling zoomed by on her tricycle, a small whirlwind of endless energy. Bronze was nearby, clinging to a stuffed dinosaur that never left his side, sitting cross-legged on the floor next to Travis.

Travis sat beside Taylor, his massive frame relaxed but his eyes sharp as ever. He glanced at her, a flicker of vulnerability cutting through his usual tough exterior. Even with everything they'd been through, he couldn't help but feel that protective instinct that Taylor had ignited in him from the moment she walked into his world.

"Are you still worried about Santino?" she asked softly, reaching up to trace the slight furrow on his brow.

Travis let out a long breath, his gaze never leaving hers. "Worry is just part of what I do now. But... I'm more worried about you. About us. About making sure nothing happens to you or the boys."

She smiled at him, the sparkle in her eyes reminding him of the light in their chaotic world. "Travis, nothing is going to happen. Not on my watch, and not on yours."

He nodded slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing a little. "I know, but it's hard to turn off that side of me. The one that never stops thinking about contingencies."

She leaned her head on his shoulder, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat calming her. "We have each other. And I trust you. You've got a team now, people who care about us."

Her words were a balm to his worries. Patrick. Ross. Brittany. Everyone was part of their chaotic but loyal extended family now. And seeing how everyone—despite their madness and criminal backgrounds—had banded together made him believe more strongly that they would make it through whatever lay ahead.

Suddenly, Taylor's phone buzzed, breaking the momentary calm. She picked it up, her brows furrowing slightly.

"It's a message from Brittany," she murmured, glancing at the screen. "She says dinner is ready and she made some of that spicy pasta you like."

Travis groaned dramatically. "God, I love that woman."

"You love me more, though, right?" Taylor teased, nudging him with her elbow.

"Always." His eyes darkened for a brief moment before that protective softness returned. "But seriously, let's eat. We need to keep our strength up. We've got more to do, and we need to stay ready."

Together, they stood, his towering frame helping her up with practiced ease. As they made their way inside, Travis wrapped an arm around her waist, a momentary flicker of seriousness crossing his face.

"I don't know what I'd do without you, Angel." His voice was low but full of sincerity. "You and these boys... you're everything to me."

She looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with love. "We've got each other, Travis. We'll get through anything. Together."

The room filled with laughter as Brittany called out from the dining room, saying something about "spaghetti sauce disasters" that somehow managed to taste like gourmet perfection. Travis tightened his grip on Taylor's waist, the tension in his jaw finally easing away.

As they stepped into the dining area, surrounded by their chosen family, it felt like a chaotic but deeply connected circle of love. Patrick and Ross were already digging into their plates, exchanging jokes and cheers that somehow turned into a toast for "family loyalty." Brittany passed around glasses of wine with a smile, the atmosphere of chaos lightened by her unyielding optimism.

Taylor glanced around the table at everyone—Bronze chewing confidently on a garlic breadstick, Sterling sharing a dramatic "racing bunny update," and Travis beside her, his eyes locked on her with that fierce, unwavering devotion.

She couldn't have imagined this life when she first met Travis. The danger, the mafia dealings, the challenges—they were all things she hadn't signed up for but now felt woven into every part of her heart. And more importantly, she trusted Travis. With everything.

"No matter what comes next," she finally said aloud, raising her glass, "we've got each other."

Everyone echoed her, clinking glasses with laughter and cheers. The night settled over the villa, not with the looming shadows of threats but with the warmth of an unconventional, fierce, and loving family.

Travis sat back in his chair, a relaxed grin spreading across his face. Despite the danger that still lurked somewhere out there, the alliance they had built felt stronger than ever. And with Taylor by his side, his Angel, his heart, his everything, he knew they would face the future together—no matter what—stronger, smarter, and unbreakable.