Under His Protection

Chapter 47: Tensions Rise

The morning sun cast a warm golden light over the villa, illuminating the peaceful scene as the group settled into their temporary new home. Taylor had just finished breakfast, the lingering scent of coffee in the air as she sat at the kitchen table, her hand resting protectively on her growing belly. At the six-month mark, she was noticeably more pregnant, and the twins inside her seemed to be constantly moving, as if reminding her of their presence.

She caught a glimpse of herself in the reflective surface of the window, the soft curve of her stomach visible through the fabric of her loose-fitting sweater. For the first time in a while, the chaos of her life felt a little distant. She could almost forget for a moment that there were threats lurking just beyond the horizon.

Taylor looked over at Brittany, who was sitting across from her, a warm smile on her face. The two women had become closer during their time at the villa, sharing late-night talks and moments of comfort as they both adjusted to this new phase of their lives.

"You look beautiful, Tay," Brittany said, her eyes twinkling. "I mean it, you're glowing."

Taylor chuckled, her hand still resting on her belly. "I don't know about glowing, but I'll take it."

"How are the twins today? Are they being good for you?" Brittany asked, a knowing smile on her face.

"Good... a little rowdy, but nothing I can't handle," Taylor replied, her voice filled with warmth. She loved how Brittany could always make her feel a bit lighter, even in the midst of everything going on.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Travis, Ross, and Patrick were gathered around the coffee table, discussing the next steps. Their conversation was quiet, serious. The urgency had returned—Santino was still out there, his presence an ever-looming threat.

"We can't afford to wait much longer," Patrick said, his brow furrowed as he traced a finger over a map of the surrounding area. "We need to move—if Santino's still looking for us, we have to make sure he doesn't get any closer."

Ross leaned back in his chair, his gaze flickering toward the stairs where Taylor and Brittany were. "You really think it's time for the women and kids to stay behind while we go out and handle things?"

Travis's jaw tightened. "I'm not leaving them unless I have to. But if Santino has dirt on us, we need to figure out what he knows, and fast. He's bound to be getting closer."

Brittany, who had just entered the room with a cup of tea in her hands, caught the last part of the conversation. She exchanged a glance with Taylor, who had quietly joined her in the doorway. Both women knew the men's decision had been made, but that didn't make it easier.

"Are you sure you want to leave us here?" Brittany asked, a slight hesitation in her voice.

Taylor spoke before Travis could respond, her voice calm but firm. "We'll be fine. We trust you." Her gaze shifted to Travis. "But I know you're hesitant to leave. We'll be safe here."

Travis walked over to Taylor, his arms instinctively wrapping around her, pulling her close. "I'm not leaving you. Not unless I have no choice." He pressed a kiss to her forehead, as if reaffirming his commitment, then turned his focus back to the men. "But we need to make sure that Santino doesn't find out where we are."

The men's conversation shifted to logistics, discussing the necessary precautions they'd take on their journey. Patrick and Ross would accompany Travis—leaving Taylor, Brittany, and the kids at the villa for the time being. The decision weighed heavily on Travis, but he knew it had to be done.

Later that evening, as the sun began to set, the group came together for a final meal before the men left for their mission. The air was thick with unspoken tension, but for a few moments, there was a sense of normalcy as everyone shared the meal.

Bronze, ever the affectionate child, had been clinging to Taylor all afternoon, refusing to let her out of his sight. As they sat at the table, he crawled into her lap, resting his head against her stomach. He looked up at her with his big brown eyes and smiled.

"I love you, Mom," Bronze said softly, his voice a little uncertain but filled with affection.

Brittany's gaze softened, and she looked at Taylor, a small smile forming on her lips. "Did he just—?"

Taylor blinked, her heart skipping a beat at the word. "I— I think he just called me 'mom.'"

Brittany chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Looks like you've won his heart, Tay."

Taylor smiled, her chest tightening with emotion. "I didn't expect that, but... it feels right."

Travis, who had been watching the exchange from across the table, felt a surge of emotion in his chest. He loved how effortlessly Taylor had stepped into this role, how naturally she was becoming a part of his world and his family. The bond between them, between her and Bronze, felt unbreakable.

"We'll be back before you know it," Travis said quietly, his voice filled with determination. He stood up and walked over to Taylor, brushing a gentle kiss against her lips.

"I'll keep you safe," he promised, his voice low and full of emotion.

As the men left the villa to make their way toward their mission, the women and children settled into a new routine. Taylor held her breath as they departed, feeling the weight of the moment, the heaviness of the responsibility on Travis's shoulders. But she knew that they'd made the right choice, and she trusted him completely.

Now, all she had to do was wait—and pray that their next move would keep them one step ahead of Santino.