If you only knew...

69.You can't stop me

Ana's POV

As our bodies begin to shed the final traces of energy, sleep overtakes us. I curl up against him, enveloped in his intoxicating scent. There's something magical about those nights spent so close to him; the world outside fades away, and all that matters is the heat radiating between us.

The late morning light spills into the room, and I find myself wrapped around him, the warmth of our bodies mingling in a cozy embrace. My fingers trail gently across his bare side, slipping beneath his lifted shirt to caress him, while my legs intertwine with his thighs, holding him close.

As my touch brushes against him, I see him suddenly wake up, and I watch as goosebumps ripple across his skin. "Good morning!" I exclaim, a light chuckle escaping my lips.

He stretches leisurely, a sleepy smile spreading across his face. "Are you ever going to let me catch enough sleep?" he playfully retorts, half-serious.

With a gentle touch, my hand glides to his face, cradling his cheeks as I gaze into his eyes. "I love you so deeply."

His eyes widen in surprise at my sudden outpouring of affection. But then, that smile returns, and without a word, he leans in, kissing me tenderly. It's a quiet promise — he's not ready to say it back yet.

"How about we grab some coffee first? Then we can finally head to the villa before going home!" I say, my excitement bubbling over.

But then, Xavier's voice cuts through my joy. "Uhm, Ana..." There's a hesitation in his tone, "I can't go back to the villa just yet. There's something urgent I need to take care of."

"What do you mean? What do you have to do?" I ask, a knot forming in my stomach.

He looks away, his expression heavy with sadness. "Tonight, that shipment... it's set to leave with those kids..." he says softly. "I can't just sit by and let this happen, Ana."

"No way! You're not seriously thinking about going there, are you? That's suicide, Xavier!" I exclaim, panic rising in my voice. "We completed our mission! This isn't our fight anymore, please, we have to go home!" I plead. My mind races with anxious thoughts, desperate to make him change his mind.

"I'm sorry, but I just can't stand by and watch those innocent souls face such a cruel fate, Ana. I know firsthand the scars of an abusive childhood—I've endured it myself. The memories flood back, reminding me of what it feels like to be a frightened, traumatized child, nothing more than an object in someone else's evil intentions, trapped in a relentless cycle of fear and pain. Ever since I learned about this case, it's like a heavy knot has settled in my stomach, growing tighter each day. I simply cannot—"

I cut in, urgency lacing my voice, "But Xavier, we're powerless here. Those guards made it clear that being on that ship means facing certain death. Please, don't put yourself in such danger. I know it's heartbreakingly sad, but sometimes we just can't change things."

He meets my gaze with unwavering determination. "I can handle it, Ana. Just let me take a look at the intel on that USB—assuming you haven't lost it—and I'll figure out a way to get in. Please, don't try to stop me. You won't be able to anyway." With that, he rises from the bed, a calm determination settling over him as he begins to change into his work clothes.

"Why do you always have to be so stubborn?! Why is it that you insist on doing everything your way, completely ignoring everyone else's advice?!" I yell, frustration bubbling to the surface. "You aren't going anywhere!!" I shout, my voice echoing with anger and determination.

"Ana, stop! You have no idea how many times I wanted to commit suicide as a child," he suddenly bursts out, "How many times have I convinced myself this was the only way to escape my nightmare!" he exclaims, his voice trembling as he presses his lips together, fighting back tears. "I can't stand the idea of leaving those kids to face the same torment, to feel what I felt. They deserve a chance at a safer life, and if there's even the slightest possibility I can help them, I have to try."