𝐄𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬: 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞|𝟏𝟖+

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫 - 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭#𝟑

(smut at the end)

•••

"Are you alright, love?" Marek asked Inara who was sitting on their honeymoon room bed.

She glanced up with a small, shy smile. "Yes, I'm okay."

Marek moved closer, kneeling before her, his large hands resting on her smaller ones. "You can tell me if you're overwhelmed. I know this month has been... a whirlwind."

Her smile softened further, and she looked down at their joined hands. "I am happy," she mumbled and just her three words caused his heart to beat faster and he broke out in a smile. "I hope I figure things out."

Marek nodded, his gray eyes steady as they met her blue ones. "You don't need to figure it all out now. Let's just take it one moment at a time. How about we explore the island? The locals are kind, and I think you'll enjoy the food here."

Inara hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "That sounds nice."

They stepped out of the hut into the warm sunlight, a gentle breeze carrying the salty scent of the sea. The island was alive with color—vibrant flowers lined the pathways, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore added a serene rhythm to the atmosphere.

Marek led her through the narrow paths, pointing out little details enthusiastically that made her smile. "Over there, they sell the freshest fruits you'll ever taste. And this spot," he said, gesturing to a shaded bench under a sprawling tree, "is where I used to sit when I needed a break during training missions."

"You've been here before?" Inara asked, glancing up at him.

"A few times," Marek replied. "I used to think of it as a retreat. Now, it's ours."

The possessive warmth in his tone made her cheeks flush, but she hid it by looking around.

They stopped at a small food stall, where an elderly man greeted Marek with a wide grin. "Ah, Marek! It's been a long time!"

Marek clasped the man's hand with a laugh. "Too long, Renal. I've brought someone special this time."

Renal's eyes twinkled as he turned to Inara. "So this is the lucky lady?"

Marek smiled, his tattooed arm brushing lightly against hers. "This is Inara, my wife."

The word still felt strange to her, but the pride in Marek's voice eased her nerves. Renal beamed. "Welcome, my dear. Any friend of Marek's is family here."

Inara murmured a soft thank-you, her shy smile returning.

They ordered a variety of dishes, and Marek insisted she try a local specialty—a sweet, flaky pastry filled with honey and nuts. She laughed softly as he wiped a stray crumb from her lips.

"See?" he said, his tone teasing. "Told you it was good."

"It's amazing," she admitted.

As the sun began to set, they found themselves on the beach, walking barefoot along the shoreline. The golden hues of the sky reflected in the water, casting a magical glow around them.

"Are you happy?" Marek asked suddenly, his voice quieter now.

Inara looked at him, her heart swelling with emotions she couldn't quite name. "I think... for the first time in years, I feel safe."

Marek stopped walking, turning to face her fully. "You'll never have to feel unsafe again, Inara. Not as long as I'm here."

Her throat tightened, and she nodded, unable to find the words. Marek reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You deserve this, love. All of it."