𝐌𝐀𝐅𝐈𝐀'𝐒 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 | 𝐉𝐉𝐊

45

She is resting now, curled up on the couch, the afternoon sunlight spilling over her like a golden halo.

I stand by the doorway, barely breathing as I watch her.

How did she do this to me?

One look, one smile, and my chest tightens with something I can't quite describe—but I know it is hers.

I'm hers.

She is my reason, my anchor, my everything, and yet, I can't shake the fear that I might ruin her.

Y/n doesn't just accept me—she said she accepts all of me. Even Ian.

"I've known about Ian." Her voice echoes through my thoughts, her eyes were filled with something I don't deserve.

How could she not be afraid? Ian is nothing but darkness and destruction, and she is light.

My light. She is warmth. She is... perfect.

Too perfect for a man like me, with a life made on blood and violence,

I don't deserve her. But damn it, I want to.

She isn't afraid, and that both terrifies me and breaks something loose in my chest.

For the first time in my life, I feel seen—completely seen.

But I should keep Ian away from her. 

I will  keep Ian away from her.

One wrong move could tarnish her, stain this thing we were building together. 

The thought alone makes me want to lock her away, keep her safe. From me.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair as I lean against the wall. 

This month, I promised myself, was ours. 

No guards, no outside threats, no distractions. Just us.

And if I have to spend every second reminding her that she is the best damn thing to ever happen to me, I will.

I cross the room, crouching down beside the couch, my hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. 

Her lashes flutter, and I smile despite myself. 

"Y/n..." I murmur, my voice low. 

"Wake up, Love. What do you want to do for the rest of the day?" 

She stirs, her lips parting in a soft sigh before her eyes open to meet mine. 

A small, sleepy smile curls at the corners of her mouth. 

"Swimming," she whispers, her voice light but certain.

"Swimming?" I echo, brushing my thumb across her cheek.