Morning After, Blood on the Streets
Dawn crept slowly into the safehouse, soft light spilling across the worn wooden floor. The air was heavy with smoke from the night before, but inside the room, there was a fragile stillness.
Elena stirred awake, Isabella still curled against her chest. For a moment, she almost forgot the chaos outside. Almost.
Her eyes flicked to the corner where Lucian sat in a chair, a gun resting on the table beside him. He hadn't slept—his sharp gaze never left the door. He looked like a man carved from stone, yet there was a crack now, one Elena could see clearly after last night's kiss.
She rose quietly, stepping toward him. "You didn't rest," she whispered.
He shook his head. "I couldn't. Not while enemies are out there." His voice was rough, but when his eyes met hers, something softer flickered. "And not while you're here."
Her chest tightened. "Lucian… last night…"
His hand shot out, capturing hers. "Don't regret it."
"I don't," she admitted, her voice breaking. "But I'm scared. Scared of losing myself in you. Scared of losing her." She glanced at Isabella.
He stood, towering over her, his grip firm but not harsh. "You won't lose either. Because I'll burn the world before I let it happen."
Before she could reply, the door burst open. Marco strode in, his face grim.
"They hit three of our businesses last night," he said sharply. "The Valdez are painting the city red. Our men are stretched thin. If we don't respond now, they'll take everything."
Lucian released Elena's hand, his mask of the ruthless boss snapping back into place. "Mobilize everyone. Tonight, we strike their stronghold."
Marco hesitated, glancing at Elena and Isabella. "And them?"
Lucian's jaw tightened. His eyes flicked back to Elena, lingering for a heartbeat. "They stay here. Guard them with your lives."
Elena's chest ached. He was walking into fire, into blood, into a war that could consume him. And she couldn't follow.
"Lucian…" Her voice shook. "If you don't come back—"
He silenced her with a fierce kiss, his hand cradling her face, his words rough against her lips. "I'll always come back. Because I have something worth living for now."
That was the last thing he said before he turned and left, his men falling in step behind him.
---
Hours later…
The city erupted in chaos. Gunfire rattled the streets, explosions lit the sky. At the Valdez stronghold, Lucian led the charge, his fury unleashed. Masked men fell before him, his empire striking back with relentless force.
The war for control had begun—and there would be no mercy.
Back at the safehouse, Elena stood by the window, clutching Isabella's hand, watching the horizon glow with smoke.
Her heart whispered one truth she couldn't ignore anymore.
She was in love with a man at war.