Morning light slipped through Amara's curtains, soft and pale. She blinked awake slowly, stretching her hand across the bed—
Empty.
Adrian wasn't there.
Her heart dipped a little. She sat up, brushed her hair back, and took a moment before getting ready. After washing her face and fixing her hair, she headed downstairs.
The house was already alive.
Cassian and Orion were arguing over toast. Selene was scrolling through her phone. Lyra sat quietly, pretending not to watch Adrian. Aiden was talking to one of the uncles.
Amara walked in quietly.
Adrian looked up the moment she entered.
She sat opposite him, trying to act normal, but her eyes kept drifting toward him. He noticed instantly — he always did.
One of the elders cleared his throat.
"Aiden, Adrian — you two will need to travel for a week. There's some work that needs to be handled." It was Mafia work.
The cousins didn't think much of it. The elders kept their tone casual, like it was nothing unusual. Only Adrian and Aiden knew what it meant.
But Amara's heart sank.
A whole week. Without him.
She lowered her gaze, trying to hide the sadness tightening her chest.
Adrian saw it.
Under the table, she felt a gentle touch against her ankle.
His foot.
Slow. Soft. Reassuring.
Her breath caught.
She looked up.
Adrian winked at her — a small, teasing one — just enough to make her lips twitch into a shy smile despite the heaviness in her chest.
He always knew how to pull her back.
Breakfast ended. Everyone drifted off to their tasks. Aiden went to pack. Adrian disappeared upstairs.
Amara went to her room, sitting on her bed, hugging a pillow, trying not to think too much.
A soft knock.
Her heart jumped.
"Come in," she said quietly.
Adrian stepped inside, bag already packed, jacket in hand. He closed the door behind him gently.
For a moment, he just looked at her.
Then he walked over and sat beside her on the bed.
"Come here," he murmured.
She moved closer climbing onto his lap without thinking.
He pulled her onto his lap, guiding her carefully, letting her settle against him. Her head rested on his shoulder, his arm wrapped around her waist.
She closed her eyes, snuggling in his neck, breathing him in.
"You're sad," he said quietly.
She didn't deny it. She just nodded against his shoulder.
"I'll be gone for a week," he said softly. "Not forever."
"I know," she whispered. "But… I'll miss you."
His hand stilled on her waist.
She lifted her head slightly, looking at him with soft, honest eyes.
"I love you," she whispered. "I'm going to miss you so much."
Adrian froze.
Then something softened in him — something he didn't show to anyone else.
He cupped her cheek gently.
"I love you too," he said, voice low and warm.
Her breath caught.
He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her lips — gentle, warm, careful.
A goodbye. A promise. A reassurance.
He rested his forehead against hers.
"I'll come back to you," he whispered.
She nodded, trying not to tear up.
He then hugged her tighter, but not too much so she couldn't breathe.
And for a moment, neither of them wanted to let go.