Page 104 of Of Vows and Betrayal

I walk over to his desk, my fingers brushing against the smooth surface. “You need to rest. You look exhausted.”

He chuckles softly, the sound lacking its usual warmth. “I’ll be fine. Just a few more things to finish up.”

I reach out and place a hand on his shoulder, feeling the tension knotted in his muscles. “Please. Whatever it is, I’m sure it can wait until morning.”

He looks up at me, his eyes searching my face. For a moment, he seems to be considering my words. Then, with a sigh, he nods. “You’re right. I do need some rest.”

I smile, relief washing over me. “Good. Come on, let’s go.”

As he stands, Javier takes my hand in his, holding it tightly. “You have no idea how scared I was today, Phee. The thought of you being hurt or gone—it broke me.”

His admission hits me hard, and I squeeze his hand reassuringly. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

“You’re not?” His voice carries a double meaning.

“No, I’m not.” I pull him out of the office and down the hall. He hesitates as we approach the bedrooms, looking at me with hope and uncertainty. “Come.” I lead him toward my room.

“Are you sure? I mean, about sharing the bed. We’vebeen sleeping in separate rooms since… you know.”

I nod, my heart aching for the man who stands before me. “Yes, I’m sure. Come to bed with me.”

His eyes widen slightly, surprise crossing his face before he nods. “Okay.”

When we walk into the room, Javier’s arm wraps around my shoulders, his touch warm and protective. As we settle into bed, he pulls me close, his arms encircling me. I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

“Thank you,” he murmurs into my hair.

“For what?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

“For being here,” he replies, his fingers gently stroking my back. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

His words make my heart swell, and I press a soft kiss to his chest.

We lie there in the quiet, the weight of the world slipping away as sleep begins to claim us. In his arms, I feel safe, cherished, and loved. I shift slightly so I can look at his face. His eyes are closed, but the lines of exhaustion still crease his forehead. I reach up and gently caress his hair, running my fingers through the dark strands. He sighs contentedly, nuzzling closer to me.

As I continue to stroke his hair, my thoughts wander to the stories Derek and Tiago have told me about his childhood. The hardships, the battles he fought as a young boy. How even being so young, he still fought for the people he cared about, no matter the sacrifice and what it actually cost him.

My heart aches for the little boy he once was, who hadto grow up too fast and shoulder burdens no child should ever have to bear, but it also aches for the adult he is today. He hasn’t changed, except in this case, he made mistakes. No one is perfect, but in the end, once he came to care for me, his goal was to save me—save me from his choices, save me from a life I never wanted, from the constriction of the iron fist.

I can be angry, I can feel betrayed, but I can’t deny the fact that everything he planned was before he knew me. He wanted to avenge a person he cared for, and once he came to care for me, love me even, his whole focus shifted—except a moment too late.

I hold him tighter, hoping my embrace can shield him from his past pain. “You’re safe now,” I whisper, more to myself than to him. “And you’re loved.”

He stirs slightly, his arms tightening around me in response. I feel his breath warm against the crown of my hair, steady and calming. His presence, his warmth, his love—it’s everything I need in this moment.

I kiss his throat gently, my lips lingering on his skin. “Sleep, Javier,” I murmur. “I’m right here.”

His breathing evens out, and I know he’s finally drifting off. I close my eyes, my head resting against his chest, and let the soothing rhythm of his heartbeat lull me to sleep. For the first time in a very long time, I fall asleep with a smile on my face.

I wake up, a little sad to find the bed empty. The warmth of Javier’s embrace from last night is now replaced by the coolness of the sheets. I sit up, listening for any sound that might indicate where he is. My ears perk up as I hear thefaint sound of water running. I get out of bed and head toward his bedroom.

The door is ajar, and I can hear the shower going. A surge of nervous excitement courses through me. Feeling brazen, I pump myself up, discarding my clothes by the door. I take a deep breath as I look at his shadow through the frosted glass of the shower.

“You can do it,” I whisper to myself as I open the shower door and step in, joining him under the hot water.

Javier turns, surprise flashing in his eyes before it melts into a warm, welcoming smile. The water cascades over us, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

“Good morning,” I say, my voice soft but steady.

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