Chapter Eight

Elena

I never knew a man so dark, powerful, and dangerous could bring me so much comfort. The events of last night felt like a dream. He was strong and soft at the same time, and the way he held me spoke volumes without needing to say a word. We found solace in each other’s arms.

I felt so relaxed, at peace, my mind drifting back to the events at the club. I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips when I remembered he spared that man’s life because of me.

Maria caught the smile on my face. "What’s making you grin so hard this morning?"

I shrugged, trying not to blush. "Nothing."

She raised a brow. "Nothing usually doesn’t make someone beam like that."

I ignored her teasing tone, focusing on breakfast. In the time I’d spent here, Maria had become my best friend, my confidant, a maternal figure. I absolutely adored her, and I knew she’d tease me endlessly if I spilled what I was really thinking about.

He left my room early this morning, careful not to wake me. But I felt him. I felt his kiss in my hair before he slipped out silently. A part of me didn't want him to go, just as the door to my room closed shut, my fingertips brushed the spot he'd left.

—------------------------------------------------------

A few minutes later, he came downstairs. His hair was damp, his body clean and dressed in slacks and a black T-shirt. I swallowed.

"Good morning, doll," he greeted, smiling.

"Good morning," I replied, shyly.

"Did you sleep okay?"

I nodded. "I did."

He smiled again. "I'm glad you did."

I hesitated, then looked up at him. "There’s something I want to ask you."

He sat across from me, giving me his full attention. "Go ahead."

"I want to spend the weekend with Calah."

His brows lifted slightly. "Really?"

"Yes. Will Mira be okay with that?"

He chuckled. "She will be, doll. And I’m sure Calah would love to be here."

"I want it to be the both of us spending time with her," I added.

He nodded slowly. "That’s a nice idea, doll. I would love to."

The smile that broke out on my face was instant. I returned to my food, butterflies dancing in my stomach.

Diego stood a moment later, pressing a kiss to my hair. "I’ve got work to do, but I’ll be back in time for dinner. Remember if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, alright.”

I nodded slightly, looking into his eyes. Those grey orbs that carried emotions too much to put into words.

"Good girl." He murmured, his voice low and rough, as he brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, his eyes never leaving mine.

He placed another kiss on my forehead before heading out. I watched him leave, my heart swelling for reasons I still couldn’t quite explain.

---

Hours later, I found myself pacing slightly in the library, waiting for Diego to return, surrounded by books I wasn't focused to read.

I missed my life, my friends... even my father. And remembering his betrayal didn't make it any easier to forget. I wished my mother was here. She always knew how to comfort me.

This contract, this situation, Diego... my whole life had been flipped upside down. And yet, I was starting to make peace with it.

The little girl I saw that night had stolen my heart. Mira and Diego had raised an angel, and I wanted to bond with her.

I was still trying to distract myself when I heard the front door open.

"Elena," Diego called. I turned, surprised to see Mira walking beside him.

"Hi, doll," he said, dropping a kiss on my forehead.

"Mira," I greeted warmly. She looked exhausted but happy.

She dropped into a chair beside me. "Hey. Sorry to barge in. I wanted to see how things were going."

"That's okay Mira. How far along are you?"

"Twenty-eight weeks. I feel like a balloon."

I laughed. "You look radiant."

She rolled her eyes. "That’s kind. I feel like a waddling whale."

Diego cleared his throat. "Alright, that’s my cue. You ladies enjoy it. I’ll be in my office."

Mira waved him off. "Go. We’re fine."

Once he was gone, she turned to me. "I’m sorry for the dinner fiasco last time. Calah can be intense."

"It’s okay. I actually really liked her. I was just surprised. Diego hadn’t told me about her."

"He probably had his reasons. Don’t hold it against him. He carries a lot, Elena. A lot more than most people can imagine. And deep down... he needs someone who can take all that darkness and turn it into something else. I don’t know if that makes sense."

"It does," I murmured. "But being yanked into this world... It hasn't been easy. Even if he’s been good to me. Well, since kidnapping me."

Mira let out a hearty laugh. "God, you say that so casually."

I grinned. "It’s the truth."

She took my hands in hers. "He isn’t easy. But he’s worth it. Give him a chance. That’s all I ask."

"I’ll try."

"Thank you."

We talked more about her husband, James. Her pregnancy, Calah. I soaked in her warmth like sunshine. She occasionally rubbed her stomach and smiled weakly. I wondered what it would be like to be pregnant and glowing, while still being this beautiful.

James showed up a few hours later with Calah’s bag slung over his shoulder. He looked a little tired but smiled anyway, the way people do when they are stressed but still want to be kind and polite. He stepped inside without hesitation, moving to help his pregnant wife to the car, but not before stopping to talk to Diego. The two of them stood there for a moment, talking like old friends or even brothers.

While they talked, Mira pulled me into a tight hug. I held her longer than I meant to. “Come back often,” I whispered into her shoulder. “Being in this house alone makes me feel like I’m losing my mind.”

She laughed softly, the sound full of understanding. “I will,” she said, her hand giving mine a final squeeze before she pulled away. “I promise.”

As I watched them leave - James hugging and saying goodbye to Calah. Mira waving over her shoulder - I turned to find Diego still standing there, watching me. And for a moment, the mask he always wears slipped.

I saw it then, what most people never get close enough to notice. The man behind all the blood and darkness. The responsibility. The weight. I saw a father. A friend. And maybe, just maybe, the kind of man who could be a husband.

When they left, I turned to Diego. "Can I tuck her in tonight?"

"Of course."

Calah grinned up at me. "Can you read me a book, Aunty Elena?"

"Sure, sweetheart. What book?"

"Three Little Pigs."

"Three Little Pigs it is."

She was asleep before I even finished the story. I tucked her in, watching her sleep peacefully, kissed her forehead, and tiptoed out.

Outside my room, Diego was waiting.

"You look beautiful," he murmured.

Before I could respond, he pulled me to the nearest wall. His eyes were dark, hungry.

"I want to kiss you, Elena," he whispered against my ear. "So badly. I cannot do it without your permission." His eyes almost pleading.

I looked up at him, heart thudding. I nodded.

He didn’t hesitate. His lips crushed mine, fierce and desperate. I whimpered as his thigh pressed between mine. The pressure... the heat...

His hand tangled in my hair, yanking gently, tilting my head up as his mouth devoured mine. Moans escaped my lips as he groaned into my neck, sucking on my pulse point.

"Diego," I moaned softly, barely able to stay upright.

He pulled back, eyes blazing. He pressed his forehead to mine. "I need to stop, doll. Or I won’t be able to control myself. Let me tuck you into bed."

I laughed softly. He scooped me into his arms, laid me gently in bed and tucked the blanket around me.

"Goodnight, doll," he said, placing a soft kiss on my lips before walking out.

But sleep didn’t come easy. My body ached with desire, the heat between my thighs refusing to subside as I lay in bed, unsatisfied, dreaming of his touch.