Desmond POVThe house was quiet when I got back, too quiet. The adrenaline from the club still thrummed through my veins, but something else pulled at me—a sense of unease, a dread I couldn’t shake.I moved upstairs, boots silent on the polished floor. Then I saw her. Brielle, curled under her covers, shoulders trembling. Quiet, broken sobs shook her tiny frame.I didn’t hesitate. I crossed the room in two strides, kneeling beside the bed and gathering her into my arms. She fit against me like she had always belonged there, like she was a part of me I’d forgotten existed. Her tears soaked my shirt, but I didn’t care.“It’s okay… it’s okay,” I murmured, rocking her gently. My lips brushed her hairline, over her forehead. She lifted her face to mine, eyes glassy and wide.Something inside me twisted—protectiveness, longing, frustration. I kissed her forehead softly, murmuring the words she needed to hear: “You’re safe. I’ve got you.”Her gaze drifted to mine, and for a moment, I saw the
Last Updated : 2025-10-29 Read more