The words landed between them, fragile and irrevocable.
Marcus did not touch her. He did not need to.
“Lila,” he said, her name softened by restraint, “I will not let Fenwick use you as leverage. I will not let him threaten my son. And I will not retreat simply because the cost unsettles me.”
“And if the cost is you?”
He held her gaze. “Then I pay it knowing why.”
She shook her head, tears threatening despite her resolve. “That is not fair.”
“No,” he said. “It is honest.”
A knock sounded at the door. One measured tap.
Titan entered only far enough to incline his head. “Madam. Mr. Fenwick has left the premises.”
Marcus’s gaze sharpened. “Alone?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Good.”
Titan withdrew.
The silence returned, heavier now.
“You see?” Marcus said. “He tests. He watches. He waits for weakness. I intend to deny him all three.”
“And what of me?” she asked quietly. “What am I to do while you wage this war?”
“You are to live,” he said. “Without watching every shadow. Without fear dictating your steps.”
She swallowed. “You ask much.”
“I know.”
“And if I refuse?”
A flicker crossed his expression. Not anger. Respect.
“Then I listen,” he said. “And we decide together.”
Her breath eased, just a fraction.
“That,” she said softly, “is new.”
“Yes.”
They stood there, the weight of unspoken truth settling into place.
At last, Marcus stepped back. “I should see you home.”
She nodded. “Yes.”
They walked throughthe streets side by side, the late afternoon giving way to dusk. Marcus matched his stride to hers without comment, his presence a quiet shield rather than a declaration.
At Rosehaven House, he paused at the step.
