“We’re exposed,” Mateo said.“At least partially.”
“Yes,” Elias agreed.“Which means we adapt.”
Luca straightened a fraction.“My place stays operational.All of our safehouses are compromised or predictable.This house isn’t.”
Dominic’s brow lifted.“You sure?”
“I am,” Luca said.“And it’s mine.Anyone who wants to touch it will have to come through me.”
A beat.
Elias nodded.“Accepted.I think we might start securing properties around this one, make this a strong hold for us all.”
“Makes sense,” Luca agreed.
Rafael and Dominic both nodded.
Kol, who’d been quiet until now, spoke up.“I’ll stay on a bit longer if that’s okay.There are ...threads I want to pull.”
Luca studied him, then inclined his head.“Do what you do best.”
Mateo pushed to his feet.“I need to check in on my teams.Money doesn’t earn itself.”
Dominic snorted.“I’ve got fires to put out too.”
They filed out one by one, the room emptying until only Elias remained.
He paused at the door, turning back.His gaze flicked from Luca to Mara, then settled.
“You held the line tonight,” he said quietly.“Both of you.”Then, almost as an afterthought, “That’s why this works.”
And he was gone.
Silence settled again, softer this time.
Luca looked down at Mara.“You ready?”
She nodded, exhaustion finally winning.
He scooped her up without effort, carrying her upstairs like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Tomorrow would bring answers.
Tonight, he had her.
And that was enough.
****
“Come here,” Luca murmuredas soon as he set her down upstairs, his voice low, rough with everything he hadn’t said yet.
Mara turned into him instead of answering, hands sliding up his chest, feeling the steady strength there, the proof that he was alive.“I don’t want fast,” she said softly.“I want ...us.While it’s still real and raw.”
His forehead rested against hers.“Good,” he breathed.“Because I need to feel you.I need to know you’re here.”
They moved together slowly, unhurried, like time itself had finally loosened its grip.Luca eased her shirt over her head with deliberate care, palms warm as they traced her skin.His mouth followed, kisses slow and grounding, each one an unspoken reassurance.
As he laid her back on the bed, his hands framing her face, she caught his gaze.“Everything changed tonight,” she whispered.“With the Covenant.With us.”
