Chapter 45

As the cold night sank deeper into the skyline, the city pulsed with a rhythm of its own. I lay there in the dim light of the penthouse, nestled between Christian and Xan, our breaths mingling in the intimate silence. The world outside faded into an unrecognizable blur, a world away from what we had to endure as mafia bosses in our daily lives. But here, in this sanctuary, it was just the three of us, love entwined with danger, laughter battling shadows.

Around three a.m., a peculiar heat surged through me, jolting me awake. A dream flickered in my mind—vivid and tantalizing. I couldn't shake it. As I blinked into the dark, my heart raced and the pleasant aftermath turned into an unbearable ache. Panicking, I glanced over at Christian, his silhouette calm and peaceful. I felt a swell of emotions washing over me—excitement, embarrassment, and an overwhelming need to relieve this throbbing desire.

I slipped out of bed, careful not to stir him. My thoughts were scattered, drifting to the dream—an evocative fantasy that left me breathless. I navigated through the penthouse, my skin prickling as the memory lodged itself deeper in my mind. Eventually, I entered the bathroom, turning on the shower. I let the warm water cascade over my body, hoping to wash away the tension coiling inside me.

But as the steam enveloped me, my breath hitched. The warmth against my skin intensified my arousal instead of easing it. I spent what felt like an eternity in there, under the relentless spray, my thoughts a hazy mess of pleasure and frustration. I closed my eyes, trying to focus on the water instead of the lingering sensations.

When I finally opened them again, the bathroom was filled with silence, but my cries of frustration echoed inside my head. I felt the tears welling up, an overwhelming wave of embarrassment coursing through me. It wasn't just the physical release I sought; it was the emotional weight of my own desires—my longing for Christian, our shared life, and the darkness that loomed over us as partners in this mafia world. I sank down to the edge of the tub, my back pressed against the cool porcelain, surrendering to my hopeless situation.

Suddenly, the gentle sounding of the door creaking broke my reverie. Christian stepped in, his dark eyes holding a flicker of concern. "Haiden?" he called, his voice low, wrapped in the lingering remnants of sleep. "You've been in here for a while. Are you okay?"

My breath hitched again, and I tried to quickly compose myself, but the sight he found was far from composed. I looked up through watery eyes, and there it was—my painful truth exposed. Despite my efforts to hide it, I could see shock wash over Christian's features as he took in the sight of me, crumpled and vulnerable, a stark juxtaposition against my usual strong demeanor.

"What the hell?" His voice sounded a mix of genuine concern and that darkly protective edge I loved about him. He rushed over, kneeling beside the tub. "Haiden, what are you doing?"

I bit my lip, feeling shame bloom hotly across my cheeks. The haze from the dream wrapped around my heart, and I felt vulnerable—more than I ever had in front of him, but I couldn't find the words. The air thickened with tension, his gaze shifting from my tear-streaked face down to where God's twisted sense of humor had placed my desire so blatantly.

"C'mon, babe," he whispered, his voice steadying. "You must be suffering, and I can help you with that."

The playful edge in his tone ignited something within me. Somewhere deep inside, the fear of vulnerability mingled with an undeniable thrill.

I let out a shaky laugh, finding a flicker of my playful self amid my embarrassment. "I didn't think you'd come in and find me like this…"

"Let's just say I've seen you in worse positions," he smirked, eyes darkening with desire.

"Maybe I need a bit of help…" I stammered, my heart racing as he reached out, taking my hand in his. His touch ignited flames I thought could only flicker in dreams.

Christian leaned closer, the scent of him intoxicating, blending with the steam in the air. "Then let me show you how to get rid of that…"

And just like that, the somber heaviness fell away, replaced by anticipation. I realized that even in the shadows, we found light with each other—be it in the mafia's darkness or the intimacy that existed in the sanctuary of our lives.

That night wasn't just about releasing pent-up desires. It was about understanding each other on a deeper level, where every touch and whisper became our own story, one where love triumphed in the most unexpected way. We both knew that navigating this world was complex, but together, we were absolutely unstoppable.