The Devil's Protection

A Silence That Speaks Volumes

The moment the word left Emma's lips—

"Okay."

—Alexander stilled.

For the first time since she had met him, he looked... surprised.

It was gone in an instant, replaced by his usual composed expression. But she had seen it.

Felt it.

Emma had just crossed a line.

A line she could never step back from.

And so had he.

—

Terms and Conditions

Alexander didn't move for a long moment.

Didn't speak.

Then—

"Say it again."

Emma frowned.

"What?"

His fingers brushed against hers.

"You agree to let me handle this?"

Emma swallowed.

"I already said—"

"Say it again, Emma."

His voice was low. Firm.

Emma's throat tightened.

But she forced herself to hold his gaze.

"I agree."

A muscle in Alexander's jaw twitched.

Then he nodded.

"Good."

A pause.

Then—

"This comes with rules."

Emma blinked.

"Rules?"

Alexander smirked.

"Everything does, sweetheart."

—

Rule Number One

"You don't hide anything from me," he said.

Emma stiffened.

"I don't—"

"You do," Alexander cut her off.

His eyes darkened.

"You're still protecting her, Emma. Even after everything she's done to you."

Emma's stomach twisted.

She hated how well he could see through her.

But she wouldn't argue.

Not when she knew he was right.

So instead, she exhaled.

And nodded.

"Fine."

—

Rule Number Two

"If she calls, you tell me."

Emma bit her lip.

"What if it's nothing?"

Alexander's gaze hardened.

"It's never nothing."

Emma shivered.

Because again—

He was right.

She nodded.

—

Rule Number Three

Alexander's hand lifted.

Slow.

Deliberate.

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

Emma's breath hitched.

"You don't run from me," he murmured.

Emma's chest tightened.

"I don't—"

"You do."

His fingers lingered.

"You run every time I get too close."

Emma's pulse spiked.

"I—"

"Not anymore," he said.

A command.

A promise.

Emma's heart pounded.

And before she could stop herself—

She nodded.

—

A Phone Call That Changes Everything

Emma didn't know how long they stood there.

But eventually, Alexander stepped back.

Gave her space.

And she hated how much she missed his warmth.

Then—

Her phone buzzed.

Loud. Sharp.

Emma froze.

Because she knew.

Even before she saw the name—

She knew.

Alexander's entire expression darkened.

"Is it her?"

Emma's fingers trembled.

She turned the phone around.

Let him see.

Alexander's jaw clenched.

"Answer it."

Emma hesitated.

Then she did.

"Hello?"

Silence.

Then—

"You really think he can save you?"

Emma's stomach dropped.

Her mother's voice was cold.

Sharp.

But there was something new in it.

Something Emma had never heard before.

Amusement.

As if she was enjoying this.

Emma swallowed.

"Leave me alone."

Laughter.

Low.

Mocking.

"Oh, sweetheart. I'm just getting started."

And then—

The call ended.

Emma's breath came shaky.

Her hands were cold.

Her chest tight.

Then—

Alexander took the phone from her.

Placed it on the nightstand.

And without a word—

He pulled her into his arms.

—

A Silent Promise

Emma didn't fight him.

Didn't pull away.

She just… let him hold her.

For once.

For just one moment.

Then—

Alexander spoke.

His voice deadly.

"She won't touch you again, Emma."

Emma's throat tightened.

"You don't know what she's capable of."

Alexander's arms tightened around her.

"You don't know what I'm capable of."

Emma shivered.

Because for the first time—

She believed him.