Chapter 7

Alessio's POV

I pulled her into my lap, cradling her against me as I leaned back.

She froze.

I felt it—the stiffness in her delicate frame, the sharp inhale she tried to hide, the way her fingers curled slightly as if expecting pain.

But she didn't protest.

A proud smile ghosted my lips. She was letting me hold her.

My precious little angel.

I traced slow, comforting circles over her back, my touch as gentle as I could make it. She was trying to speak, I could tell, but her breaths were uneven, her words catching in her throat.

She didn't know how to breathe through the weight of her pain.

"Breathe," I murmured, tilting my head down, my lips brushing the top of her hair. I shifted slightly, making her lay fully against my chest. Her body was so small, so fragile in my arms, and yet she had survived storms that would have destroyed most.

"Do you want to talk about it now?" I asked, my voice calm, steady. I would not push her. Not her. Never her.

She didn't say anything.

As if scared to.

My jaw clenched at the realization. How many times had she been punished for her words? How many times had her truth been stolen from her, buried beneath cruel hands and even crueler intentions?

I softened my grip on her cheek, my thumb caressing her skin in feather-light strokes. "I won't be mad, even if you say no," I murmured.

Because I knew she expected anger.

She looked up at me then, her big, tear-streaked eyes searching my face as if looking for something she had never been given before.

I gave her a small smile. I would give her everything.

"I don't want to talk about it," she mumbled, barely above a whisper, as if speaking her needs aloud was a sin.

I smiled, kissing her forehead softly. "It's okay, my precious."

Her stomach suddenly rumbled.

A deep blush spread across her cheeks, and she looked away, embarrassed.

I chuckled, the sound breaking through the heavy silence between us. So damn adorable.

"Looks like someone is hungry," I teased, shifting her slightly so she was seated beside me.

She lowered her gaze, still flustered. A reaction so pure. So innocent.

I stood up, brushing my fingers over her hair one last time.

"Let me cook something for you real quick, sí?"

She nodded hesitantly.

And as I walked away, I glanced back—just once—watching as she pulled her knees to her chest, holding herself together in the only way she knew how.

But she wouldn't have to do that anymore.

Not when I was here.

Not when she was mine to protect.

Author's POV

The next few days were filled with silence.

But for the first time in Angel's life, silence did not mean pain. It did not mean bruises, screams muffled by the darkness, or the sharp sting of betrayal cutting through her soul.

This silence was gentle.

No more cries. No more hits. Just Alessio's soothing whispers and tender care.

And slowly… ever so slowly… her fear of him melted away.

"My precious, what are you thinking?" Alessio asked as he kneeled in front of her, tying the laces of her shoes with practiced ease.

Angel giggled. A real, genuine giggle. It startled even her.

"That Lucifer is so adorable," she said, her voice light, teasing.

Alessio stilled. A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips as he stood up, towering over her, his dark eyes holding an unreadable emotion.

He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear.

"Lucifer is only like this with his Angel," he murmured, his voice low, laced with something dangerous, something possessive.

And then—a soft kiss. Just below her ear, a fleeting touch of his lips against her skin.

Angel's breath hitched.

Her heart pounded against her ribs, her cheeks burning as she looked down shyly.

Alessio chuckled. A deep, velvety sound.

Patting her head gently, he pulled away.

"Now let's go," he said, holding out his hand for her.

For a moment, Angel hesitated.

And then, slowly—she took it.

A smile found its way onto her lips.

Today, they were going shopping.

Clothes. Essentials. Everything she needed.

At first, she had been hesitant. Spending money on herself felt foreign. But she knew she couldn't keep wearing his oversized shirts forever.

They reached the mall in no time.

Alessio stepped out first and walked over to open her door. He extended his hand, waiting patiently.

She took it.

But as soon as her feet touched the ground, her body tensed.

Her fingers curled around his hand tightly.

Her wide eyes darted to the massive building, the endless crowd, the chaos.

And then—fear. Cold, suffocating fear.

She stepped back instinctively, trying to hide behind Alessio.

His grip on her waist tightened, his warmth grounding her.

"Angel, it's okay," he murmured, his voice steady, reassuring. His other hand came up, rubbing slow, comforting circles against her back. "I'm here. No one will do anything to you. Don't be scared, sí?"

Angel swallowed hard and nodded, but her voice came out as a broken whisper—"The last time I was out… I got kidnapped."

Alessio stiffened.

Rage flickered in his eyes for a brief second before he pushed it down, forcing himself to remain calm.

She was scared. She didn't need his anger. She needed him.

Gently, he turned her to face him, his hands cradling her face as if she were made of the most delicate glass.

"I know, my precious," he said softly.

His thumb traced slow, feather-light strokes across her cheek, his gaze locked onto hers.

"But this time… no one will dare do anything."

His voice dipped, a dangerous promise laced in his words.

"Lucifer himself will be protecting you this time."

And for the first time in her life, Angel believed it.

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