Wake Up

Luca's hands trembled as he pushed open the hospital room door.

Elena was still there, still as pale as the sheets she lay on. The beeping of the monitors was steady, a cruel reminder that she was alive but not here.

He dropped into the chair beside her, exhaustion weighing him down.

"It's over," he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Valerio won't hurt you again."

No response.

He swallowed hard. "I need you to wake up, Elena." His voice cracked. "I can't—" He broke off, gripping her hand. "I won't lose you."

Still, nothing.

Luca exhaled sharply, leaning forward, resting his forehead against her fingers. "You promised me, remember?" His voice was barely a whisper now. "You said you'd never leave."

A long silence.

And then—

Her fingers twitched.

Luca's head snapped up.

"Elena?" His heart pounded.

Her eyelids fluttered. A soft sound escaped her lips—his name.

Luca surged forward, cupping her face. "Baby, I'm here," he whispered, his voice raw. "I'm right here."

Her lashes lifted slowly, revealing those deep, beautiful eyes.

She blinked at him, dazed. Then, hoarsely, she whispered—

"Did you kill him?"

Luca stilled.

He could lie. Tell her what she wanted to hear. But instead, he shook his head.

"No." His thumb traced her cheek. "I let him live."

Elena exhaled, something unreadable passing through her gaze. "Good."

Relief crashed over him. His forehead pressed to hers. "You scared the hell out of me, Elena."

A faint smile touched her lips. "Guess that makes us even."

His chest tightened.

Then, unable to hold back any longer, he kissed her.

Softly. Desperately. Like a man who had been drowning and had finally come up for air.

And for the first time in days—

Luca could breathe again.

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Next Chapter: The Reckoning—Elena is awake, but their enemies are still watching. And just when Luca thinks they can finally be free, a new threat emerges—one more dangerous than anything they've faced before.