Serena lay curled against Roman’s chest, her head resting over his heart, listening to its steady rhythm. The room was quiet, wrapped in that peaceful kind of silence that only came after everything else had faded away.

Roman brushed his fingers gently through her hair, slow and absentminded, like he was memorizing the feel of her. “I missed this,” he murmured. “Just us.”

Serena smiled softly, tracing lazy circles on his chest. “I used to wonder if I’d ever feel this safe again,” she admitted. “Like I could finally breathe.”

He tilted his head to kiss her forehead. “You never have to wonder again. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”...