𝘋𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟔𝟗.

As soon as we arrived in Rome, Ares wasted no time. He drove us home swiftly, his focus unwavering. I watched him, his strong hands gripping the wheel, his jaw set with determination. I trusted him more than anyone but that didn't stop the worry from creeping in.

I knew that the moment he was sure Emmie and I were safe at home, he would head to headquarters to face whatever awaited him there. I knew he would do anything and everything to keep us safe, but that didn't ease the knot of raw fear and concern in my stomach.

A sense of helplessness washed over me like an unwelcome tide. I wanted to support my beloved husband, to ease his burdens, but I felt utterly powerless. I longed to fix everything, to make it all right again, but the path ahead seemed shrouded in darkness, devoid of any guiding light. Right now, I felt small and vulnerable, a mere bystander in the tumult of our lives.

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed when the car came to a stop. It was only the gentle brush of Ares's thumb over my freckled cheek that brought me back to the present. His touch was like a lifeline, grounding me in the reality of our shared moment.

Turning to him, I found his eyes filled with a tenderness that melted away the worry in my heart. As he cupped my cheek and leaned in, pressing a sweet kiss to my forehead, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. His touch was both comforting and reassuring, a silent promise that we were in this together.

My hands instinctively found their place on his firm chest, a small touch that seemed to soothe him as much as it did me.

I could feel his breath against my skin, warm and comforting, as he took a deep, greedy breath of my jasmine fragrance. He cupped my face in both of his hands, his eyes searching mine, silently willing me to meet his gaze.

"I will come home as soon as I can, mia piccola luna."- Ares said gently, his velvety voice a soothing melody that wrapped around me like a warm embrace. 

With each word, his soft lips brushed over mine, caressing them delicately, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake.

"I will be waiting."- I whispered back, my voice barely audible above the gentle hum of the soft music in the background. 

Leaning in, I lovingly pressed my lips into his, kissing him with a depth of adoration that words could not describe.

Ares helped me out of the car, his strong and steady hand supporting me. With the same care and attention, he then assisted our baby boy, ensuring Emmie was safe in his arms before leading us inside our home. Despite the incessant buzzing and ringing of his phone in his pocket, Ares remained focused on our well-being, his protective instincts ever-present.

"I will look after mummy and Amara, and I will be a very good boy, daddy."- our little son said, his voice filled with sincerity and tenderness, and Ares lifted him into his arms, planting a tender kiss on his temple.