Sophia sat alone in the dimly lit living room, frustration radiating from her as she looked at the clock.
Elijah had managed to slip in after she’d fallen asleep last night and had left again before she’d even woken up. It felt like he was there, just beyond her reach, but distant enough to leave her feeling alone.
She took a deep breath, her thoughts swirling as she paced back and forth.
Just as she was debating whether to call him, the door opened, and Elijah stepped in, his face showing signs of exhaustion.
“Elijah,” she said, her tone tense.
“Sophia,” he acknowledged with a soft nod, closing the door behind him.
Elijah stood in the war room of Arthur Palace, his face set with grim determination as he briefed his team. Doug was at his side, reviewing last-minute security adjustments on a detailed map.Every critical point around Sophia’s business and the palace had been reinforced, but they knew the threat was unprecedented.“They’re coming, Marshal,” Doug said, his tone grave.“William Winter’s brought in more men than we anticipated. And there’s someone else—a powerful figure. We don’t have a clear ID yet.”Elijah nodded, his jaw tight. “It’s likely Duke West himself. He wouldn’t delegate something like this.”Doug raised an eyebrow. “You really think he’d take that risk?”Elijah’s gaze hardened. “I know he would. He wants to make this personal, and that means facing me directly.”Elijah turned to the rest of his men, his tone sharp.“Listen up. Winter’s forces will go after Sophia’s business interests first, then the palace. Be ready for anything—they’re going to throw everything they have
The cold night air whipped through the empty alley as Elijah faced Duke West in a standoff, each man’s stance mirroring the other’s intensity.The city lights cast long shadows across the walls, adding to the tension that hung between them.The silence between them felt heavy, broken only by the distant sounds of skirmishes as their men clashed in nearby streets.“You’ve become predictable, West,” Elijah taunted, his eyes narrowing as he took a step forward.“Always hiding behind an army. When was the last time you fought for yourself?”Duke West’s lips curled into a cold smile.“Is that what you think? That I hide behind others?” He paused, letting his words sink in.“Control, Elijah. True control comes from knowing when to use power and when to let others wield it for you.”Elijah’s expression didn’t falter.“That’s not control—it’s cowardice. Real strength doesn’t hide in the shadows.”Duke let out a mocking laugh, slowly circling Elijah, sizing him up.“You’re strong, yes. But you
Sophia stood in the living room, her arms crossed tightly. She had been up all night, worry gnawing at her every thought.When Elijah finally entered, his face was drawn, his shirt still stained from the night’s chaos.Sophia's eyes narrowed, her frustration and concern bubbling over.“Elijah, I want answers,” she demanded, her voice steady but laced with emotion.“Every time there’s trouble, you’re gone, and I’m left in the dark. I need to know what’s going on.”Elijah sighed, pulling a hand through his hair as he faced her.“Sophia, you know I’d tell you if I could. But some things… they’re better left unsaid. It’s safer that way.”Sophia’s gaze sharpened.“Safer? I don’t feel safe, Elijah. It feels like there are walls between us, and I can’t keep guessing if—if there’s something you’re hiding.”She took a shaky breath.“Do you have enemies? Are they coming after us?”Elijah took her hands gently, his expression softening.“Yes, I have enemies, and yes, they’d do anything to hurt m
Elijah adjusted his collar and checked his watch, his expression tense as he waited in a quiet corner of a dimly lit restaurant.When Lando Yale entered, his usually casual demeanor was replaced with one of quiet intensity. He moved with a purpose, his sharp eyes darting around to ensure privacy.“Elijah,” he greeted with a curt nod, slipping into the seat across from him.“Lando. Thanks for coming on short notice,” Elijah replied, leaning forward.“There’s been a change of plans. Duke West and William Winter are coming for your business operations—and Sophia’s, too.”Lando’s face darkened.“Those two don’t know when to quit. They’ve been poking around my operations for weeks now. But Sophia? I thought she was safe under your watch.”“She is,” Elijah said firmly, his gaze unwavering.“But Duke West is moving faster than anticipated. They’re gathering allies, and their influence is spreading through some… unexpected channels. We need to solidify our defenses, and we need to do it toget
The hotel room was quiet, with only the soft hum of the air conditioning filling the silence as Elijah entered, responding to Olivia’s message.She stood by the window, her silhouette framed by the city lights outside.Her gaze was distant until she noticed him; then, her face softened, a warm smile breaking through her usual guarded expression.“James,” she murmured, stepping closer, her voice low and warm. “I was starting to think you wouldn’t come. It’s been hard to get any time alone with you.”Elijah returned her smile, carefully calculated but smooth, allowing the charm she expected from him to seep into his tone.“Time’s been unpredictable lately,”
Elijah moved quickly, adjusting his shirt and straightening his sleeves as he prepared to leave.Olivia, still reclining on the bed, looked up at him, her expression slipping from warmth to confusion.“James… you’re leaving?” she asked, her voice soft but tinted with disappointment.He paused briefly, giving her a gentle, reassuring smile. “I have to go. Something unexpected came up, but I’ll make it up to you. Promise.”Olivia’s eyes searched his face, a flicker of frustration showing through her smile.“I hope so, James. It’s starting to feel like I barely get to see you anymore,” she whispered, letting her hand linger on his arm.Elijah gave her hand a slight squeeze before stepping back. “I’ll be back soon.”With that, he left the room, heading out to meet Sophia, his mind already shifting to the next steps he needed to take.The streets blurred as he navigated his way back to Arthur Palace, tension building in his chest.Sophia had never called him this urgently before, and he wa
Elijah’s gaze flickered slightly as he stood, trying to steady his voice.“There were… women at the mission site,” he managed, though his tone faltered, sounding uncharacteristically uncertain.Sophia’s eyes narrowed, and the glint of hurt flashed through them.“The Elijah I know never stammers when he talks,” she whispered, her voice trembling as her eyes filled with tears.She took a step back, her hand rising to cover her mouth, as if to contain her heartbreak.“Are you really just going to leave it at that?”As she turned, Elijah felt his heart twist painfully.In a swift movement, he was on his knees in front of her, reaching for her hands.“Sophia… please, don’t walk away.”His voice softened, full of sincerity.“Trust me when I tell you that my heart is only yours. I’m not one of those men who would ever cheat on his wife. Can you believe that? Can you believe in me?”Sophia froze, surprised to see him kneeling, and without hesitation, she knelt down in front of him, her arms c
Elijah lay beside Sophia, the quiet night folding around them like a soft blanket, creating a world that felt like theirs alone.Sophia nestled into him, her cheek resting on his shoulder, one hand splayed over his heart, fingers tracing gentle circles across his chest.The steady rhythm of her breathing filled the silence, a comforting presence that spoke more than any words.“Elijah,” she whispered, looking up at him with a gentle smile, her fingers brushing the line of his jaw, as though tracing his features into her memory.“This is where I want to be, always. Just like this.”He wrapped his arms around her a little tighter, pressing a kiss to her forehead.“That’s exactly what I want too,” he murmured, his voice low and warm.“No matter what happens around us, Sophia, this—” he squeezed her closer, his voice soft but steady “—this will always be ours.”She sighed, a soft sound of contentment lighting her eyes with warmth.“I know you mean that,” she whispered, her fingers driftin