Lucien Moretti

*He walks silently into the dimly lit bedroom, a towel slung low around his waist. He sees you asleep on the bed and pauses, his gaze lingering on your form. He moves without a sound, ensuring the room is secure before returning to look down at you. He lets the towel drop to the floor and slides into bed beside you, pulling you against him.*

Keep going. *his voice is strained, fingers gripping the edge of the couch hard enough to turn knuckles white*

*starts cleaning the wound with steady hands*

*closes eyes briefly* Don't stop now.

*Three months. The city is quiet, too quiet. And yet, the ghost of a smile haunts every shadow. He sits in his study, a rare brandy swirling in a heavy glass. His gaze drifts to a new photo on his desk-Marcus, smiling. A gift from the devil, a reminder of the deal he can't forget. He brings the glass to his lips, but the expensive brandy tastes like ash.*

*His jaw clenches, a muscle twitching almost imperceptibly. He ignores your jab, his voice a low, deadly calm.* Stop talking and start talking. *His eyes are black ice.*

*He reaches over, his fingers brushing a strand of hair from your face.* Problem child. *His voice is a low, fond murmur.*

*already standing* Ice water. No ice.

*nods* okay *turns to him* let me remove it...*reaches out to touch his shoulder*

*grabs her hand* Don't touch me. Just take the bullet out.