Bella's POV
The next morning feels heavy, like the air itself is holding its breath. My ear still throbs where Crystal hit me yesterday, and yet… I can't stop thinking about Ryan.
He called earlier, checking if I got home safely. His voice is calm, smooth, completely different from the chaos that the Abaddon brothers bring. But even as I answer, my eyes scan the street outside, my body tense. I can't shake the feeling that something isn't right.
"Hey, Bella. You okay?" His tone is careful, gentle.
"I'm fine," I reply quickly, forcing a laugh. "Just… a long night."
"You sound tired," he says softly. "Do you want me to come by? We could grab breakfast?"
I hesitate. Ryan's safe. Ryan's kind. But… "I don't know if that's a good idea. Maybe later?"
"Okay, later it is. I'll text you. Don't overwork yourself, Bella."
Even through the phone, he makes me feel… protected. Safe. Something I haven't felt in a long, long time.
I hang up and stare at the ceiling. The apartment is quiet. Too quiet. I can almost imagine them outside — Crystal, with that dangerous intensity in his eyes, and Christian, that calm but deadly force behind him. They think they can just return to my life like nothing happened.
They're wrong.
I'll never let them control me again. Not like before.
Ryan's POV
I park outside her building, glancing at the sleek black SUV in the driveway. Whoever owns that vehicle is wealthy, but it's not the reason I stopped here.
No.
It's her.
Bella's different now. There's strength in the way she holds herself, even after everything she's been through. I feel it from the moment I see her — a quiet confidence, a fire that I can't ignore.
I check my watch. 8:15. She said 8:00. A small smile crosses my face. A few minutes late, and yet somehow perfect.
I text her: "I'm outside. Take your time."
A few moments later, she appears at the door. My breath catches. Dark jeans, white top, her posture regal, almost untouchable.
"Good morning, Bella." I lower my window. "Shall we?"
She steps in, placing her small hands on the steering wheel as if holding onto something familiar.
The drive is quiet, and I feel the tension. Something is off. Her eyes keep darting to the rearview mirror, scanning the streets. I notice her flinch when a motorcycle passes us, and the hair on my arms rises.
"Are you… okay?" I ask gently.
She shakes her head. "I'm fine. Just… used to being careful, I guess."
Used to being careful. The words hang in my chest like lead.
Breakfast at the Restaurant
We arrive at a quiet, upscale café downtown. The sunlight filters through the glass, painting golden streaks across the table. I pull the chair for her, trying to offer comfort without pushing.
"Thank you," she says, sliding into the seat, eyes sharp but wary.
I order coffee for both of us. She takes her time, sipping slowly, eyes never leaving mine. There's a weight behind her gaze.
"You don't seem like the type to just… trust people easily," I say carefully.
She raises an eyebrow. "And you think I should?"
I shake my head. "No. I just… want you to know I'm not here to hurt you."
A small laugh escapes her — dry, but not unpleasant. "Not everyone says that, you know."
"I'm not everyone," I say, letting the words linger. "I'm Ryan."
She studies me for a moment. Then, with a hint of a smirk: "Bella. Nice to meet you, Ryan."
A Glimpse of Danger
As we talk, I notice something out of the corner of my eye — a black car parked down the street, engine running, tinted windows. My gut tightens.
"Bella…" I start, lowering my voice.
"What?" She asks, sensing my shift in tone.
"Stay calm. Do you see that car?"
Her eyes narrow. "Yeah."
"Don't panic. I think someone's watching us."
Her hand grips the table. "Watching us? Who?"
I shake my head. "I don't know. But you need to stay close to me. No sudden movements."
She nods, but the fire in her eyes doesn't waver. She's not afraid. Not completely.
And I realize she's more dangerous than anyone I've ever met.
The Silent Promise
The rest of breakfast goes by with careful conversation, jokes sprinkled in, laughter tentative but real.
I watch her, memorizing her. The way she talks with her hands, the small quirks in her smile. I can't help but think that if anyone tries to take her from this moment from me they'll regret it.
She's mine to protect. And I'll do it, no matter what it takes.
And deep down, I know this is just the beginning.