Chapter 15 - A Heartbeat Shared
Elena looked at the open door, then down at the child asleep in her arms, and finally back to Mateo. His stoic facade remained, but his dark eyes held an unmistakable vulnerability—a silent plea he was too proud to voice.
""Money won't replace Clara,"" Elena said softly, stepping closer until she stood right before him. ""And a safe house isn't a home.""
She gently took Mateo’s scarred, tattooed hand and placed it over his son's chest, resting her own hand over his. Mateo’s breath hitched as he felt the tiny, steady rhythm of Leo’s heartbeat under his palm—and beneath it, the warmth of Elena’s touch.
""He still needs someone to remind him how to breathe,"" Elena whispered, her hazel eyes holding his completely. ""And maybe... you do too.""
May you like
Mateo’s fingers curled gently over hers, a rare, breathtaking smile softening his sharp features. ""Then stay,"" he murmured.
As she nodded, a distant knock sounded at the villa's heavy oak door, followed by a voice that shouldn't have been possible: Clara's encrypted call sign echoing over the intercom."
