Chapter 9 - The Surrender
The drive back to the penthouse was completely silent.
Maya had exhausted herself from crying and was sleeping soundly against my chest.
Victor sat beside me, his expensive suit ruined, his hands stained with blood.
He stared out the window at the passing city lights, looking older and more tired than I had ever seen him.
When we finally returned to the safety of our suite, I put Maya in her crib.
I walked into the living room to find Victor pouring a glass of whiskey.
"I am dangerous for you," Victor said quietly, without turning around.
"My world almost got her killed today."
"I will set up an offshore account with enough money for you both to live like royalty anywhere in the world."
My heart shattered at his words.
He was offering me the ultimate freedom, but it felt like a death sentence.
I walked up behind him and gently placed my hand over his on the glass.
"You didn't almost get her killed, Victor," I said firmly.
"You saved her."
"You saved both of us, and we are not leaving you."
He turned around, his stormy gray eyes searching my face for any sign of hesitation.
"I am a monster, Sarah," he whispered, his voice cracking.
"You are the man who rocked my baby to sleep," I corrected him.
May you like
I reached up and pressed my lips to his, tasting whiskey, rain, and absolute devotion.
He pulled me into his arms, holding me as if he were a drowning man and I was his only lifeline.
