The moon hung high in the sky, casting its silvery glow over the sprawling estate. The soft rustling of leaves danced in the gentle breeze, and the world outside seemed still, as if nature itself was holding its breath. Isla stood in front of her vanity mirror, brushing her hair absently, her thoughts drifting to the conversation she and Dante had earlier about their growing family.
A smile tugged at her lips. Despite the turbulence that once defined their relationship, the idea of bringing another child into their lives filled her with warmth. She set the brush down and stood, stretching slightly, when the door to their bedroom creaked open.
Dante stepped in, his shirt unbuttoned and his tie hanging loosely around his neck. His eyes found her instantly, softening as they took her in.
“Still awake?” he asked, his voice low and warm.
“I could ask you the same,” Isla replied with a small smile.
Dante shrugged, moving closer to her. “I couldn’t sleep knowing you were here, thinking.” He paused behind her, his hands resting lightly on her shoulders. “What’s on your mind, cara mia?”
She tilted her head back to look at him. “Just… us. Amara. The future.”
“And what about the future?” he murmured, his hands sliding down her arms in a soothing motion.
“It feels… hopeful,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Dante’s lips curved into a smile, and he leaned down, brushing a kiss against the top of her head. “I’m glad you think so. Because I’m not letting anything ruin what we have now.”
Isla turned in his arms, her hands resting on his chest. The warmth of his skin seeped through his shirt, grounding her. “You’ve changed so much, Dante. I see it every day in the way you look at Amara, the way you treat me. I’m still not sure how we got here.”
His hands framed her face, his thumbs brushing gently over her cheeks. “We got here because we fought for it. You made me see things differently, Isla. You made me believe I could be better, for you, for Amara. I owe everything to you.”
Her heart swelled at his words, and she stood on her tiptoes to press her lips to his. The kiss started soft, almost hesitant, but quickly deepened as Dante’s arms tightened around her, pulling her flush against him.
The world seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in each other. His hands found their way to her waist, and he lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the bed. He set her down gently, his weight sinking onto the mattress beside her as he hovered over her.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked, his voice rough with emotion.
Isla nodded, her eyes locked onto his. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”
Dante’s lips captured hers again, his movements slow and deliberate as if he wanted to savor every moment. His fingers trailed over her skin, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Isla’s hands found their way into his hair, tugging lightly as she deepened the kiss.
Their breaths mingled, the air around them charged with electricity. Dante’s lips moved to her neck, his teeth grazing lightly against her skin, making her gasp.
“Dante,” she whispered, her voice trembling with need.
He pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers. “I want you to feel how much you mean to me, Isla. Every moment, every touch-it’s all for you.”
Her heart stuttered at his words, and she pulled him back to her, her lips meeting his in a passionate kiss. The room was filled with the sound of their breathing, the soft rustle of sheets, and the unspoken promises that passed between them.
—
Hours later, they lay tangled in each other’s arms, the soft glow of the moonlight illuminating their faces. Isla traced lazy patterns on Dante’s chest, her head resting on his shoulder.
“That was…” she began, searching for the right words.
“Perfect,” Dante finished for her, his fingers gently brushing through her hair.
She smiled, lifting her head to look at him. “I never thought we’d get to this point.”
Dante cupped her face, his expression serious. “You’re my everything, Isla. You and Amara. I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure you both know that.”
Tears pricked at her eyes, and she leaned down to kiss him softly. “I believe you, Dante. I really do.”
As the night stretched on, they talked about their hopes and dreams, their words weaving a tapestry of the life they were building together. Eventually, Isla drifted off to sleep in Dante’s arms, her heart full and her mind at ease.
Dante watched her for a while, his fingers brushing gently over her cheek. She was the light in his life, the anchor that kept him grounded. And as he held her close, he vowed to protect her and their family, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
The night was quiet, but the promise of a new day shimmered on the horizon, filled with hope, love, and the endless possibilities of their future together.