CHAPTER 94

The suite was calm the next morning, the kind of quiet that signaled a new chapter in their lives. Maya stood in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared breakfast. Her hands moved on instinct, flipping pancakes while her mind wandered.

The encounter with Jeremy lingered in her thoughts, but instead of anger or frustration, she felt a sense of closure. He was a part of her past, a mistake she had learned from. Now, she could finally focus on the life she was building with Zane.

Zane entered the kitchen, his silver eyes softening when he saw her. “You’re up early.”

Maya smiled, gesturing to the pancakes. “I thought we deserved something special. No chaos, no drama, just… breakfast.”

Zane stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “That sounds perfect.”

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Planning the Escape

As they ate, Zane brought up the idea of their getaway again.

“I’ve been thinking,” he said, sipping his coffee. “A place by the sea. Quiet, private, somewhere we can just… be.”

Maya smiled, her green eyes lighting up. “That sounds wonderful. Do you have somewhere in mind?”

“There’s a villa I own on the Amalfi Coast,” Zane said. “It’s secluded, beautiful, and far enough away from all of this.”

Maya tilted her head. “You’ve been holding out on me, Moretti. How come I didn’t know about this villa?”

Zane chuckled. “Because I never had a reason to go there. Until now.”

Maya’s heart swelled at the thought. “Then let’s do it. Just us. No phones, no meetings, no interruptions.”

“Done,” Zane said, his silver eyes gleaming with determination.

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Reese’s Concerns

Later that day, Reese cornered Maya in the living room, her expression a mix of excitement and worry.

“So you’re really going to Italy?” Reese asked, plopping down beside her on the couch.

“Yes,” Maya said, her tone resolute. “It’s time, Reese. We need to get away from all of this. Start fresh.”

Reese nodded slowly. “I get that. I do. But what about Helena’s remnants? What about everything you’re leaving behind?”

Maya reached for Reese’s hand, squeezing it gently. “Zane and I will never stop looking over our shoulders if we don’t take this step. We’ve done everything we can here. It’s time to live, Reese. Really live.”

Reese smiled faintly, her worry giving way to understanding. “You’re right. And for what it’s worth, I think you and Zane will make it work. Just promise to keep in touch?”

“Always,” Maya said, pulling her into a hug.

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A Bittersweet Goodbye

That evening, the team gathered for a quiet farewell dinner. Camilla cooked, Reese made a heartfelt toast, and Alex even cracked a rare joke.

“To new beginnings,” Reese said, raising her glass. “And to finally getting some peace and quiet.”

Everyone laughed, clinking their glasses together.

As the night wound down, Alex pulled Zane aside. “You’ve got everything covered?”

“Everything,” Zane said. “I’ll have a few trusted people keeping an eye on things here while we’re gone. And you’ll still be around if anything comes up.”

Alex nodded. “You’re doing the right thing, Zane. But if anything happens—”

“I know who to call,” Zane said, his tone firm. “Thank you, Alex. For everything.”

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The Journey Begins

The next morning, Zane and Maya boarded a private jet bound for Italy. As the plane ascended, Maya looked out the window, watching the city shrink below them.

“It doesn’t feel real,” she said softly.

Zane took her hand, his silver eyes warm. “It’s real, Maya. This is the start of something new. Just us.”

Maya leaned her head on his shoulder, her heart swelling with hope. “Then let’s make it count.”

The flight was peaceful, the hum of the engine a soothing backdrop as they talked about everything and nothing. Zane told her about his favorite childhood memories, and Maya shared stories about her travels before they met.

By the time they landed on the Amalfi Coast, the tension of the past few months had melted away.

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A Slice of Paradise

The villa was everything Zane had promised. Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, it was surrounded by lush greenery and offered breathtaking views of the turquoise water below.

Maya stood on the terrace, the salty breeze ruffling her hair as she took it all in. “It’s beautiful.”

Zane wrapped his arms around her from behind, his voice soft in her ear. “Not as beautiful as you.”

She laughed, turning to kiss him. “You’re getting good at this romantic thing.”

“It’s easy when I’m with you,” Zane said, his silver eyes sparkling.

They spent the day exploring the villa, walking along the beach, and savoring the freedom that came with being far away from everything that had weighed them down.

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A Quiet Night

That evening, they sat on the terrace, a bottle of wine between them as they watched the sunset. The sky was painted in shades of orange and pink, the waves below crashing gently against the cliffs.

Maya rested her head on Zane’s shoulder, her voice quiet. “Do you think we’ll ever be able to leave all of it behind? The danger, the chaos, the ghosts of the past?”

Zane kissed her forehead, his voice steady. “We already have, Maya. This is our life now. And I’ll do whatever it takes to protect it.”

Maya closed her eyes, letting the sound of his heartbeat and the rhythm of the waves lull her into peace.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she believed him.