Mine to Protect

Alessia sighed contentedly as Nicolai carefully lowered her into the deep tub, the warm water enveloping her sore muscles. She felt him behind her, his strong fingers working the kinks from her shoulders and back, and she leaned into his touch, reveling in the familiarity of his hands on her skin.

"This feels amazing," she murmured, closing her eyes and letting the stress of the past few weeks melt away.

"You're amazing," Nicolai replied, his breath warm against her ear. "Stronger than you know."

Alessia's cheeks warmed at the compliment, and she turned her head to capture his lips in a soft kiss. "Thank you. For everything. I know this can't be easy for you, keeping me close while dealing with your brother."

Nicolai's hands paused, and she felt his body tense. "It's my job to protect you," he said, his voice strained. "No one will hurt you, Alessia. Not while I'm alive."

She turned in the large soaking tub to face him, gripping his wrists. "You're scaring me, Nicolai. What's going on