Chapter 59

Damien

The minute I passed the sign that welcomed us to the city. I felt a bit relieved.

I drove through the streets, with so much speed I couldn’t wait to get to my destination and relax. I was exhausted.

When we finally pulled up to the house, I glanced at Alison. Her head was leaning against the window, her breathing soft and steady. She was barely keeping her eyes open.

I reached over, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Come on,” I murmured. “Let’s get you inside.”

She stirred slightly but didn’t argue when I helped her out of the car. Her body clung to me like a second skin as I guided her up the stairs.

The moment we stepped into the house, she mumbled something incoherent, already half-asleep.

I smiled. “Alright, let’s get you to bed.”

I led her to the bedroom, pulled back the covers, and eased her onto the mattress. She barely moved as I tucked her in.

As I turned to leave, her hand shot out, gripping my wrist weakly. “Please can you stay with me?”

“I’m not going anywhere,” I said and those words of mine made her expression change.

She relaxed and her grip loosening as her eyes fluttered shut.

I stood there for a moment longer, watching the rise and fall of her chest.

I moved closer to her, so close that I could almost feel my breath. It had been so long since I had felt every part of her body and it felt wrong to think about it, especially with everything that was happening.

I just couldn’t wait for everything to be over. I wanted to be close to her again, to plant kisses down her body without ever stopping.

It was crazy that I was craving intimacy and not war when I have always been the kind of man who loved a good fight.

I have anticipated moments like this when Aiden would return but now I wanted him far away. I wanted him gone so I could be with Alison.

I sighed as that thought settled and as if on cue Alison turned her face in my direction.

I smiled as I moved my thumb down her cheeks.

“Everything would be over soon,” I said quietly.

I pulled away and I headed to the shower to reduce the tension within me. The minute I stepped out I was shocked to see Alison sitting on the edge of the bed, wide-eyed, her fingers clutching the sheets.

“You’re awake,” I said, surprised. “You should be resting.”

Her gaze snapped to mine. “I did rest, but when I opened my eyes and didn’t see you again I started panicking I was scared that I might be kidnapped again.”

I let out a soft chuckle, closing the door behind me. “You’re safe. I promise.”

She didn’t look convinced.

I pulled a pair of shorts under my towel before climbing into the bed. She was still tense, her fingers twisted in the sheets.

“Aiden is stronger than us,” she murmured, in a low tone. “I am sure he has eyes everywhere and soon he is going to come for us. He probably already knows that we are in the city.”

I sighed, rubbing a hand over my face.

“We’ll figure something out,” I said. “But right now, we need sleep.”

She didn’t respond right away.

Then, in a quiet voice, she admitted, “I’m scared.”

I turned my head to look at her. The moonlight streaming through the window highlighted the worry in her eyes.

I was scared too.

But I couldn’t tell her that.

Instead, I reached out, brushing my fingers against her cheek before pressing a kiss to her forehead. “We’re going to get through this,” I whispered.

“Promise me,” she leaned into my touch.

I hesitated, just for a second.

Then I tightened my hold on her. “I promise.”

She let out a small breath, moving even closer.

“I just can’t wait for everything to be over then we can be together,” she murmured.

Her words settled between us, and it made me realize we both wanted the same thing.

We craved our touch, our presence, and moments that wouldn’t go by so quickly.

“I will finally have you all to myself.” I voiced my thoughts and she looked at me with a smile in her eyes.

I pressed another kiss to her forehead and pulled her closer, my arms wrapping around her protectively.

Outside, the city continued to move.

But inside this room, at this moment, it was just us.

Alison and I stayed in that position for a while, before she finally fell asleep. I was finding it a bit difficult to sleep.

So when I was sure she had slept deeply. I pulled away from her, walking quietly till I got to the door.

***

Hugh was outside on the balcony, a cigarette perched between his fingers, the ember at the tip glowing against the night sky. He glanced at me when I walked out, then wordlessly held it out.

I shook my head. “I quit.”

He smirked. “Since when?”

“Since I needed to keep my head clear.”

He exhaled, the smoke curling into the air between us. “Fair enough.”

For a while, we stood there, listening to the distant hum of the city.

Then Hugh spoke. “Aiden has no idea that he’s just declared war on himself.”

I let out a quiet breath. “Yeah.”

Hugh turned his head slightly, studying me. **“You sound worried.”

I scoffed, leaning against the railing. “Shouldn’t I be? He’s killed most of our men. We’re outnumbered.”

Hugh nodded, flicking ash from the cigarette. “We’ve got each other.”

I glanced at him, and for the first time in a long while, I allowed myself to smile. A small one, but real nonetheless.

“That’s all that matters,” I muttered.

Hugh took another slow drag. “We also have your grandfather’s contacts—”

“No.”I cut him off before he could finish.

His expression didn’t change. “They abandoned you. I get it. But they’re our best shot at winning this. They have men stronger than any gang and they know how to maneuver situations.”

I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair.

“I’m not going to reach out to them I don’t care if they’re beneficial or not.” I snapped.

“It’s fine. I’m not fighting with you I’m just trying to think of a way we can win this shit.”

Then he spoke up after a quick pause. “ Alison is also useful too you know. Have you spoken to her about what I told you too?”

“I don’t think I can. She needs—“

“You have to choose Damien it’s either her or your grandfather’s contact. To me, both are necessary.” Hugh cut me off. “This isn’t the time to focus on emotions Damien. We need her!”