Luca's Pov
The morning light was soft and gold, filtering through the curtains of the bedroom. I stayed awake for a long time, just watching Ava sleep. For the first time in years, the heavy weight in my chest was gone. The room was quiet, except for the sound of her breathing.
I felt like a different man. The anger that used to drive me and the fire that made me a beast on the ice had turned into something else. It was a protective warmth.
I looked at Ava’s face, peaceful and relaxed against the dark grey pillows. I reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from her eyes. She stirred in her sleep, leaning into my touch, and I felt a surge of love so strong it almost hurt.
We had finally found our way back to each other. No contracts, no threats, just us.
But the silence wa
