Between Bullets and Breath

Chapter 7: Clash of Protectors

The safe house was smaller than the mansion, but it felt secure. Guards patrolled outside, and the rooms were locked from the inside.

Elara unpacked a few things quietly, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She didn’t notice Rafael leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her every move.

Lucien entered the room behind her, eyes scanning the area like he expected an ambush at any second. “We should go over the perimeter,” he said.

Rafael smirked. “You mean your perimeter. I think I’ve got the east wing covered.”

Lucien gaze snapped to him. “This isn’t about who covers what. We work together.”

“I am working together,” Rafael shot back. “Just in a better way.”

Elara’s hand froze on the blanket she was folding. “Can you two stop arguing for a minute?”

Lucien ignored her, stepping closer to Rafeal. Better way? That’s arrogance. You think you know everything.”

Rafael’s jaw tightened. “Better way is called experience, Vale. Something you’ll learn if you stop following orders blindly.”

Elara took a shaky breath. “Stop it Both of you”

For a moment, the room went quiet, but the tension hung thick in the air.

Lucien finally turned to her. “Elara, this isn’t just arguing. He’s testing the safety plans. I’m making sure every step is secure.”

Rafael leaned casually against the wall, smirking. I’m making sure she is safe. If he thinks he’s the only one she can trust, he’s wrong.”

Elara eyes widened. “I…I trust both of you, please, just…cooperate.”

“Trust go both ways. We can’t be careless after what happened.” Lucien said

Rafael stepped closer, tone low but intense. “Don’t pretend you’re the only one keeping her alive.”

Lucien voice dropped. “I’m not pretending. I’m proving it.”

Rafael’s lips curved into a faint grin. “Then may the best man win.”

Elara stared at them, alarmed. “You’re treating this like a contest”

Lucien ignored her, walking towards the map table. He spread out the blue prints of the safe house, pointing at the entry points,camera,locations and escape routes. “Rafael, you take the south wing. I’ll cover the north. No overlap, no mistakes.”

Rafael raised an eyebrow. “Fine. But if anything happens, she’s closer to me than you.”

Lucien’s jaw tightened. “And if you get sloppy, she won’t get anywhere at all.”

Elara’s hand shook as she folded the blanket. “I can’t believe you two are fighting over me already.”

Rafael gave her a faint smile. “We’re not fighting over you. We’re fighting to keep you alive.”

Elara felt the room shift. “I..I don’t know what to say.”

Rafael walked to the window, looking out. “Say nothing. Just stay alive, okay?”

Elara realized, with a sinking feeling, that the war wasn’t just outside the walls. It was between them too, a war she couldn’t stop and maybe shouldn’t.

The night came, quiet and tense. Lucien and Rafael took their positions, each guarding the safe house in their own way.

Elara lay in bed, wondering how two men so different could both protect her. And why it made her heart beat faster.