Chapter 271 

She sank onto the couch, unconsciously picking the spot closest to him. Her fingers dug into the cushion edge. 

“When can we go home?” she asked, voice small. “I miss the kids.” 

I want to feel safe again hung unspoken between them. 

“Morning flight, Adam said, his voice softening. “Just tonight, then we’re out.” 

He reached out, hesitant, and touched her shoulder. When she didn’t pull away, something in him eased. 

Adam watched her in the fading light. Seeing her like this–hurt, shaken–cut through him like nothing ever had. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her tied up in that filthy apartment. The fear hadn’t left him. 

I’m scared, he realized suddenly. Me. Scared of losing her. 

Guilt hit him hard. If I hadn’t pulled her into my mess… 

He remembered how much it hurt to stand up, pain shooting through every part of him. He’d do it again without thinking twice. 

“Hungry?” he asked, eyeing her barely–touched lunch. 

“A little, she admitted, fingers tracing her water glass. 

He ordered her favorites and sat quietly while she managed a few more bites than at lunch. He couldn’t help checking the windows and door at regular intervals, something primal keeping him on alert 

After dinner, Irene straightened. “Treatment time.” 

Adam frowned at the bruises peeking from her sleeve. “Skip it. You need rest.” 

“That’s not how doctoring works,” she said, a hint of her usual self coming through. “The patient doesn’t get to decide.” 

As she positioned the electrodes, she winced when lifting her arm. Adam noticed but said nothing, just helped when she adjusted the equipment. 

After finishing, he picked up the medicine. “Your turn.” 

His warm hand steadied her arm while he worked. Irene found herself leaning slightly into his touch. The realization hit her suddenly–after everything, he was the only one who made her feel safe. 

Night fell. Irene perched on the sofa edge, gathering courage for what felt like forever. 

‘Could I stay in here tonight?‘ Her voice was barely audible. 

Adam watched her face. “Nightmares?” 

She nodded, fingers twisting in her lap. “I close my eyes and see them.” 

“Stay,” he said simply, “But I’m not taking the couch.” 

“I can sleep there, it’s fine–‘ 

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Chapter 271 

“No blankets,” he cut in. “Gets cold.” He gestured toward the bedroom. “Bed’s big enough. We stick to our sides.” 

A pause. If you’re worried, we can build a pillow wall.” 

Irene almost smiled at that. “Okay.” 

That single word held more trust than either acknowledged. 

Adam arranged everything–pajamas, towels, extra pillows. Before hitting the lights, he tugged the blanket around her side, making sure she was covered. 

In the darkness, an unexpected sense of security settled over her. She turned on her side, watching Adam’s profile in the faint city light. 

Just until he falls asleep, she told herself. Then I’ll close my eyes. 

But exhaustion pulled her under first. 

Sometime in the night, Adam woke to movement. Irene had shifted toward him in her sleep, unconsciously seeking warmth. 

Just like her kids, he thought, watching her. The trio did the same thing, gravitating toward safety even in sleep. 

Her warmth next to him sent heat crawling up his neck. His breathing hitched as he closed his eyes, trying desperately not to notice 

how the moonlight traced silver paths across her skin. 

He shifted away carefully, only to find her following in her sleep. 

Pure torture, he thought, throat tight. 

With nowhere left to retreat, he froze in place. The woman he cared for most was inches away, soft and trusting. How could he not 

want her? But because he cared, he wouldn’t cross that line. 

He fought with himself until sunrise peeked through the curtains. Sleep finally took over with Irene curled up against his side, her breathing soft against his neck. Neither realized how right it felt to be together like this. 

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