Page 43 of Scar

“I'm not leaving,” I repeat, trying to keep my voice steady but failing as it trembles with fear and determination. “I won't spend my life hiding; there will always be something or someone after us.”

Scar steps closer, placing his hands on my shoulders in a way that is both calming and agitating. It takes all my strength not to break down in front of him.

“It's not about hiding, Allegra. It's about surviving. These enemies won't stop until they've hurt us. And if you're here, you're their prime target.”

My father's voice interrupts, weak but resolute. “Listen to your husband, Allegra. He's right. Your safety is the most important thing.”

I turn to my father, tears welling up in my eyes as I silently beg him to understand how hard this is for me. “Papa, I can't just leave you here. What if they come for you?”

“They won't,” Scar interjects firmly. “They know attacking a weakened Don won't benefit them. But you, Allegra, you are the key to their revenge. They will come for you to get to me.”

Tears fall down my cheeks as I struggle to maintain composure and fight against the overwhelming urge to scream and resist.

“Please, Allegra,” Scar's voice softens, revealing a rare hint of vulnerability. “I need you to be safe.”

“I hate this,” I whisper, tears streaming down my face. “I hate that you're right.”

“I know,” he says, pulling me into a tight embrace. “But it's only temporary.” He pulls back slightly, gazing into my eyes with sincerity. “I will do everything in my power to protect you and our families.”

My hands shake as I hastily pack my suitcase, my sanctuary feeling like a prison. I know he's only trying to protect me, but it feels like I'm giving up by leaving. A mix of anger and sadness fills me as I struggle to fit everything into the small bag.

The door creaks open, and Scar enters with a resigned expression on his face. Even when I'm furious with him, his presence fills the room. He stands in the doorway, watching me with an intense gaze that makes my heart race.

“Allegra,” Scar's steady voice is laced with concern. I can tell he isn't entirely convinced that sending me away is the right decision. He moves closer, never breaking eye contact. “The safest place for you is far from here. They won't hesitate to come after you to get to me.”

My breath catches, and I fight to keep my emotions in check. When did I start caring about staying here with him? When did I stop being a prisoner and become a willing resident in this home? Apparently, I must have slept through it because I missed the memo. “How long will it be?”

He reaches out and gently cups my cheek, moving closer to me. The warmth of his touch sends shivers down my spine. “I can't protect you if you're here. It will only be for as long as necessary - not a moment longer.”

I lean into his touch, tears welling in my eyes. “I don't want to leave you,” I whisper.

Scar's thumb brushes away a stray tear as it falls down my cheek. “I don't want you to go either, but I need to know you're safe. I need to be able to focus on what needs to be done without constantly worrying about you.”

Fair enough. That's more than fair enough. I close my eyes and repeat those words in my head, trying to hold myself together as the weight of the situation presses down on me. When I open my eyes, I see the same internal struggle reflected in Scar's gaze. He's torn between his duty to protect me and his desire to keep me close.

Before I can say anything else, Scar pulls me into his arms and holds me tightly. I melt into his embrace, his scent engulfing me and anchoring me amidst the chaos. He leans down and urgently kisses me, stealing my breath away.

The kiss deepens, conveying everything we can't put into words as we lose ourselves in each other's arms. I cling to him, getting lost in the sensation as my fingers tangle in his hair. He walks us backwards towards the bed, his hands roaming over my body, pulling us closer together as if he never wants to let me go.

Our bodies collide on the bed, a mess of limbs and longing. Scar's lips leave a trail of heat across my skin as I draw him closer. In this moment, nothing else matters except for our need for each other. Our clothes are discarded with an urgency that suggests we may never have this chance again. And in that moment, every doubt I had about us disappears.

Scar hesitates, his eyes searching mine for an answer to the unspoken question. I see everything in those beautiful grey eyes: the future we could have, the life we deserve, the love story without an end. But I also see his conflict; he knows what he must do, but he's second-guessing his decision to send me away. Without hesitation, I take the decision away from him.

“It won't be for long,” I promise him. A vow to find my way back to him.

He kisses me again, slow and deep, as he enters me. We move together in a silent dance, each thrust a burning promise. A wordless vow passes between us; no matter what happens, we will face it together. In this moment, the world outside ceases to exist; it's just us, holding onto each other and praying for this night to never end.

His name falls off my lips as he holds me close and moves with a mixture of urgency and tenderness towards our climax. Our emotions are conveyed through each movement.

Afterwards, we lay tangled together as our breathing returns to normal. Scar brushes a strand of hair from my face, regret filling his eyes.

“I'm sorry, Allegra,” he whispers. “I wish things were different.”

He kisses my forehead and holds me close one last time. It feels like goodbye- forever.

But then I place my hand on his cheek, my thumb brushing over his stubble. “They are different,” I tell him quietly. In the stillness of the room, an unspoken understanding passes between us; things are already so much different than when we started.

CHAPTER 38 – SCAR

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