Page 47 of The Price of Mercy

Enzo’s eyes softened, something raw and genuine flickering in them. “Are you sure?”

Julian nodded, his voice stronger now, steady. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

Enzo took a step forward, closing the distance between them until they were standing so close that Julian could feel the heat of his body, the steady rhythm of his breath. Enzo’s hand reached out, tentative at first, but then it was firm, pulling Julian into his arms.

Julian closed his eyes as Enzo’s warmth enveloped him, the feel of his embrace grounding him, making him realize just how deeply he had fallen.

“I’m not letting you go if you stay,” Enzo murmured, his voice low and steady against Julian’s ear. “Ever.”

Julian’s breath caught, the relief that flooded him almost too much to bear. His hands found Enzo’s shirt, gripping the fabric as if he might lose him, as if this moment might slip away like so many others. But it didn’t. This time, it was real.

“I know,” Julian said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m yours. Always.”

Enzo kissed him then, his lips fierce but tender, a promise sealed in the only way it could be; through touch, through connection, through the raw, undeniable truth of what they had become toeach other. The world outside might have been falling apart, but inside, in this moment, they were whole.

And that was enough.

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