After long moments, I lift my head to meet Morello's gaze.
My gratitude wars with lingering mistrust, causing my mouth to tremble as my eyes fill with tears.
It's hard to find the right words in this situation. "You saved her," I say simply.
Morello nods, his expression serious. "I made you a promise."
His actions prove his words were true, yet doubt still nags at me.
I can't afford to let my guard down, no matter what grand gestures he made. He was just doing his job, after all, and even though it felt incredibly personal to me, perhaps for him it was just another day at the office.
Yara tugs at my hand, pulling me from my thoughts.
There will be time later to unravel Morello's motives. For now, I push aside my questions and focus on the precious girl before me. She's tired, but doesn't seem to have any physical injuries.Although I'm sure this whole ordeal has left just another layer of psychological scarring that will take many years to unravel.
Back at the safehouse, we retreat to Yara's room and I lay with her, holding her in my arms.
Before long, she snores softly, the weight of the day's events lifting from her as she lays securely ensconced in the comforting cocoon of a dream about more pleasant things.
Later, while Yara sleeps, I join Morello in the safehouse kitchen. He motions for me not to make a noise, and I listen intently as he debriefs the operation, clinical and precise in his details.
He trusts me enough to listen, and overhearing the conversation allows me to fill in some of the gaps. Gerald is an even worse man than I thought, with a complete disregard for human life.
And Morello clearly went out on a limb to save Yara the way he did.
When he finishes, I shake my head in wonder. "I don't know how to repay you for what you've done."
Morello's eyes glint with purpose. "It's not over yet. But I swear to you, I'll do everything in my power to keep you both from harm."
His words spark the tiniest flicker of hope in my heart. But only time will tell if he's worthy of my full trust.
I'm well and truly done with rushing things when it comes to men.
For now, I take comfort in Yara's safety and the promise of tomorrow.
I study Morello's face, searching for any hint of deception. But his eyes hold only sincerity and determination.
"We're not out of the woods yet," he says gravely. "Both Luchenko and Gerald's reaches are long. Neither of them will give up so easily."
He gazes at me, his eyes kind.
"But I think you know that."
I suppress a shudder at the mention of the two men's names.
Even half a world away, the shadow of Luchenko's menace hangs over us.
And Gerald, of course, is much, much closer.
"What happens now?" I ask quietly.
Morello's jaw tightens. "Now we stay vigilant. My team will continue monitoring for threats. I'll keep you updated on any developments."
He hesitates, then reaches out to squeeze my hand. "But you have my word, I won't let anything happen to you or Yara. No matter what comes next, I'll protect you both."
His rough palm against mine kindles a warmth deep inside. But fear keeps me from embracing the feeling.
"I wish I could believe that," I whisper.