I exhaled deeply, staring at my reflection in the ballet studio Eli did for me. I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that he did this not only here in the safe house but in all his properties just so he could have me with him in a way.

This studio was perfect. The Marley Floor coupled with a sleek, sturdy wooden rail fixed to the wall at exact waist height and floor to ceiling mirrors covering one entire wall so I can check my alignment and form was spot on.

I have been practicing my choreography for the upcoming performances for hours now. Normally we all spend time together on Sunday but today I needed a breather. Discovering the origin and history of the serial killer left me reeling at the realisation of how much in danger I was in. This was a calculated cold blooded killer who killed women just for psychological gratification and thrill.

The fact that he never killed children reassured me to an extent that his primary target would remain me but a killer was a killer regardless of who his victims were in general, if push came to shove, he might go for my son.

My soft mature boy who was currently playing games in the gaming room with Eli without any idea of the storm behind him. Genuinely I wanted it to remain that way, my son deserved a peaceful upbringing, I owed it to Clara. I chose to adopt Elysium because I loved him dearly. I couldn't fathom the idea of leaving my closest friend's son in an orphanage. And I never regretted that decision.

But being a parent also brought forth responsibilities and duties. Emotions and feelings. Not a day goes by for a mother where she doesn't worry about her child. Even when they are at school, are they having a good day? Eating well? Enjoying their breaks? Are they happy with their friends? Is everything alright?

Now with the killer waiting to strike, I didn't want to let Elysium go to school on Monday but putting him on lock down? That would destroy his lively spirit. If there's one thing I noticed with Elysium since early childhood was that he loved his friends and us. He loved being with people, an extrovert, a dreamer, and a charming young gentleman through and through who never failed to help our neighbours carry their grocery bags whenever he saw them struggle.

How could I shut him behind four walls because of a killer? I couldn't. Wouldn't. Some might think it was reckless or stupid to make such a decision but Elysium's school would be heavily guarded with men accompanying him to school (something he had reluctantly agreed to) and standing guard there. He would be watched over constantly with the cameras and Eli was right here by our side. Landon, Agnus and the rest of Eli's men would ensure our security too.

Everything would be fine but being a mom, I couldn't help the worry eating away at my heart. Amidst the worry though, there was a strong burning determination in my soul to ensure the killer got punished. I already handed Eli the ultimate weapon either way-The killer's identity. And now we were not looking around blindly. No, we were hunting him back. We know who's behind the mask.

I was also not a damsel in distress to be locked in a god damn tower. I was an elite athlete with intense discipline and a mother who had to protect her son. And I fucking would. Even if it meant I had to dirty my hands for it.

"Little Flame" Eli's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. 'Nothing's gonna hurt you Baby' by Cigarettes after sex playing softly in the dimly lit studio.

I stared at him through the mirror as he stopped behind me. His dark eyes were soft and reverent. His broad frame was covered by a dark turtle neck and black jeans. It was such a stark contrast to the warm colours of the studio. But I never felt safer than with him here, by my side.

My heart fluttered at the warm look in his eyes and the song he played. This was our song in a way. On prom night, when Eli dropped me back home, he didn't leave but we danced in my parent's back garden with the soft lyrics of the song echoing around us. I was a bit upset about the hostility some of the girls displayed my way that night.. And when we got home afterwards, he started playing the song and asked me to dance.

And we danced. For hours. Waltzing in perfect harmony and synchrony. Just him and me.

It was Eli's way of telling me without the words that no matter what he would always be with me, by my side and no amount of jealousy or hate from others could get to me when he was right here with me.

To this day, we still danced to that song. In my back garden, in the kitchen, on the balcony, in my room. Anywhere.

"You are thinking too much again, my beautiful ballerina" Eli whispered softly, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind protectively pressing me into his inviting warmth.

"I know" I sighed softly, leaning my head back against him as he placed a soft kiss against my temple.

"Everything will be alright, we are going to make it" Eli responded, turning me around to stare into my eyes.

"We will" I cupped his face tenderly and lovingly.

"Dance with me like old times." Eli said, placing a soft kiss on the inside of my palm.

I smiled in response, placing one hand on his shoulder while he placed his on my lower back. Our right hand now clasped together, his hold safe and strong.

As the song continued playing softly in the background, we moved together to the melody of the song, staring into each other's eyes with all the love we had for each other.

It was peaceful. Intimate. Us.

"I don't blame you for what happened. I know you're upset your father did this but I'm not mad at you. I don't want you to be filled with guilt for something you aren't responsible for" I voiced out after some time watching as his jaw clenched.

Eli told me everything after Agnus and Landon left about the conversation he had with Landon some time back. About what Eli said that day. How he was thinking of leaving. And truthfully I understood how overwhelming it must have been for him. He had confessed to me in my sleep just before that conversation. His emotions got the best of him.

Honestly, If Eli one day took the decision to really leave, I would too. I loved my parents but I wasn't deeply close with them. They raised me with care, giving me everything I needed and allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a Ballerina but they were always busy as authors, always going to events, writing, doing something in their home office. And I was left growing up under the affection of a nanny and maids, servants and a housekeeper who always ensured I behaved like a lady.

As much as I loved them both dearly, they didn't get me like Eli did. They weren't really present to begin with. So they never learned to recognize when I was unwell or not. I would never not be grateful for them though. I had a peaceful life albeit I lacked parental closeness and affection growing up but I grew up with a roof over my head, food on my table, warm cozy clothes and bed time stories by a loving nanny. That was more than the majority had growing up and I was grateful. Despite all the wealth I grew up in, I was thankful for it. Not greedy or prideful but thankful.

And even if they didn't originally support me fully when I wanted to adopt Elysium, they were there for him afterwards, never failing to visit him for birthdays, Christmas and new year. They spoiled him too and came to love him dearly. I loved how they warmed up to him quickly. But our place was with Eli. Me and Elysium were happiest with him and I know we would be happy together regardless of which country we eventually settle in.

My parents and Eli's parents could visit us too. I only met Eli's parents on occasions but I knew they loved him and Eli's Mom, Adriana, was a true sweetheart that Elysium adored. She always came for his birthdays, Christmas and new year gatherings too. She loved us and I knew she would support us.

His father on the other hand.. I didn't know how to feel about him. I couldn't help but wonder why go to such a length just for a bloody throne? Was it really more important to him as a father? That his son walked into his footsteps? Forcefully so?

"I know you don't hold me accountable but the guilt, the knowledge that you were endangered because of me.. It's painful, little Flame. If there's one thing I vowed to myself when I became your best friend back then was that I would never allow my world to touch you. And I failed" Eli's voice was hoarse from his emotions as he stared at me with pain in his eyes.

I wrapped my arms around his neck in response and pulled him down to me, foreheads pressed together. "Listen to me, El"I whispered softly against his lips.

Both of his hands slid down to my waist, fingers pressing into my skin, anchoring himself to me as if letting go isn't an option. I held him closer instinctively as he pulled me flush against him. Our breaths mingling with each other.

"I understand how you feel. I would feel guilty too in your place and yet I know that my loving Eli would tell me the exact words I just told you. This is not your fault. You always protected me. Never once have I been in danger because of our friendship. What happened was your father's choice. Not yours. I faced the consequences of a poor decision he made. Not you." I said gently stroking his nape.

Eli exhaled and closed his eyes. "I still wish I could take you away from here. That none of this ever happened."

"If none of that had happened, Eli.. Maybe we wouldn't have been together right now. That incident brought us closer, gave us the chance to open up to each other. And despite who your family is, the legacy you carry, the weight of it all.. I choose you. And I will every single lifetime. Even if I am in danger because of it. I would rather be with you in the storm than live a life without you"I said, running my thumb against his jawline gently.

Eli opened his eyes and stared into my eyes like a lost man looking for light. "I love you, Little Flame. And I'm one lucky bastard that you chose me"

I pressed my lips against his in response, the passion and desire between us, powerful and intense. He pulled me closer, kissing me back ravenously as if he couldn't get enough of me. Of us.

Our tongues clashed, kiss turning heated, his mouth dominating mine and in that instant I felt more complete than I ever did.

When we broke apart by sheer will, I stared at him breathless. Lips tingling from the kiss. Heat pooling in my core from the desire I felt for this man.

Judging by the way his eyes were pitch black, filled with restrained desire and hunger. I wasn't the only one holding back.

But we both agreed to take things slow. To embrace the love we held back all these years slowly in a tender rhythm. I still wanted nothing more than to kiss him again, lose myself in this passion and make love to him. But sometimes the most intimate moments were the ones we spent together in quiet and comforting peace. There was something fulfilling and nourishing in those moments. In just being in each other's company, exchanging gentle touches and kisses.

It was only a matter of time before both of our restraints broke though but right now, this.. This was everything to me.

"Let's stay here for a bit," Eli whispered, holding me close to him. The warmth of him, the power, the gentle territorial way he held me stole the breath from my lungs.

I placed my head against his chest, both of us pressed flush against each other with no space between us while our song continued to play on repeat in the background. I listened to his steady heartbeat as we simply swayed gently from side to side, rocking our weight in time with the song's tune.

This was what love felt like. Safe.