Morning came too soon.
Hazel woke to the soft glow of sunlight spilling through the curtains. For a moment, she forgot everything — the betrayal, the fights, the gut-wrenching hurt. There was only warmth, the steady sound of Michael's breathing beside her, and the weight of his arm draped possessively around her waist.
It felt… safe.
Which was terrifying.
She turned slightly, watching him sleep. Even here, in these rare, unguarded moments, he looked infuriatingly perfect. The sharp jawline, the shadow of stubble, the faint crease between his brows like he was still fighting boardroom battles in his dreams.
Hazel reached out, brushing her fingers over his cheek.
His eyes opened instantly, clear and alert. Always prepared.
"You stare a lot," he murmured, voice rough from sleep.
Hazel gave a small, wry smile. "It's part of the marriage contract, remember? I'm obligated to admire your flawless bone structure."
Michael huffed a laugh and caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "I'm sorry about last night. About everything."
She swallowed hard, emotions threatening to claw up her throat. "I'm still mad at you."
"I know."
"But… I don't want to be."
He pulled her closer, resting his forehead against hers. "I'll fix this, Hazel. I swear to you, no one's going to hurt you. Not Aiden. Not Kane. No one."
For the first time, she believed him.
Not because he said it. Because of how he said it — fierce, certain, like a promise carved into stone.
"I'm scared," Hazel admitted, her voice small. "I don't want to lose what we've built. Whatever this is between us."
Michael cupped her face, his thumb brushing away the tear that slipped down her cheek. "You won't lose me. Not now. Not ever."
They lay there for a while, tangled in each other, the city humming to life beyond their windows. A temporary peace. The eye of the storm.
But it couldn't last.
Michael's phone buzzed on the nightstand. He reached for it, tension returning to his shoulders the instant he saw the screen.
"What is it?" Hazel asked, sitting up.
He hesitated. "Victor Kane."
Hazel's stomach dropped. "Already?"
Michael's jaw tightened. "He wants a meeting. Noon. His office."
Hazel's pulse quickened. "You can't go alone."
"I'm not giving him a chance to control this narrative," Michael said darkly. "He wants a fight? He'll get one."
Hazel grabbed his hand. "I'm coming with you."
"No." Michael shook his head. "It's too dangerous."
"I'm not asking for permission, Michael. I'm your wife. Your partner. And I'm done sitting on the sidelines while you fight my battles."
His gaze softened, something unspoken flickering in those stormy eyes. Then, with a reluctant sigh, he nodded.
"Alright, Hazel Graze. But stay close. I mean it."
She smirked, though her heart hammered in her chest. "I always do."
As they got dressed, a storm gathered over the city — and inside both of them.
Today would change everything.
And they were walking straight into it....