The city outside was asleep, but the penthouse wasn't.
The faint sound of thunder rolled in the distance a storm mirroring the chaos inside Valeria's dreams.
She tossed under the sheets, her breath hitching, a cry breaking through. "No… please—"
From his study, Adrian's pen froze midair. The next second, he was already walking — calm in stride but cold fire in his eyes.
When he entered, Valeria was trapped in her nightmare, trembling, drenched in sweat. Her voice cracked as she whimpered, "Don't… don't hurt me…"
Adrian's chest tightened. In two strides, he was at her bedside, gathering her into his arms before she could fall apart.
"Valeria," he said, voice low and firm. "It's me. Adrian. You're safe."
She shivered, the sound of his voice grounding her. For a long second, her body remained rigid and then slowly, she melted against him, her fingers clutching his shirt.
"I'm here," he murmured again, brushing her damp hair away from her face. "No one's ever going to touch you again."
Her breathing steadied a little, though tears still glistened on her lashes. "Adrian…" she whispered. "I… I saw it again. Those faces… the darkness…"
He held her tighter, his jaw flexing. "Forget them," he said quietly. "You're in my world now. Nothing can reach you here."
For a long moment, she just stayed there shaking, crying silently. He stroked her hair gently, his hand moving in slow circles until the tremors eased.
Then, softly trying to break the heaviness his tone shifted. "You know, I did sing for you earlier," he said, teasing faintly, eyes glinting with warmth beneath the steel. "You didn't like my lullaby? Should I sing again… or should I just sleep beside you and pat you until you drift off?"
Her eyes widened slightly, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. "I didn't mean that—" she stammered.
He chuckled lowly, the sound soft but deep. "Relax, little troublemaker," he said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'm only teasing." Then his gaze softened again. "But if that's what helps you rest… I will."
A tiny sound escaped her half laugh, half sob. "No," she whispered, almost shy. "Just… stay. I don't know why, but when you're near me, I feel safe. I've never felt that before."
He stood for a moment, looking at her, then removed his jacket and placed it on the chair. With one hand, he picked up his phone and called calmly, "Leonard. Leave the apartment. No one enters until morning."
"Yes, sir."
Adrian ended the call and sat beside her. "Come here," he murmured.
She hesitated, then moved closer, curling into him instinctively. His arm slid around her shoulders, his other hand patting her back in slow, steady circles the rhythm strong, protective, calming.
Her breathing slowed, her heartbeat syncing with his.
"Sleep," he whispered. "As long as I'm here, nothing can touch you."
She nodded faintly against his chest, eyes closing, the nightmare fading like mist.
Adrian watched her silently, brushing his thumb along her hairline. In the quiet glow of the room, his expression softened but only for her.
"Anyone who hurt you," he murmured, voice a promise in the dark, "will never sleep again."
Outside, the storm rumbled faintly, but within the penthouse, peace finally settled her warmth against him, his arms the safest place she'd ever known.