Chapter 51: Where You Belong

Elias woke up to warmth. The kind that settled deep in his bones, that curled around his senses, that made him want to stay in this moment forever. Lila was pressed against him, her body tangled with his beneath the sheets, her breath soft and even against his chest. For the first time in a long time, there was peace. He didn’t move, didn’t want to risk breaking the fragile stillness between them. Instead, he let himself memorize every detail the way her fingers rested lightly against his ribs, the way her leg draped over his, the way her scent wrapped around him, grounding him in something real, something that had always been his salvation.

Lila shifted slightly, her body stretching against his, a soft hum escaping her lips before she slowly blinked awake. Her honey-brown eyes met his, still heavy with sleep, but when she smiled, slow and lazy, his entire world tilted. “Morning,” she murmured, her voice raspy, teasing. Elias traced a slow circle against her bare back, his fingers memorizing the warmth of her skin. “Morning.” She smirked, tilting her chin up, her lips brushing against his jaw. “You were staring.” Elias huffed a quiet laugh, his fingers tightening against her waist. “I was memorizing.” Lila lifted a brow, amusement flickering in her gaze. “You’ve had years to memorize me.”

Elias rolled, flipping her beneath him in one fluid movement, his hands bracing on either side of her head. She let out a soft gasp, her fingers automatically reaching for him, gripping his shoulders, pulling him closer. She always did that. Always needed him near. And he had never been able to deny her. His lips hovered just above hers, his breath mingling with hers, teasing, tempting. “Then I guess I’ll just have to keep memorizing.” Lila exhaled sharply, her fingers sliding into his hair, her body arching beneath him. “Elias.” His name. Breathless. Soft. Like a plea. Like a promise. He kissed her. Slow at first, taking his time, savoring every second, every sigh, every quiet sound she made. But then she pulled him closer, deepening the kiss, her body pressing up against his, and the slow burn turned into something hotter, something uncontrollable.

Elias groaned against her lips, his hands gripping her hips, needing her closer, needing more, needing everything. Lila gasped when he pulled her leg up, his fingers trailing down her thigh, his mouth moving to her neck, his teeth scraping against her pulse. “You’re insatiable,” she breathed, but she wasn’t complaining. Elias smirked against her skin. “You love it.” Lila let out a breathy laugh, her nails dragging down his back. “I do.” And that was all it took. Because Lila had always been his weakness. And he had never wanted to be strong against her. They didn’t leave the bed for hours.

When they finally did, the sun was high, casting golden light through the windows, painting the room in warmth. Lila sat on the edge of the bed, her bare shoulders exposed, her hair a mess of waves from his hands. Elias leaned against the headboard, watching her, watching the way she stretched, watching the way her skin glowed beneath the morning light. She felt his gaze. She always did. Lila turned, meeting his eyes, smirking slightly. “You’re staring again.” Elias shrugged, unbothered. “I like what’s mine.” Lila rolled her eyes, but her smirk deepened. “Possessive.” Elias reached out, grabbing her wrist, tugging her back onto the bed. She laughed, landing against his chest, her fingers pressing against his skin. “Elias.” He kissed the top of her head, inhaling the scent of her, letting himself drown in it. “You belong here.” Lila’s smile faltered slightly, something deeper flickering behind her gaze. “Do I?”

Elias frowned, tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to look at him. “Why would you ask that?” Lila sighed, her fingers tracing over his scars, her touch absentminded, but he knew it meant something. “Because I don’t know what comes next,” she admitted, her voice quiet. Elias exhaled slowly, his fingers brushing over her cheek. “We figure it out together.” Lila hesitated, then nodded slowly. “Together.” He kissed her again, slow and deep, because she needed reassurance, because she needed him, because she was his and he would never let her go. A sharp knock on the door broke the moment. Lila groaned, dropping her forehead against his chest. “If that’s Harper, I swear to God” Elias smirked, but he didn’t move to get up. “She wouldn’t dare.” Another knock. More insistent.

Lila sighed, rolling off him, reaching for the closest shirt his shirt before standing. Elias watched as she pulled it on, the fabric swallowing her, falling just above her thighs. And damn if that wasn’t the best thing he’d ever seen. Lila caught his look, arching a brow. “Eyes up, soldier.” Elias chuckled, running a hand through his hair as he finally sat up. “Not my fault you look better in my clothes than I do.” Lila grinned, but the knock came again, this time followed by a voice. “Lila, Elias. We’ve got a problem.” Harper. The warmth between them disappeared instantly, reality crashing back in. Lila’s expression hardened, and Elias’s jaw clenched. Because they knew. Peace never lasted long for people like them. Elias stood, grabbing a pair of pants, moving quickly as he glanced at Lila. “You ready?” She pulled the shirt down, tightening the fabric around her waist, before looking at him, something sharp and unyielding settling behind her eyes. “Always.” He smirked, pressing a quick, lingering kiss to her lips before moving toward the door. Because whatever waited for them outside, whatever battle was coming next they would face it together.