Chapter 31: Sofia

I wake slowly, blinking against the soft light streaming through the window. For a moment, I’m disoriented, unsure of where I am. Then I feel the warmth around me, the weight of the blankets, the presence of others nearby, and it all comes flooding back. I’m in bed, but I’m not alone. Riley and Leo are stretched out on either side of me, both fast asleep, their breathing slow and even. At the foot of the bed, Nate and Danny are slumped in chairs, both looking as if they spent the night keeping watch.

I look over at Riley first, taking in the way his dark hair falls over his forehead, his lashes casting soft shadows on his cheeks. There’s a subtle crease between his brows, even in sleep, as if he’s still on guard. He lies on his back, one arm resting over his chest, the other by his side, fingers curled loosely. His breathing is steady, the rise and fall of his chest almost hypnotic.

Turning, I see Leo curled on his side, his face turned towards me. His mouth is slightly open, and there’s the faintest hint of a smile on his lips. He looks younger like this, more innocent, with the tension gone from his jaw and his usually sharp eyes closed. One hand is tucked under his pillow, the other resting on the bed between us, just a few inches away from mine. I can’t help but smile, feeling a warmth blossom in my chest.

At the foot of the bed, Danny leans back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, head tipped back. His blond hair is tousled, and there’s a slight frown on his face as if he’s caught in a bad dream. Even in sleep, he looks ready for a fight, his posture rigid, his muscles tense. I admire the tattoos that snake up his arms, remembering the way he held me when I was scared, the gentleness beneath the tough exterior.

Then there’s Nate. He sits forward in his chair, elbows resting on his knees, his hands folded under his chin. He has a blanket draped over him, and his face is half-hidden by his hand, but I can still see the strong line of his jaw, the way his shoulders rise and fall with each breath. There’s something almost regal about the way he sleeps, his usual intensity softened but still simmering beneath the surface.

As I look around at each of them, I feel a sense of safety that surprises me. I’d been terrified of them at first, convinced they were going to hurt me, use me, or worse. But they never did. Not once. And now, I feel a strange sort of peace, a sense of belonging I haven’t felt in a long time.

My gaze lingers on Nate, and a small smile tugs at my lips. I’m almost certain now that he’s the one who saved me from those drunk guys. I recognize the shape of his body, the way he moved that night—quick and decisive. I think about asking him, but I know this isn’t the time. Still, it’s comforting to know that even before I ended up here, they cared enough to protect me.

As I take in the sight of them, something else stirs inside me. I don’t want to leave. The idea of going back to my old life, of being alone again, feels unbearable. Here, with them, I feel safe. Wanted, even. And maybe, if I’m honest with myself, I’m starting to feel something more. It’s crazy—I barely know them, but there’s a connection, a pull I can’t explain. And as much as I try to push it down, I know it’s there.

My cheeks warm at the thought, and I wonder what they would think if they knew. They’d probably think I’m insane, feeling something for all four of them. I’d never been in this kind of situation before, never even imagined it. The idea of choosing just one feels impossible, and the thought of losing any of them is a blow I’m not sure I could take. I decide, then and there, that I’ll keep these feelings to myself. They don’t need to know. I’d rather have them as protectors, as friends, than risk pushing them away.

As I’m lost in thought, Danny’s eyes flutter open. He blinks a few times, then focuses on me, a sleepy smile crossing his face. He motions for me to come closer, so I slip out of bed, careful not to wake Riley and Leo, and make my way over to him. He opens his legs, and I step between them, letting him pull me into a hug. His head rests on my stomach, and I run my fingers through his hair, savoring the quiet moment.

“You should’ve woken us,” he murmurs, his voice rough with sleep. He tilts his head back, his blue eyes soft as he looks up at me. “Why didn’t you?”

“I didn’t want to disturb you,” I reply, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. “You looked so peaceful.”

He chuckles, squeezing me gently. “We’re here for you, you know. Whatever you need.”

Before I can reply, a sudden ring at the door makes me freeze, my heart racing. Danny must feel it because he looks up, his expression instantly turning serious. “Hey, it’s alright,” he says, rubbing my arm. “It’s just the doctor. He’s here to check on you, make sure you’re healing properly. He’s one of the good guys.”

He gives my hand a reassuring squeeze before getting up to answer the door dragging me behind until I sit on the couch. I wrap my arms around myself, trying to calm my nerves as I wait. A moment later, he returns with an older man in tow. The doctor has a kind smile, but there’s a sharpness in his eyes that speaks of experience. He’s missing a leg, leaning on a cane as he walks, and I find myself staring, curiosity mingling with respect.

The doctor notices and gives me a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, miss. Lost it in the line of duty. Even doctors get caught up in dangerous business sometimes.”

I nod, a small smile forming on my lips as he approaches. He begins his examination, his touch gentle as he checks my eyes, neck, and face, then moves to my hands. Danny stands nearby, watching closely, his fists clenched, his jaw tight. I can feel his anger simmering just below the surface, but he keeps it in check, his focus entirely on me.

“Let’s take a look at those ribs,” the doctor says, gesturing for me to lie down. I hesitate for a moment, then lift my shirt, feeling exposed but trusting him. He inspects the bruises carefully, his face a mask of concentration. I glance over at Danny, who watches with a pained expression, his gaze darkening as he takes in the extent of the injuries.

The doctor finishes his examination, nodding with a satisfied look. “You’re healing well,” he says, offering me a warm smile. “A few more days, and you should be pain-free. But take it easy. Don’t push yourself.”

I sit up, relieved, just as Nate walks in, still rubbing his eyes, clearly half-asleep. He looks around, noticing Danny’s tense expression as Danny storms out of the room. Nate frowns, then turns back to me, his gaze softening.

The doctor whispers something to Nate, and I catch the words “lucky to be alive” before he turns to leave. Nate nods, then walks over, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. I lean into him, grateful for his warmth. “You okay?” he asks, his voice gentle, but there’s a fierceness in his eyes that I hadn’t seen before.

I nod, resting my head on his shoulder. “Yeah, I’m alright. Just… a lot to take in.”

He wraps a blanket around us, tucking me into the warmth. I hesitate, then look up at him. “Can I ask you something?”

He raises an eyebrow, his gaze focused on me. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”

“Was it you?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper. “That night with those drunk guys… were you the one who saved me?”

His jaw tightens, and he looks away for a moment, as if trying to find the right words. “Yeah,” he says finally, his voice rough. “That was me. I couldn’t just stand there and let them hurt you.”

A wave of gratitude washes over me, and without thinking, I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. “Thank you,” I whisper, my hand resting on his arm.

He looks back at me, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth, and for a moment, I see something vulnerable in his eyes. “You don’t have to thank me, Sofia,” he murmurs. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

We sit there in silence, wrapped in each other’s warmth, and I feel a peace settle over me. I don’t know what the future holds, but in this moment, I know one thing for sure: I don’t want to leave them. Not now, not ever.