The room still smelled of damp concrete and blood, but now the tied man had water thrown on his face and was barely conscious, his head hanging forward as he struggled to breathe properly. Donato stood in front of him, calm and silent, while Enzo leaned against the table, arms crossed, watching the man carefully.

"So," Donato said slowly, his voice quiet but sharp, "they have hidden the weapons in an underground base... and they are going to ship them tomorrow to Russia?"

The man nodded weakly, fear clearly visible in his swollen eyes.

Enzo stepped forward slightly and looked at Donato. "That's what he told us," Enzo said, gesturing toward the man tied to the chair. "He only knows this because he is part of the shipping delivery team. He doesn't know their future plans. He just knows that they are delivering weapons to Russia tomorrow."

Donato's jaw tightened. "That bastard Lucas," Donato said through gritted teeth. "Living in his own country, stealing army weapons and selling them to the Russians." His eyes darkened slightly as he continued, "He didn't learn his lesson last time... when I burned his Russian ship. The one loaded with drugs and weapons."

Enzo smirked slightly. He remembered that incident very well. "So what are we going to do now?" Enzo asked calmly. He then added, "According to him, the weapons are already loaded in the trucks. They will start moving the trucks at three in the morning. From the underground base to the seaside loading point. The distance is short - about fifteen minutes."

Donato slowly smiled. "In fifteen minutes..." he said softly, "they will move a truck full of weapons to the seaside."

He looked at Enzo.

"Good," he said. "Then let's help them."

Enzo raised an eyebrow. "Help them?"

"Yes," Donato replied with a smirk. "We will help them teleport their truck."

Enzo immediately understood and started smiling. "So we are going to hijack their truck when they start moving?"

"Exactly," Donato said. "Let's go to their basement. Their trucks will leave from there... but the drivers will not be Lucas's men." He smiled slightly wider. "They will be mine." and the delivery spot is not a sea point, it will be government spot.

Enzo laughed. "Now this sounds fun."
____

The underground base was large, cold, and filled with movement. A large truck was already parked near the loading area, its back doors locked, guards standing nearby with guns. Everything was ready for departure.

But Lucas's men didn't know...They were already surrounded.

Donato and his men moved silently, according to the plan. Within seconds, two guards near the entrance were taken down quietly. Another man was pulled behind crates before he could even shout. But then, one of the guards noticed movement.

"Hey-!" Before he could finish, chaos broke out. Fighting started in the underground garage. One man tried to punch Donato, but Donato immediately stepped back and raised his hands slightly.

"Don't come near me," Donato said seriously. "If I get a single scratch on my body, I am going to kill you." The man froze for a second, confused. "Let's talk with guns," Donato continued calmly. "Not with hands. Okay?"

The man got angry and tried to attack him again. Before he could even reach him, Donato pulled his gun and shot him in the leg. The man fell to the ground screaming. "I warned you," Donato said calmly.

Nearby, Enzo was fighting two men at once, punching one and kicking the other. In the middle of the fight, Donato quickly dodged another attack and moved behind a pillar. Another man tried to hit him from behind, but Donato moved aside smoothly.

"Don't beat me with hands, man!" Donato said while dodging another punch. "If my wife sees bruises, she won't let me enter my room!"

Enzo, who was in the middle of fighting, actually laughed when he heard that.

"Oh really?" Enzo shouted while punching someone. "Mafia boss is scared of his wife!"

Donato shot another attacker in the shoulder and replied, "You should be scared too. You are not even married yet."

Enzo knocked a man to the ground and smirked. "I am scared of only one woman. And she doesn't even talk to me."

Within a few more minutes, the fight was over. Lucas's men were either unconscious, injured, or tied up. Donato's men quickly dragged the original truck driver out, unconscious, and replaced him with one of Donato's drivers.

Donato walked toward the truck, looked at it once, and knocked on the metal side twice.

"A truck full of weapons," he said calmly. "Thank you, Lucas." He then looked at his men. "Drive." The truck engine started. And slowly, the truck full of weapons left the underground base- But not for Lucas. For Donato Romano.

____

It was 5 in the morning when the bedroom door opened slowly and quietly. A tall figure stepped inside, closing the door behind him without making a sound. He stopped just inside the room for a moment, his eyes immediately falling on the bed.

Kiara was asleep. She was lying on her side, her hair spread softly over the pillow, one hand tucked under her cheek. The curtains were half closed, and the soft mid morning light filled the room with a warm, quiet glow. She looked peaceful, as if she had finally found some rest after a long day of worry.

Donato stood there for a few seconds, just looking at her. The tension that had been sitting on his shoulders all day seemed to loosen slightly at that one sight. He let out a slow, quiet sigh - the kind of sigh a man only releases when he finally reaches home after a war outside.

He moved quietly toward the closet, walking on the carpet without making any sound. He took out his night clothes, then disappeared into the bathroom to change. A few minutes later, he came out wearing a simple dark T-shirt and loose pants, his hair slightly damp from quickly washing his face.

He walked toward the bed slowly, carefully, like he was afraid even his footsteps might disturb her sleep. He pulled the blanket gently over her shoulder because she had pushed it away in her sleep. His fingers lingered for a second, lightly brushing her hair away from her face.

Then he slowly slid into the bed beside her, very carefully, trying not to wake her. The mattress moved slightly, but Kiara didn't wake up. She only shifted a little in her sleep, instinctively moving closer to the warmth beside her.

Donato looked at her for a long moment. Then he leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. A very gentle kiss. The kind that carried relief, exhaustion, love, and a silent promise all at once. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer into his chest, holding her tightly, as if he needed to feel that she was really there, safe, with him.

His body finally relaxed. The long night, the tension, the planning, the anger, the danger - everything caught up to him at once. Within a minute, sleep engulfed him. Still holding her tightly. Like even in sleep- He wasn't going to let her go.

____

Morning light slowly filled the bedroom, soft and warm, slipping through the curtains and spreading gently across the bed. Kiara slowly opened her eyes, still half asleep. For a moment she didn't move, but then she felt a weight around her waist - heavy, warm, and tight. She blinked a few times and then slowly turned her head.

Donato was sleeping behind her, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist, his face slightly buried in her hair, breathing slow and deep. He looked completely peaceful, like a man who had finally allowed himself to rest after a long battle.

Kiara stared at him for a few seconds, then let out a soft sigh. She slowly turned toward him so she could see his face properly. In sleep, he didn't look like the powerful, dangerous Donato Romano everyone feared. He looked calm. Younger. Softer.

She gently raised her hand and brushed his hair back from his forehead. "My peace," she whispered softly. She carefully held his face between her hands and leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead.

"I was scared yesterday," she murmured quietly. "I know you said you would come back... and I know that when you say something, you always do it. But still..." She paused, looking at his sleeping face.

"You don't have any idea how important you are to me," she said softly. "Look at you... sleeping so peacefully... while making me worried sick." She shook her head slightly, but there was a small smile on her lips.

Then she turned her head slightly and looked at the watch on the bedside table. Her eyes widened. "It's already ten! Oh God, we are late, Ro," she whispered, then looked back at him. He didn't move. She softened again.

"I know you must be tired," she said quietly. "No worry. We are not going to the office today. You rest. I will make something tasty for you for breakfast." Very carefully, she lifted his arm from her waist and slowly slid out of the bed without disturbing him. She adjusted the blanket over him, looked at him one more time, and then walked quietly to the bathroom.

The moment the bathroom door closed- A small smile appeared on Donato's face. His eyes were still closed. He had actually woken up when Kiara held his face and kissed his forehead, but he didn't open his eyes. He had expected her to be angry with him for leaving suddenly, for the danger, for the worry.

But instead... She was Pampering him. Worrying about him. Donato slowly moved his face into her pillow, inhaling her scent, and relaxed again, a faint smile still on his lips. "Worried sick, huh..." he murmured very softly to himself.

About fifteen minutes later, Kiara came out of the bathroom, her hair slightly wet, dressed in a simple home outfit. She looked toward the bed and saw Donato still sleeping in the same position.

She shook her head with a small smile. "You really were tired," she whispered. She didn't wake him. Instead, she quietly left the room and went downstairs to the kitchen. Today, she was going to make breakfast herself. For her husband.

___

When Kiara came downstairs, the mansion was unusually quiet. She looked around the large living area but didn't see anyone. The house that was usually full of movement and voices felt calm and empty.

"Maybe everyone already left for the office," she said softly to herself.

She then walked toward the kitchen. Inside, a few workers were already busy preparing lunch ingredients. The moment they saw Kiara enter, they immediately straightened respectfully. One of the women stepped forward politely. "Ma'am, do you need anything? Should I make something for your breakfast?"

Kiara smiled warmly and shook her head. "No need. Just tell me where the spices and ingredients are. I am going to make something Indian today for my husband."

The workers exchanged surprised but happy looks. The woman smiled. "Sure, ma'am. I will guide you."

Kiara smiled, took an apron, and tied it around her waist. She moved gracefully around the kitchen as the worker showed her where the spices, vegetables, and utensils were kept. After understanding everything, Kiara turned to her and said gently, "You can go. I will handle it from here."

The worker smiled. "Okay, ma'am," and left the kitchen, leaving Kiara alone.

Kiara was alone in the kitchen, quietly working as the aroma of spices filled the air. She was preparing Rajasthani dishes carefully, focused on the pan in front of her while chopping tomatoes on the wooden board. The morning sunlight was entering through the large kitchen windows, falling softly on her hair and shoulders.

She was so focused on cooking that she didn't hear the footsteps behind her. But she did feel the hands. A strong pair of arms suddenly wrapped around her waist from behind, pulling her gently back against a warm, solid chest.

She didn't flinch. She didn't even turn immediately. She already knew who in this world had the courage to walk up behind Kiara Romano and hold her like that. Of course, her husband. Donato Romano.

A small smile appeared on her lips. "You woke up."

"I couldn't sleep," Donato murmured near her ear. "Why did you leave me alone in bed?"

Kiara smiled softly, still looking at the vegetables in front of her, but she stopped moving as he tightened his hold around her waist. He leaned down and started placing slow, warm kisses on her shoulder. A shiver ran down her spine.

"R-Ro... someone might see... leave me," she said softly, though she didn't really try to move away.

"Let them," he replied calmly, still kissing behind her ear. "I am holding my own wife."

His voice was low and husky near her ear. Her face turned red - almost the same color as the tomatoes she was cutting.

"What are you doing in the kitchen? Where are all the workers?" he asked softly, his lips still close to her ear.

"I-I am making Indian food for you," she said, her voice slightly shaking as she tried to focus on cutting vegetables. "So I dismissed the workers."

"Oh," he murmured. "My wife is making breakfast for me."

She nodded slightly.

Slowly, his hands moved from her waist to her hands, which were holding the knife. His fingers slid over hers gently, sensually, and Kiara's eyes slowly closed for a moment as she leaned back slightly against his chest.

He gently took the knife from her hand and placed it aside. Then, in one swift motion, he turned her around to face him. She gasped slightly and held his shoulders - and that's when she realized he was bare-chested.

"Ro! Why did you come here without a shirt? What if some worker saw you like this?" she said immediately.

"I don't care," he replied calmly. "They can only see. But my wife can touch."

"But I care, you shameless man," she said in a stern tone. "Go and wear something."

"Oh? Possessive?" he teased.

"Very much," she replied coolly. "You don't have any idea."

He laughed softly. "Relax, wifey."

"Go and freshen up. Breakfast is almost ready," she said.

"Okay," he replied. "But before that... give me this." Before she could ask what, he pulled her closer and kissed her. Kiara froze for a second in surprise, then slowly she kissed him back. They completely forgot where they were.

The kitchen was warm, filled with the aroma of spices, and for a moment the world felt small - just Donato and Kiara standing close to each other, lost in their own little moment. Donato was still leaning close to her, one hand on her waist, the other resting beside her on the counter, his forehead almost touching hers. Kiara's hands were still lightly holding his shoulders, her face slightly flushed, her heart beating faster than normal.

lost in the moment, not hearing the footsteps approaching the kitchen. The moment felt quiet, soft, intimate.

And then-

"Oh my God! Nonna! Uncle Donato is eating Kiara again!" Elio's loud voice exploded in the kitchen like a bomb.

Kiara jumped in shock and immediately pushed Donato away in panic. Donato, completely unprepared for the sudden push, stumbled back and hit his head lightly against the kitchen cabinet behind him.

Thak.

Elio burst into laughter instantly. "Very good, Kiara! Hit him again!" Elio shouted, laughing. "Why are you always eating Kiara's mouth again and again, Uncle Donato?"

Donato was still processing two shocks at the same time - first, his wife pushing him, and second, realizing who had just walked in. He slowly turned his head toward the kitchen entrance.

Nonna was standing there. Frozen. Completely red. One hand still holding her purse, the other holding Elio's small hand, though he had already let go and marched inside like a soldier on a mission. Nonna immediately looked away, pretending she had seen absolutely nothing, but her ears were red and she was clearly embarrassed.

Kiara, on the other hand, wished at that exact moment that the ground would open and swallow her alive. She covered her face with both hands. "Oh God..."

Meanwhile, little Elio walked straight toward Donato, looking very serious and very angry. He stood in front of Donato, hands on his small hips. "Why are you always eating Kiara's mouth?" Elio demanded. "She is my best friend! You can't eat my best friend!"

Donato blinked once. Then twice. He looked at Kiara, who was still hiding her face in embarrassment. Then he looked at Nonna, who was now looking at the ceiling like the kitchen roof was the most interesting thing in the world.

Then he looked down at Elio again, who was still glaring at him like a tiny angry judge. For a few seconds, the great Donato Romano - the man who controlled businesses, ships, deals, and men with guns - had absolutely no idea what to say.

Finally, he crouched down slightly to Elio's level and said very seriously, "I am not eating her. I am kissing my wife."

Elio frowned. "But why so many times?"

Donato opened his mouth to answer... then closed it again, because he really didn't have a child-friendly answer to that.

Kiara turned around, still embarrassed, pretending to check something on the stove that didn't need checking.

Nonna finally decided it was best for everyone if the situation ended immediately before it became even more embarrassing.

"Elio, come with me," she said calmly, holding his hand again and gently pulling him toward the dining area. "Let Kiara finish cooking."

"But Nonna-" Elio protested, still looking back at Donato suspiciously. "He was eating her mouth again!"

"Elio," she said again, this time more firmly. Elio sighed dramatically like his best friend had been stolen from him and slowly walked back toward her, still shaking his head.

Donato stood up again and looked at Kiara, who still refused to turn around.

Nonna shook her head and walked away with Elio, muttering something about "young people" and "no shame these days," though there was a small smile on her face.

The moment they left the kitchen, silence fell again. Kiara didn't turn around. She just kept stirring the pan very seriously like she was cooking for a royal army.

Donato watched her for a few seconds, then slowly walked toward her from behind again.

"Don't," she said immediately. "Don't come near me."

"I didn't even do anything," he replied innocently.

She turned around and looked at him. "You didn't do anything? In the middle of the kitchen?"

"You started it," he said calmly.

Her eyes widened. "I started it?"

"Yes," he nodded seriously. "You were looking at me."

"I was not!"

"You were."

"I was not, Ro."

"You were looking at me like you wanted to kiss me."

Kiara stared at him in disbelief. "You are unbelievable."

He smiled slightly and stepped closer again. This time she pointed a spoon at him like a weapon.

"Stay there," she warned. "If you come closer, I will hit you with this."

He looked at the spoon, then at her, and smirked. "Romano boss... defeated by a cooking spoon. This is a very bad reputation."

"Go and wear a shirt first," she said. "What if Nonna comes back?"

He looked down at himself and then back at her. "You are really very possessive."

"Yes," she replied immediately. "I am. Now go."

He laughed quietly and finally raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. I am going." He started walking out of the kitchen, then stopped at the door and looked back at her. She was again focused on cooking, but there was still a faint red color on her cheeks.

He watched her for a moment, then said softly, "Kiara."

She turned slightly. "Hmm?"

"Thank you... for yesterday. For trusting me."

Her expression softened immediately. "I always trust you," she said quietly. "Just... don't scare me like that again."

He looked at her for a few seconds, then nodded once. "I'll try." He left the kitchen after that, and Kiara stood there for a moment, holding the spoon, staring at the doorway where he had just been.

Then she smiled slightly to herself and went back to cooking.

Upstairs, Donato entered the bedroom again, picked up a shirt, but instead of wearing it immediately, he sat on the edge of the bed for a moment. His expression was different now. Calm. Thoughtful.

The night had been dangerous. Lucas was still out there. The weapons were now in his possession. And this was not over.

But downstairs, his wife was cooking breakfast for him. And somehow, in the middle of all the chaos, danger, and power- That felt like the most important thing in his life.

Thank you 😊