**Elena’s POV**

The house was finally quiet. The joyful chaos of the afternoon had settled into a comfortable, peaceful hum. Everyone had gone home—Elario, Claudia, and the teenagers, Marco and his wife. Even the staff had finished their work and retreated to their own quarters. It was just Stefano and me, finally alone in the master bedroom.

He decided that he never wanted us to have separate rooms again. He told me he needed to always feel my warmth and hear my breathing while he slept. I ...