The morning sun cast golden light through the bedroom window as Clair stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the delicate gold necklace Austin had given her the night before. She couldn't stop smiling. The events of the past few days had felt like a dream, too perfect to be real. She ran a finger over the pendant, remembering his words last night as they lay together in bed.
"You make me want to be a man who deserves you," Austin had whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "A man who can give you everything, and more."
She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the memory wash over her. Just as she turned to leave the room, she heard Austin's voice from the doorway.
"Clair," he called softly, "You look beautiful."
She met his eyes, a quiet, steady warmth in them. The corners of her mouth curved into a smile. "Thank you," she said, stepping closer to him. "What are you thinking about?"
Austin hesitated, then took her hands in his. "I've been thinking about us," he said, his gaze never leaving hers. "About the future, and everything we've been through."
"Me too," Clair whispered. "I've been thinking about it all as well. About how we've made it this far, despite the chaos."
He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "There's still danger around us, Clair. I know you feel it too."
She nodded, her smile fading slightly. "I do. But I'm not afraid anymore. Not as long as we're together."
Austin's expression softened. He pulled her into his arms, holding her close. For a moment, everything outside the room, all the threats that loomed over them, faded away. It was just them, entwined in a quiet embrace, breathing the same air, feeling each other's heartbeat.
"I love you," he said, pressing his lips to her forehead. "More than I ever thought was possible."
"I love you too," she replied, her voice barely a whisper.
But just as they were lost in the warmth of their connection, a sharp knock on the door interrupted the moment. Austin tensed, his protective instincts kicking in. He pulled away from Clair, glancing toward the door with a narrowed gaze.
"Who is it?" he called out, his tone authoritative.
"Elias," came the reply from the other side.
Austin exchanged a brief, knowing glance with Clair before walking over to the door and opening it. Elias stood there, his expression serious.
"We need to talk," Elias said without preamble.
Austin stepped aside, allowing his brother to enter. Clair stayed where she was, watching them both, sensing the weight of the situation.
"What's going on?" she asked quietly.
Elias didn't waste time. "The FBI is getting closer, Austin. They've been tracking our every move, and it won't be long before they make their move. We need a plan."
Austin's jaw clenched, his thoughts racing. The FBI had always been a thorn in his side, but this time, it felt different. They weren't just after him—they were after Clair too.
"We can't let them take her," Austin muttered under his breath. His eyes flicked to Clair, who stood silently by the window, her expression unreadable.
"I'm not letting them take her, Austin," Elias said firmly, his voice low but resolute. "But we need to act fast."
Clair stepped forward, her eyes meeting Austin's. "What can we do?"
Austin hesitated, his mind whirling. He didn't want to drag her deeper into this dangerous game. But it was already too late. He couldn't protect her from the storm that was coming, not without risking everything.
"We need to go on the offensive," he said, his voice determined. "Elias, you start gathering intel on their movements. Find out where they're hiding and who's involved. Clair... I need you to stay close. I can't afford to let anything happen to you."
Clair swallowed hard, her heart racing. "I won't hide. I won't run away. I'm not some damsel in distress."
Austin stepped forward, taking her hands in his. "I know you're not," he said softly, but his voice was filled with an unmistakable urgency. "But this is different, Clair. The stakes are higher than they've ever been. If they find out that you're carrying my child and not just one, it'll be even more dangerous. They won't just want to take you—they'll use you against me."
A silence stretched between them. Clair's heart pounded in her chest. She could see the worry in Austin's eyes, the weight of his responsibility pressing down on him. She knew he'd do anything to protect her. But this time, she wasn't willing to be the one to hide. Not when everything had finally started to feel right.
"I'm not leaving you," she said quietly, her voice steady but resolute. "I'll fight this with you, Austin. Whatever happens, we're in this together."
Austin's eyes softened, and he pulled her into his arms again, holding her tightly. "I don't know what I'd do without you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "You've changed me. You've made me believe in things I didn't think were possible."
"You don't have to do it alone," she replied, her hands gently tracing the lines of his jaw. "We'll figure this out. Together."
A knock on the door interrupted them once more, and Austin reluctantly pulled away from her. "Come in," he called.
Elias stepped in again, his face serious. "Austin, we need to move now. They're getting closer."
Austin nodded, his mind made up. "Alright. Let's get to work."
But as they began to move toward the door, a thought flashed through Clair's mind—a thought she hadn't dared to voice aloud until now. What if the FBI wasn't the only threat they had to worry about?
There was still Isadora. The femme fatale who had entered their lives and left a trail of destruction in her wake. Clair's instincts told her that the FBI might not be the only people hunting them down. And if Isadora had anything to do with it, Austin and Clair would be facing far more than just legal trouble.
"Wait," Clair said, stopping in her tracks. "What about Isadora?"
Austin froze. His brother's eyes narrowed. "What about her?"
Clair crossed her arms, a chill running down her spine. "I don't think she's finished with us yet." Isadora might be in custody but that doesn't mean she doesn't have other people.