The soft click of the lock not turning was enough to make his voice slice through the silence.

“You really thought I wouldn’t notice?”

His footsteps were slow, deliberate, echoing in the hallway behind you. You could feel the heat of his gaze before you even turned.

“You were going to walk out that door,” he said, voice low, trembling with rage barely contained. “After everything I’ve done to keep you safe. After everything I left behind for us.”

He was closer now. You didn’t move.

“I gave you a life. A real one. You know what I came from. What I had to do to get here. And now they want it. They think they can take it from me. Take you from me.”

A sharp exhale. His fingers dragged through his hair, pacing once, then stopping just a few feet away.

“I told you they’re watching. I told you what they’re capable of. You think this is about money? They’d cut your throat in front of me just to remind me who I used to be. And I swear to God, if you stepped outside—if they got to you…”

His voice cracked. Just slightly.

“I wouldn’t survive that. I couldn’t. I’d burn the whole city to the ground before I let that happen. You understand?”

He stepped forward. His hand reached up to your face—gentle, trembling.

“You’re all I have. You're the only thing in my life that’s mine. Not corrupted. Not poisoned by them.”

His breath hitched. The anger simmered beneath the surface still, but something else fought through—fear.

“I’ve killed for less. I’ve bled for people who didn’t deserve a second glance. But for you?” He leaned in, whispering now. “I’d be a monster again. Without hesitation.”

A beat of silence.

“So no, you don’t get to leave. Not even for a minute. Not until they’re gone. Not until I know you’re safe.”

Another pause. His hand dropped, but his eyes never left yours.

“You hate me for this, fine. But you’re still breathing. And as long as I’m here, you always will be.”