"You been hurt but I won't fix you, you're not broke, what you are is beautiful to me."
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It felt almost surreal, being here with all of them after everything that had happened.
They were so different from the image I had of them—the cold, intimidating men who protected Eros. They were kind, laughing, and joking as they sipped on their hot chocolate, making me feel at ease despite the chaos surrounding us.
I glanced over at Eros, who was sitting on his seat in the dining hall, his arms crossed and a grumble low in his throat. His eyes never left me, though, watching every move I made. His protective nature was always there, simmering just beneath the surface.
"Lighten up, Eros, don't be such a storm cloud." I said lightly, giving him a small smile. He didn't respond, just gave a low hum, which was his way of telling me he was still angry but wouldn't vocalize it.
The men, wise enough to know better, kept their distance from him. Eros could be unpredictable when it came to me, especially when he was on edge.
One of the men leaned back in his chair and raised his mug in a quiet toast to me.
"To Mrs. Ricci," He said with a gruff smile, "For putting up with all of us."
The other men chimed in with their agreement, some of them laughing while others simply nodded.
I couldn't help but feel a little proud of myself, seeing them all so relaxed, so human, and not just the fierce protectors they usually were. It was a rare sight, and I cherished it.
Eros, on the other hand, was the picture of restraint. His gaze was hard, his jaw tense, but his eyes softened slightly as they lingered on me.
He hated not being the center of my attention, but I could see how he struggled with the warmth that surrounded me, even if it was with his men.
I sat with them for a while, talking and laughing, until Eros tugged at my hand and made me stand from my seat before pulling me into his lap. I stifled a soft gasp, caught off guard by how possessive his movements were.
"Better?" He asked, his voice low and gruff, though there was an underlying trace of something softer beneath the surface.
I nodded, resting my back against his chest, the heat of his body enveloping me in a comforting embrace. He chuckled softly, his hands coming to rest on my waist.
"You look happy," He murmured, his breath warm against my ear, "But I suppose I can't blame you. You always manage to charm everyone around you."
I laughed lightly, glancing over at the men who were trying to pretend they hadn't noticed the shift in the room. They all looked away quickly, suddenly occupied with their mugs or whatever else was in front of them.
