45:

Armando's voice was cold again. “She put herself in danger, Max. I don't want her getting hurt ever again.”

Max's eyes narrowed slightly as he sensed a bit of possessiveness in Armando's tone. “Yes Master. I'll spread the word.”

Armando turned to leave, his mind already racing through plans and possibilities. “One more thing, Max,” he said without looking back. “Start preparing. If the Davis's come after us, we'll be ready to hit back twice as hard.”

Max's reply was full of confidence. “Always ready, Master. They won't know what hit 'em.” With a nod, Armando walked away, his thoughts on the woman sleeping in the room and the war that was brewing.

Armando stepped quietly back into the room, his eyes fixed on Leonor's face. She was a storm wrapped in a calm sea, always stirring up trouble without even trying. And somehow, she had become his storm.

He stood there, watching her. She was so small, her face relaxed in sleep, so different from the fiery spirit she had when awake. She was a r