"I'm basically retired at this point, Miguel," Car said, her voice low as we leaned against the balcony railing, the vast forest stretching endlessly before us. Moonlight spilled over the treetops, painting everything in silver and shadow.

  "I don't do anything myself anymore. I just have everyone else handle logistics, manage operations... all that jazz. My days of getting my hands dirty? Over. I oversee and control, that's it."

  I swallowed, trying to take it all in, the enormity of what she controlled making me tense. "I see... sorry for thinking you still killed people and all that..." I muttered, keeping my gaze fixed on the forest below.

  Her presence was commanding, yet calm—intimidating, but strangely soothing.

  Her hand slid behind me, warm and steady, rubbing slow, deliberate circles along my back.

  "It's fine... it comes with being the queen of drugs," she chuckled, the sound low and almost musical, drifting softly through the night air.

  Then I paused, my tone shifting slightly. "Do you... do drugs? I'm sorry—I shouldn't have—"

  She shook her head quickly. "No... you're fine, Miguel. Don't worry." Her smile was reassuring, but then her eyes softened, inquisitive.

  "And as for your question," she continued, tilting her head just slightly, "I do, I'm not gonna lie. Do you... dislike girls who do drugs?" Her gaze held mine, patient yet piercing, like she genuinely cared what I thought.

  My heart thumped, caught off guard. Why would my opinion matter to someone like her?

  "U-Um..." I hesitated, feeling a cold breeze skim over my shoulders, making me shiver. "I mean... if I had a girlfriend that did drugs, then I'd probably want her to quit. If that's what you're asking."

  She studied me for a moment, then chuckled softly. The night air grew colder, and I hugged my arms around myself instinctively. Car noticed immediately.

  Her arm slid around my waist, firm and warm, pulling me close against her side. "You're freezing," she murmured, more gentle than a scolding.

  Her hand rested steady on my back, shielding me from the chill. "We should go inside before you catch a cold."

  Leaning against her, I felt a strange mix of comfort and awe. Out here, on the balcony above the endless forest, with her arm wrapped around me and the world quiet under the moonlight, I felt... safe.

  She guided me back inside, the soft click of the balcony door closing behind us cutting off the night air. I flopped onto the bed with a sigh of relief—the sheets were crisp and cool, already perfectly made. No extra work, no fuss, just... comfort.

  I stretched like a cat, feeling the tension in my shoulders melt away. Car chuckled softly beside me, the sound low and warm, like a melody I could get lost in. She pulled the covers over us, the fabric soft and enveloping, cocooning me in a strange yet welcome security. I thought I would've felt a flicker of anxiety, my chest tightening with nerves—but not now. Not with her.

  "Is it okay if I..." she asked quietly, her voice hesitant but tender. My mind raced for a moment, unsure what she meant, until realization dawned.

  My chest fluttered unexpectedly, a strange mixture of apprehension and something softer.

  I thought about it for a long second, remembering the hours of conversation, her calm presence, her sincerity. The way she'd shielded me, supported me, and made me feel seen—it all made me want to trust her, despite everything that had happened in my life.

  "A-Alright... I trust you, Car," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

  In an instant, she scooped me up gently, drawing me into her arms. I felt her warmth seep into me, steadying me like an anchor.

  My head rested against her chest, her heartbeat slow and steady beneath my ear. For the first time in what felt like forever, I wasn't bracing for pain, or betrayal, or fear. I was just... safe. Grounded. Held.

  She tightened her embrace just slightly, murmuring softly, "You're okay now, Miguel. I've got you."

  "Goodnight, Car..." I whispered, my voice soft, almost swallowed by the quiet of the room. I felt the steady warmth of her body beneath me, her heartbeat a gentle drum against my ear.

  "Goodnight, Miguel..." she murmured back, her words like a lulby, wrapping around me, comforting me.

  I let myself sink deeper into her embrace, letting the weight of everything I'd been carrying drift away.

  -

  "Yeah... how are the factions doing? Are the Mayiza and Juarez factions still going strong? No tension, right? I don't want a civil war breaking out while I'm at the happiest time of my life."

  I blinked awake, hearing Car's voice low but commanding on the phone beside me. Her arm still draped over me, warm and heavy, holding me in pce as I shifted slightly.

  I could feel the steady rhythm of her breathing, the faint brush of her hair against my cheek.

  "Alright, good... everything else is operating smoothly, right? CJNG still trying to fuck us over? I haven't heard a word from their leader, whatever the hell she's called," she continued, her voice calm but sharp, cutting through the quiet.

  "Hmmm... I see. Keep them under observation, don't engage unless they fire first. That's an order. Alright, bye." She ended the call, pcing the phone carefully on the nightstand.

  Car's hand tightened slightly around me as she scooted closer, her body settling against mine again.

  "Busy morning..." I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.

  She chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through her chest and into me. "Sometimes I hate being a leader," she sighed, resting her head on mine.

  I turned to look up at her, my heart thumping a little faster. This closeness felt... different. Too intimate, maybe. Yet despite the racing thoughts, I didn't want to pull away.

  Her warmth grounded me, made the chaos of everything else outside this room fade, if only for a moment.

  "Do your bodyguards... sleep?" I asked, instantly feeling like an idiot. I mean, of course they did.

  "Yes, Miguel, they're not robots," she ughed softly, her warm breath brushing against my forehead.

  I yawned, burying my face against her chest without thinking, and immediately froze. "S-sorry," I stammered, cheeks heating up like I'd set myself on fire.

  She just chuckled, a low, comforting sound that made my heart beat a little slower.

  "I should make you breakfast..." I muttered, trying to change the subject, to pull myself up and escape the embarrassment.

  "No, stay... just a little bit more," she whispered, tugging me gently back down.

  I sighed, surrendering completely, letting myself melt into her warmth. Her embrace felt safe, she was right—just a little bit more of cuddles, and nothing else mattered.

  ———

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