Bound To The Devil

Morning sunlight streamed through the heavy curtains, casting a warm glow over the massive bed. Luca stirred slightly, feeling the weight of something soft and warm curled against him. A tiny giggle broke through his sleep-fogged mind, followed by an excited squeal.

"Papa! Luka! Wake up!" Ava's voice rang out as she bounced between them, her small hands pressing against their faces as she squirmed into the space between them.

Luca groaned softly, trying to bury his face in the pillow, but Ava was relentless. She nuzzled against his chest, her tiny fingers curling into the fabric of his sleep shirt as she hummed happily.

"You're so warm, Luka! I love sleeping with you!" she giggled, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder like a content kitten. "And Papa! You were hugging us all night! So tight!"

Damien let out a low chuckle, his voice rough with sleep as he propped himself up on one elbow. His dark eyes gleamed with amusement as he glanced at Luca, whose face had turned a deep shade of red.

"Of course, I was holding you both," Damien rumbled, a smirk tugging at his lips. "How else would I keep my little treasures safe?"

Ava gasped dramatically, turning her wide, adoring eyes to Luca. "Did you hear that, Luka? We're Papa's treasures!" She clapped her hands excitedly, then planted a wet kiss on Luca's cheek before giggling. "You're my treasure too!"

Luca's heart clenched, caught between overwhelming fondness and his usual shyness. He felt the heat creeping up his neck as he hesitantly reached out, smoothing down Ava's messy curls. "You're my treasure too, Ava," he murmured softly, unable to deny the warmth he felt for the little girl.

Damien watched them with dark, unreadable eyes, but when Luca hesitated to meet his gaze, the older man reached out and brushed a strand of hair behind Luca's ear with deliberate slowness. "And what about me, Luka?" Damien teased, his voice dropping into that low, velvety tone that always made Luca's stomach tighten. "Am I not your treasure?"

Luca's breath hitched as he quickly averted his gaze, mumbling something incoherent under his breath. His flustered reaction only made Damien's smirk widen.

"No answer?" Damien chuckled, leaning closer, his lips dangerously near Luca's ear. "That shy little expression of yours is adorable, but you should know by now—I always get an answer."

Ava, oblivious to the tension crackling between them, suddenly threw herself into Luca's arms and started wiggling playfully. "Come on, Luka! Let's go eat! I want pancakes!"

Luca exhaled sharply, grateful for the distraction. He quickly scooped Ava up into his arms, avoiding Damien’s amused stare as he stood from the bed. "Alright, let’s go before someone gets grumpy from hunger."

Damien let out a deep, knowing laugh behind them, stretching out lazily before following them toward the kitchen. His gaze never left Luca’s back, filled with dark amusement and possessive warmth.

****

After few minutes, Damien stepped into the kitchen, his shirtless form radiating dominance as he scanned the room. The maids, recognizing the glint in his eyes, scattered instantly, not daring to question his unspoken command. He had no patience for their presence—not when his mind was still filled with last night’s events, with Mikhail’s audacity, with the way Luca had cried himself to sleep. And the morning warmth.

But the moment his eyes landed on the sight before him, his entire being stilled.

Luca stood at the counter, his delicate hands working to mix pancake batter, his soft lips curved into a rare, serene smile. Beside him, Ava perched on a stool, giggling as she tried to mimic his movements, smearing flour across her tiny fingers. The sight was almost too pure, too painfully domestic. It was something he had never imagined himself witnessing—let alone wanting.