Bound To The Devil

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The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. Luca stirred first, groaning softly as warmth pressed against his cheek. His mind was still hazy with sleep, but the sensation of soft, tiny lips repeatedly pressing against his face pulled him from the depths of unconsciousness.

“Mmm…” he mumbled, turning away from the persistent kisses.

But Ava wasn’t having it.

“Wake up, Luca!” she giggled, climbing on top of him, her tiny hands cupping his face as she planted another wet kiss on his nose. “Papa, he won’t wake up!”

Luca groaned dramatically, burying his face into the pillow.

From beside them, Damien chuckled, his deep, teasing voice laced with amusement. “Looks like our little princess is more persistent than you, love.” He reached over, grabbing Ava by the waist and pulling her back onto his lap before leaning over Luca’s still-buried face. “What’s wrong, baby? Not used to getting woken up by kisses?”

Luca peeked one eye open to glare at him, cheeks already tinged with pink. “Not when I’m trying to sleep.”

Damien smirked, leaning closer until his lips brushed against Luca’s ear. “You weren’t complaining about kisses last night,” he murmured darkly.

Luca whipped his head toward him, scandalized. “Damien!”

Ava blinked between them in confusion. “What kisses?”

Luca shoved Damien’s face away before sitting up, his ears burning red. “Nothing, sweetheart! Let’s go have breakfast.”

Damien only smirked wider, satisfied with Luca’s reaction.

After freshening up, they headed downstairs, where breakfast was already prepared. Ava sat between them, swinging her legs excitedly as she dug into her pancakes.

Luca, still slightly embarrassed, focused on his own food, but his mind was elsewhere. Last night had been too much for Ava. The fear, the cries, the sight of Natalya’s rage—it wasn’t something a child should witness.

He looked up at Damien, who was watching him intently as if reading his thoughts.

“I want to take Ava out today,” Luca said, setting his fork down.

Damien raised an eyebrow. “Where?”

“Anywhere fun,” Luca said, turning to Ava, who perked up instantly. “How about the zoo? Or the aquarium?”

Ava gasped. “Can we see dolphins?!”

Luca smiled. “Of course.”

Damien exhaled through his nose, glancing at Ava’s bright expression. He knew what Luca was doing—trying to make her forget last night, distract her with something happy. And, as much as he hated taking his little girl out where other people could be around them, he couldn’t say no when Luca looked at him like that.

“…Fine,” he muttered.

Ava squealed, throwing her arms around Luca. “You’re the best!”

Damien narrowed his eyes. “Excuse me?”

Ava giggled. “You too, Papa!”

Luca smirked, shaking his head. Damien only rolled his eyes, already thinking of how much security he’d need to arrange for this little trip.

Because one thing was certain—he wasn’t letting Luca or Ava out of his sight.

**
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Damien rarely ever canceled meetings. His time was power, and people feared wasting it. But the moment Luca had suggested taking Ava out, he had given a single order—cancel everything.