Kidnapped - A Beautiful Blessing

Sasha lay on her back, cocooned in the lingering warmth of Darius's embrace. His body, solid and unyielding, pressed against hers, his head nestled in the crook of her neck. Each slow, measured breath fanned her skin, stirring the fine hairs along her collarbone. The weight of him was both possessive and reassuring, anchoring her to the present, a silent reminder of the night they had spent tangled in each other's arms.

Outside, the world had already awakened—the golden fingers of morning light spilled through the sheer curtains, casting delicate patterns on the floor. The distant hum of Parisian life murmured through the walls, yet within their sanctuary, time stood still.

As consciousness began to pull her from sleep, Sasha stirred, her muscles aching in the most delicious way. The memories rushed back in a heated blur—Darius's hands worshipping her, his lips marking her, the unrelenting way he had claimed her, as if branding her with every touch. A soft blush crept up her cheeks, warmth curling in her stomach at the thought.

Beneath the covers, she moved her fingers through his tousled dark hair, gently scratching his scalp. He made a low, contented sound, his body shifting against hers in response. Smiling to herself, she pressed a lingering kiss to the top of his head, her voice a whispered caress.

"My baby."

Darius murmured something unintelligible, his deep voice muffled against her skin. A lazy arm tightened around her waist, drawing her impossibly closer, as if even in sleep, he refused to let her go.

Sasha turned her head slightly, her gaze landing on the tiny bundle nestled beside them. Damien lay peacefully, his tiny chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm, his delicate lashes casting faint shadows on his soft cheeks. He was a masterpiece of innocence, a piece of both of them, wrapped in warmth and love.

Unable to resist, Sasha reached out, her fingertips brushing the velvety softness of his cheek. A mother's touch—gentle, reverent, filled with boundless affection.

A low rumble vibrated from Darius's chest as he stirred, his hand slipping over hers, enveloping it in his warmth. Slowly, he moved her fingers beneath his own, guiding them over Damien's tiny face, a silent act of reverence.

His half-lidded eyes, still heavy with sleep, softened as they traced the contours of their son's features. Without a word, he leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss to Damien's forehead, his lips lingering as if imprinting a silent vow.

Sasha's heart swelled at the sight. Darius, the man feared by many, unrelenting and cold in the eyes of the world, reduced to tenderness by the presence of his child.

Overcome with emotion, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him against her chest. He allowed it, shifting onto his forearm, his weight pressing her deeper into the mattress. Their gazes met—deep, searching, filled with an unspoken understanding.

Darius traced the pad of his thumb over her lips, his dark eyes holding a glint of mischief.

"Are you not planning to repeat the night?" she teased, her voice playful yet sultry.

A slow, wicked smirk curved his lips. "Can I, if you permit me?"

Sasha giggled, pressing a kiss to his thumb. "Since when do you need permission?"

His smirk deepened. "It's your fault."

Before she could question him, his lips descended upon hers, capturing them in a searing kiss that sent heat rushing through her veins.

Their mouths moved in perfect sync, a dance of hunger and devotion, a promise sealed in the intimacy of their embrace. Sasha smiled against his lips, her fingers slipping into his hair, tugging him closer. Darius took his time exploring her mouth before withdrawing just slightly, their breaths mingling between them.

She brushed another kiss over his lips and whispered, "I love you so much."

Darius gazed at her, his eyes dark pools of emotion, raw and unguarded in a way only she ever got to see.

Sasha frowned, playful yet insistent. "What? You have to say it too."

Darius exhaled, a knowing look flashing through his eyes. "Sasha, you already know. I don't need words for what I feel. Read it in my actions."

Her heart clenched at his honesty. Though she wished to hear the words, she understood. Darius was not a man of empty declarations—his love was shown, felt, lived.

Still, she sighed dramatically. "Fine, my husband."

His lips curled in amusement before he kissed her again, this time slow and consuming. She melted into him, savoring the way he held her as if she were the very air he breathed. His name escaped her lips in a quiet moan, and he swallowed the sound, deepening the kiss.

A small cry broke the moment.

Damien.

Darius pulled away, his forehead resting against hers for a brief moment before rolling onto his side. Sasha turned toward their son, who squirmed, his tiny fists clenching.

She gathered him in her arms with practiced ease, her instincts guiding her. Damien nestled against her chest, seeking comfort.

Darius moved behind her, his body pressing into her back, his legs tangling with hers. His arms wrapped around her waist, their fingers intertwining as he rested his chin atop her head.

"Sasha," he mumbled against her hair.

She hummed in response, pressing a kiss to Damien's tiny hand.

"Don't go to work today," she whispered.

Darius cracked one eye open. "Why?"

Sasha frowned and turned slightly, meeting his gaze. "What do you mean 'why'? I'm telling you to stay, that's why."

A slow smile spread across his lips. "Alright." He kissed her temple.

Later, Sasha bathed Damien, her hands moving with care, lathering his soft skin with gentle strokes. The warm water soothed him, his tiny fingers twitching as he blinked up at her.

She chuckled, remembering how active he had been in her belly—always kicking, rolling, never letting her forget his presence.

Once he was dried and dressed, she cradled him against her chest and walked to the window, swaying gently.

"Look, Dam. That's the sky." She pointed outside, and as if understanding, Damien blinked in that direction.

"And those little flowers," she continued, voice brimming with warmth. "Just like my baby."

She pressed a flurry of kisses to his chubby cheek, laughing softly as he gurgled in delight.

A familiar presence approached.

She turned her head to find Darius stepping into the room, his skin glistening from a morning workout. His shirt clung to his torso, and his dark hair was damp with sweat. He reached them in long strides and wrapped his arms around her from behind, his lips brushing against her shoulder.

His fingers found Damien's tiny hand, lifting it to his lips as he pressed a reverent kiss to his son's palm.

Sasha pouted. "Where's my kiss?"

Darius smirked. "After all the ones I've already given you, you're still not satisfied, wife?"

She flushed but held her ground. "Are you saying you don't want to give me one?"

His deep chuckle sent a thrill through her before he captured her lips in a lingering kiss.

Later, as Sasha stood beneath the warm spray of the shower, the door opened.

Her breath hitched.

Darius.

His darkened gaze locked onto her, a slow, deliberate hunger simmering beneath the surface.

"Darius," she whispered. "Why are you here? Damien—"

"The door is locked. He's sleeping. There's no problem," he murmured, stepping forward, his last words carrying a deeper meaning.

Sasha backed up, the cool glass pressing into her spine.

"No one will harm our baby," Darius vowed, his voice low, unshakable.

Sasha's breath caught.

Sasha took in his boldness, the unwavering desire in his eyes, and the way his lips parted slightly as if waiting for her. She tiptoed, pressing her lips to his in a kiss that ignited something primal between them.

Their heated passion fogged up the glass windows, the warmth between them battling the cold outside.

Darius didn't hesitate. With a possessive grip, he lifted her, placing her gently on the bed. On the other side, Damien lay peacefully, wrapped in soft blankets. Darius hovered over Sasha, his intense gaze locked onto her flushed face.

She tangled one hand in his thick black hair while the other roamed down his muscled back, pulling him closer.

A teasing smile played on her lips. "Are you planning to make me pregnant with our second child?"

Darius traced her lower lip with his thumb, his dark eyes burning with something deep and unfathomable. "Our baby," he murmured, his voice filled with certainty.

Sasha shivered at the weight of those words. "Yeah… our baby." She ran her fingers through his hair. "What do you want this time? A girl?"

His response was immediate. "A girl like you."

A shudder ran down her spine. That simple phrase, spoken in his deep, husky voice, unraveled her completely.

Darius tilted her chin up, his thumb stroking the curve of her jaw. "I can't resist touching you, kissing you," he confessed, his breath warm against her skin. He placed a lingering kiss on her cheek, then another, trailing down toward her lips. His voice dropped to a whisper. "I can't resist getting this close to you… feeling you against me."

Sasha barely had a moment to process his words before he claimed her once more, their bodies entwining in a dance of passion. The rhythm of their movements matched the intensity of their kisses, each thrust deepening their connection.

When their breaths finally steadied, Sasha lay atop him, her ear pressed to his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. Darius ran his fingers through her hair, massaging her scalp with a tenderness that made her sigh in contentment.

She mumbled sleepily, "What time is it?"

"Almost one," he replied, his voice thick with relaxation.

She lifted her head slightly to meet his gaze. "I should go make lunch."

Darius frowned, his expression darkening. "Why don't you trust my people?"

Sasha's smile faltered. She sat up slightly, crossing her arms. "Trust is earned," she said firmly. "And in our world, anyone can wear a mask and attack from the shadows."

Darius exhaled heavily. He understood her fears, but he hated the thought of her working when he had an entire staff for that. "I don't like seeing you in the kitchen when I pay my servants to do that," he muttered.

Sasha reached out, cupping his cheek, her fingers grazing the roughness of his short beard. "Aww, you're so concerned about your wife." She softened, her voice turning serious. "I'm concerned too, Darius. I don't want to lose you or Damien… not like I lost my parents. I wouldn't survive it." Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

Darius held her face, his thumb gently wiping away the drops that escaped. "No one will hurt me, Sasha. You worry too much. I've told you—loyalty runs deep in my world, and the people who work for me would never betray me."

She bit her lip, her gaze flickering to his mouth. "I know… but I can't make myself believe it completely."

He sighed, giving in. "Fine. If it makes you feel better, cook. But don't overwork yourself. Make the servants do most of it while you supervise."

She nodded. Darius kissed away the last traces of her tears—once, twice, three times—until she smiled.

As promised, Sasha didn't do much of the cooking. She instructed the servants, keeping a close eye on them as they prepared the meal under her watchful gaze. Within an hour, the food was ready. She ordered the servants to take it upstairs to their room, walking alongside them with a tray in her hands.

When she entered, Darius had just gotten up from where he had been resting beside Damien. He approached her as the servants set the table before exiting, leaving them alone.

Sasha sat down and patted the space beside her. "Come," she said softly.

Darius obeyed, settling next to her. She picked up a spoonful of kheer and held it out for him. "I made this for you. It's called kheer. Ammi used to make it for me, and I loved it."

He took a bite, savoring the creamy texture. "It's sweet… milky. Good."

Sasha's face lit up with joy. She lifted another spoonful, but before she could feed him, he caught her wrist and guided the spoon to her lips instead.

She blinked in surprise but ate without hesitation.

Darius smirked. "Hmm. I remember someone telling me she doesn't eat anyone's leftovers."

She playfully smacked his bicep. "I never said that. I only eat one person's leftovers."

His smirk deepened. "Who's that?"

She shot him a mock glare. "Well… my baby, of course."

Darius feigned hurt. "Really? So I'm nothing to you?"

Sasha giggled, shaking her head. "Correction. My both babies."

He raised an eyebrow. "I am not a baby."

"You are," she teased, pressing a flurry of kisses to his cheek.

They continued eating, with Darius enjoying the new flavors and Sasha feeling immense joy watching him relish something from her childhood.

The rest of the day passed in peaceful bliss. They kissed, hugged, and spent time admiring their little creation—Damien. The love between them felt undeniable, unshakable.

And as night fell, they held each other close, their bodies pressed together as they drifted into slumber.

Sasha, wrapped securely in Darius's arms, felt a deep sense of fulfillment.

It was as if Damien had come into this world to fulfill her mother's wish—to unite the two of them completely.

With time, he had healed their wounds, erased their pain, and brought them together… just as if they had always been destined to be one.