Softened by You

Fragile Bonds

Liam stood at the edge of the mansion's grand living room, the weight of the past week still pressing down on him like an immovable burden. Selena sat curled up on the couch, wrapped in a thick blanket. The doctor’s words echoed in Liam’s mind—She’ll heal physically, but the trauma will take time.

Selena hadn’t said much since her rescue. She avoided eye contact, her voice reduced to faint whispers whenever she spoke. Liam hated seeing her like this—so small, so fragile.

But he was determined to do everything he could to help her heal.

---

Calling Isabella

The thought struck him like lightning—Selena needed her mother. Liam knew how close Selena and Isabella were, and he didn’t think twice before picking up his phone.

“Mrs. Ramirez?” he said when the line connected.

“Liam?” Isabella’s concerned voice answered. “What’s wrong? Is it Selena?”

“Yes, it’s... it’s Selena,” Liam said, his voice faltering slightly. “She’s safe now, but she’s been through a lot. I think she needs you here.”

“I’ll come right away,” Isabella said firmly.

Liam nodded, even though she couldn’t see him. “I’ll send my jet to pick you up.”

---

A Lost Man

By the time Isabella arrived the next morning, Liam hadn’t slept a wink. He’d spent the night sitting on the floor by Selena’s feet, his head resting lightly against her knee.

When Isabella walked into the living room, her eyes instantly found Selena, and she rushed to her daughter’s side.

“Mija,” Isabella whispered, crouching in front of Selena and taking her hands.

Selena’s eyes filled with tears as she finally broke into a weak smile. “Mamá,” she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Liam stepped back, giving them space. He watched as Isabella embraced her daughter, her hands gently brushing Selena’s hair. The relief in Selena’s face was undeniable, and for the first time in days, Liam felt a small flicker of hope.

---

Selena’s Comfort

Isabella stayed by Selena’s side all day, talking softly to her in Spanish and coaxing her to eat small bites of soup. It wasn’t much, but it was progress. Selena even managed a faint laugh when Isabella joked about how stubborn she was.

Liam, however, was still a wreck. He couldn’t relax, couldn’t let his guard down for even a second. The image of Selena bound and bruised haunted him every time he closed his eyes.

That evening, as Selena sat on the couch with her mother beside her, Liam hovered nearby. He wanted to sit with her, to hold her hand, but he didn’t want to overwhelm her.

Selena noticed his hesitance and finally reached out a hand toward him. “Liam,” she said softly.

He was at her side in an instant.

“You don’t have to stand there,” she murmured, a hint of her old warmth creeping into her voice. “Sit with me.”

---

A Fragile Night

As the night wore on, Isabella excused herself to get some rest. Liam stayed, though, his eyes heavy with exhaustion but unwilling to leave Selena’s side. She noticed the dark circles under his eyes and the way he swayed slightly, barely holding himself upright.

“You need to sleep,” Selena said gently.

Liam shook his head. “I’m fine. You need me here.”

“You’re not fine,” she countered.

Without thinking, she patted her lap. “Come here.”

Liam hesitated, his pride warring with his exhaustion. But when he saw the faint trace of a smile on Selena’s lips, he gave in.

Carefully, he stretched out on the couch, resting his head on her lap. Her fingers moved hesitantly at first but then began stroking his hair, soothing him in a way he hadn’t felt in days.

---

Dreamless Sleep

For the first time in what felt like forever, Liam’s body relaxed completely. Selena’s gentle touch, her warmth beneath him—it was enough to finally quiet the storm inside him. Within minutes, he was asleep, his breathing even and deep.

Selena watched him, her heart aching at the sight. This strong, unshakable man had been reduced to a lost, fragile version of himself because of her. She didn’t know how to thank him for everything he’d done, but as she continued to stroke his hair, she silently vowed to try.

---

The Morning After

When Liam woke the next morning, the first thing he saw was Selena’s face. She was still watching him, her fingers still tangled in his hair.

“Good morning,” she said softly.

“Morning,” he replied, his voice raspy. He sat up, stretching slightly but not moving far from her side.

“How are you feeling?” he asked, his eyes scanning her face for any signs of distress.

“Better,” she admitted. “Thanks to you.”

Liam shook his head. “You’re the strong one, Selena. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

She reached out, taking his hand in hers. “You won’t have to find out.”

For the first time in days, Liam smiled—a real, genuine smile. And in that moment, as the sun streamed through the windows and lit up the room, he felt like maybe, just maybe, things would be okay.