Chapter 10 - The Vow KeptMidnight fell over Lake Michigan once again, but this time, there were no shadows of fear lurking in the halls of the Kane estate.
The master suite was filled with the soft, soothing melody of a classical record playing on the vintage phonograph.
Willa sat on the edge of the large king-size bed, brushing her hair, watching through the mirror as Everett walked out of the adjoining bathroom, a white towel draped around his neck, droplets of water glistening on his broad shoulders.
He walked up behind her, taking the hairbrush gently from her hand.
Slowly, carefully, Everett began brushing her long dark hair, his touch infinitely tender—a stark contrast to the ruthless kingpin who commanded half of Chicago by day.
"Penny for your thoughts, Mrs. Kane," Everett whispered against her ear.
Willa smiled, looking up at him through the mirror.
"I was just thinking about that first night," she whispered. "When you couldn't move a single muscle, and I told you my entire life story because I thought nobody was listening."
Everett stopped brushing. He leaned down, resting his forehead against hers, his breath warm and steady.
"I heard every single word, Willa," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. "And that was the moment I decided that if I ever woke up... I would spend the rest of my life making sure you never had to sleep in a cold car again."
Willa turned around in his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck, pressing her face against his chest. She could hear his heart—strong, steady, and alive.
"Promise?" she whispered playfully.
May you like
Everett tightened his arms around her, kissing the top of her head with fierce, unshakeable devotion.
"Until my last breath, wife. Until my last breath."
