Chapter 191: Clash of the Gods
Easter~
I was just getting my bed and that of Rose dressed when I heard the soft knock. It was gentle, deliberate—definitely not Jacob’s. When I opened the door, I found Tiger standing there, silent and solid as ever, cradling my daughter in his arms like she was made of glass.
"She fell asleep," he said, his deep voice like the earth itself whispering. "Playing with Alexander outside."
My heart melted at the sight—my sweet Rose with her wild curls sticking to her forehead, arms curled around herself like a tiny dreamer. I reached out, and Tiger handed her over with that same surprising gentleness — the kind that felt almost unreal coming from someone who looked like he could shatter mountains just by walking through them.
"Thank you," I whispered, my voice soft.
Tiger gave a smile and a single nod before turning and walking away without another word. I watched him go, his shoulders broad, his steps soundless on the marble floor. There was something soothing about Tiger, like a guardian spirit you could trust to watch over you while you slept.
After tucking Rose into her little bed in the corner of my room, I finally got to unwind. I was exhausted. Being a mom, healing from everything I’d gone through today, trying to build a new life here—it all weighed on me. But I was thankful.
Grateful.
Free.
With a sigh, I stepped into the bathroom and let the hot water stream down my back. The ache in my muscles eased, but the ache in my heart... that was harder to reach. I thought about Jacob again. His voice. His smile. The way he always made space for me, even when I didn’t ask. Even when I didn’t feel like I deserved it.
God, I had to stop thinking about him like that.