Poland was colder than Zayan remembered. The grey clouds rolled overhead as the jet descended quietly onto the private airstrip. Shaw stood near the hangar, flanked by his men, waiting for the devil's arrival.
As the doors opened, Zayan stepped down, his expression unreadable. Shaw gave a small nod. "They're waiting."
Zayan returned the nod. "Let's get it over with."
Back at the estate, chaos reigned.
Nora, still simmering with anger from Zayan's departure and the growing tension around her, had enough. The shouting downstairs grew louder until it echoed through the halls. With a sigh, she descended the staircase to find Rex, Kiernan, Maverick, and Neal in a full-blown argument, nearly throwing punches.
Without hesitation, she grabbed an iron stick from the hallway wall and slammed it against the floor with a loud clang.
The room froze.
"What the hell is wrong with you all?!" she barked.
Before anyone could speak, she pointed the stick at them. "On your knees. Now."
They obeyed without question. No one dared challenge her when she had that look on her face.
"You're all grown-ass men fighting over stupid, useless things," she said, her voice firm. Rex opened his mouth to protest—
"Quiet!" she snapped.
The air turned tense.
"Now here's your punishment. Rex—you'll mop every single room in this house."
Zayan had just entered with Shaw and paused when he saw the scene. Amusement flickered in his eyes.
Nora didn't skip a beat.
"Neal—you do the dishes."
"Uhmmm, no," Neal began.
She stepped forward with the iron stick.
"I mean… Dishes are no problem, ma'am!" Neal squeaked.
"Maverick and Kiernan, you'll finish the house and clean the cars. Understood?"
No one dared reply. She lifted the iron slightly, and all four scrambled off to their assigned duties.
"Fucking dumbasses," Nora muttered. "Fighting for useless things…"
Zayan watched, impressed, a smirk tugging at his lips. He gave Shaw a subtle nod, signaling him to leave. Shaw silently slipped out.
When Nora turned and saw Zayan standing there, her heart skipped a beat. She gasped slightly, but then exhaled sharply. "What are you doing here?"
Zayan stepped forward, eyes soft. He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"Nora," he murmured. "For the last time, you are not my sex toy. I really love you."
She blinked, startled. "Y… Y-you love me?"
He smiled gently and pulled her into his arms.
"I… I'm sorry, my love."
Her heart nearly stopped. The devil just apologized?
"No, no, no," she stammered. "Wait—hold on. You never apologize to anyone. Ever! But me? Oh no—"
He silenced her with a kiss on her hands, then a long, deep kiss on her lips. He missed her more than words could say.
She looked up at him, cheeks flushed. "Not here."
He grinned. "Then let's go to your room."
Without another word, he scooped her up and carried her upstairs. The door closed and locked behind them.
For the rest of the day, they lay in bed, bodies intertwined, skin against skin, words forgotten. Naked under the covers, they held each other for hours—no demands, no drama, just peace. For once, the devil rested—not in power, but in love.
Zayan fell asleep in her arms, the world outside forgotten.
And for the first time in a long while, Nora did too.