Elisa didn't hesitate to change out of her dress. She loved the dress, it was beautiful, but she was just glad to get out of it. She wasn't a fan of heels either. She was more of a flats or boots type of girl. She knew she would need help with changing because of her injured leg. But she didn't want to bother Ben or anyone else. They had already done enough for her.

But as if he could read her mind, he had knocked on her door, opening it when she said it was okay to come in. He walked in, his gaze landing on her and he smiled fondly. She had already taken off the top part of her dress and was struggling with getting the bottom part off. Ben couldn't help but chuckle. "Need help?" He asked, walking over to her. She rolled her eyes, pouting as she looked up at him.

"Maybe." She grumbled.

 He couldn't help but laugh again and he pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, making her cheeks flush. He carefully helped her take the dress off, taking his time and careful not to hurt her. He unzipped the zipper and slowly slid the dress down, allowing her to step out of it. Once the dress was off, she was left in a simple, comfortable slip. Elisa sighed in relief, her shoulders relaxing as she finally felt free from the constricting fabric. Ben noticed the change in her demeanor and smiled, pleased to see her more at ease.

"Better?" He asked softly, his eyes filled with affection as he looked down at her.

Elisa nods, her smile growing as she met his gaze. "Much better. Thank you, Ben." She reaches up, cupping his cheek gently. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Ben leans into her touch, his heart swelling with love. "You'll never have to find out," He reassures her, pressing a tender kiss to her palm. "I'm here for you, always."

Elisa felt her heart flutter at his words, her love for him deepening even more. She wraps her arms around his neck, pulling him into a warm embrace. "I love you so much, Ben."

"I love you too, Elisa," Ben murmurs against her hair, holding her close. "Now, let's get you comfortable so you can rest, okay?"

She nods and steps back to grab her pjs she had left in his room before. He stepped into his closet to give her privacy and to change into his pjs too. When he came back out, she wasn't there which confused her. But he noticed the door to the bathroom was open so he checked there, noticing her sitting on the edge of the tub and checking her injured leg. His heart skipped a beat at seeing her wearing one of his old shirts that was big enough on her to reach just above her knees. He loved the sight of her wearing his clothes. It made him feel a rush of possessiveness, but also a deep warmth and love. She glanced up when she heard him walk in, her cheeks flushing pink as she smiled shyly.

"I-uh, I was just checking my leg." She explains, gesturing to the bandaged leg. He nods, smiling softly. "I have to redo the bandage."

He nods and walks over to her. "Do you need help?" He asked, his voice gentle and caring. He knew she would be stubborn and try to do it herself, but he also knew that with her injured leg, it would be difficult and painful.

Elisa was quiet for a moment, debating whether or not she should accept his help. But the look on his face and the concern in his eyes made her cave. She nods, smiling shyly at him. "Yes, please." She murmured. He smiled and nodded, leaning down to kiss the top of her head.

"Okay, stay there, I'm getting the first aid kit." He got up and walked over to the cabinet, grabbing the first aid kit. He brought it back and sat next to her.

"Thanks." She murmurs, watching as he set the first aid kit down. He gently grabs her injured leg, carefully pulling it onto his lap. Elisa hisses softly, flinching a bit. Just that small movement caused pain to flare in her leg. She knew it was gonna hurt when she did this, but she was hoping that it would be less painful. "Wow, CJ really did a number on me." She grumbled, referring to the wound on her leg.

"CJ...She's Harry's younger sister, right?" Ben questioned, a little confused but also curious. He began to unwrap the bandage, carefully lifting her leg up slightly so he could reach it better. Elisa nodded, cringing as she saw the wound. It was bleeding, she thought she had noticed blood seep through the bandage earlier. It must've started bleeding again during the party. "

"Yeah, she's a handful." Elisa mutters. "She hates me. I mean, she doesn't really like anyone. But I think she really hates me."

"And Harriet is CJ's and Harry's older sister, right?" Ben asked curiously. He didn't know much about the pirates, but he knew they had an older sister named Harriet.

"Yep, they're the children of Captain Hook." Elisa replies, her tone turning sour. "Harry is Uma's first mate, of course. CJ and Harriet just cause chaos and destruction wherever they go. They're cunning and conniving. They know how to get what they want and how to survive. But they're apart of Uma's crew too." She sighs, knowing she should tell Ben what happened with her and the girls. "I tried being friends with them when I first got sent to the Isle, but quickly learned that was a mistake. I thought they might need a friend, someone to lean on. But instead, they turned on me and tried to use me. They saw me as weak and preyed on me. If it wasn't for Mal and the others taking me in, I'd probably still be their victim."

"Wow, that's...That's awful." Ben frowns, his chest tightening at the thought. "I'm sorry, Elisa."

"It's not your fault." She shakes her head, smiling sadly. "That was just how things were on the Isle. It wasn't pretty or kind. The kids there were taught to only look out for themselves. They didn't have much to lose. Except, well, their lives. So they did what they had to do to survive. The pirate girls were no different. I was just foolish enough to trust them and think that maybe I could make friends with them. Mal and the others warned me, but I didn't listen. Because of my stupidity, I ended up paying the price."

Ben couldn't help but reach over and gently cup her cheek, his gaze full of concern. "You were just a scared kid, Elisa." He murmurs, his tone soothing. "You were alone and afraid. Anyone would've made the same mistake. But you learned from it and became stronger. I'm sorry you had to go through that. You didn't deserve that. I hated that you got sent to the Isle because of something you had no control of. It wasn't fair."

Elisa smiles sadly at him, leaning into his touch. "I was lucky, Ben." She replies, her voice soft. "I had people who cared about me and looked after me. Without them, I wouldn't have survived."

Ben couldn't help but pull her into a warm embrace, his arms wrapping tightly around her. He presses a gentle kiss to her temple, his chest aching with the thought of her not surviving. "I'm so glad you did. I'm so glad we found you're safe now and with me." He murmured, his tone loving and affectionate.

Elisa hugs him back, burying her face into the crook of his neck. "Me too." She whispers, her heart filling with love for the young man holding her so close and tenderly. "Thank you, Ben. For being there for me. For loving me."

"Always." Ben pulls away and smiles softly, his gaze warm. His hand reaching up to rest on her shoulder, his fingers brushing gently over the cut on her neck. The cut was slowly fading, but it was still visible. "Does it still hurt?"

Elisa shakes her head, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiles. "No, it doesn't hurt anymore. Just a slight stinging sensation sometimes."

He nods, smiling softly. "I'm glad. That's good." He let his hand drop from her shoulder and returns to help clean her wound. He finished and grabbed the fresh bandages. He gently placed them on her leg, his hands careful and tender as he wrapped the bandage around her leg. Once he was done, he leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her leg, right above the bandage. Elisa's heart melted at the gesture, a warm smile on her lips.

"Thank you, Ben." She murmurs, her gaze soft and loving. "You're so good to me."

He looks up at her, his expression filled with warmth and affection. "You deserve the world, my love." He says softly, his eyes sparkling. "I will always do everything in my power to protect you and make you happy."

Elisa feels her heart swell with love, her smile growing. "And I will always do everything in my power to love and protect you." She vows, her eyes filled with determination. "Because you deserve the world too, Benny. You deserve everything."

He chuckles softly, his eyes bright and warm as he gazes at her. "I have everything I could ever want, Elisa." He murmurs, his gaze softening. "You."

She felt her cheeks grow warm at his words, her smile growing shy. "Oh, Ben," She murmurs, her gaze filled with affection. "You're so sweet."

He grins and winks, making her giggle. "It's the truth." He says, his tone light and playful. "Come on, let's get you into bed." He stood and offered his hand. She took it and allowed him to pull her to her feet. She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a tender hug. He hugs her back, his arms tightening around her waist. They stand there for a moment, basking in the warmth and comfort of each other's embrace.

After a moment, Elisa pulls away and looks up at him. "I can stay here tonight, right? I just...I don't wanna be alone." She asked softly, her eyes pleading.

Ben nods immediately, his expression soft and understanding. "Of course, Ellie." He reassures her. "You're always welcome here, you know that. Stay as long as you want."

She smiles and leans up, kissing his cheek. "Thank you, Benny. I appreciate it."

He smiles and kisses her forehead, his eyes sparkling with love and adoration. "Anytime, my love." He helped her to the bed and covered her up. He then climbed into the other side, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her close. She cuddled into him, her eyes fluttering closed as the exhaustion began to take over. His free hand reached for hers, intertwining their fingers as he held her close. The warmth of his body and the rhythm of his heartbeat were comforting, lulling her into a sense of security she hadn't felt in a long time.

"Are you comfortable?" Ben asked softly, glancing down at her. He wanted to make sure she was okay, his protective instincts flaring up once more.

"Perfect," She murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just being here with you makes everything better." She nuzzled against him, sighing contentedly. His heart swelled with love and affection, a warm smile curling on his lips. He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, feeling a wave of contentment wash over him. The room was quiet, save for the soft sound of their breathing and the occasional creak of the house settling around them.

"I'm really glad you're here," Ben said, his voice barely above a whisper as he held her closer. "I wish I could take away all the pain you've been through."

"I know," Elisa replies, her voice equally soft as she shifted to get more comfortable and scoot closer to him. She now had her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. It was a steady, calming rhythm that eased her mind and soothed her worries. "But we both know that's not possible. Though it's okay. The past is in the past." Elisa's voice was filled with quiet acceptance as she continued, "What matters is the present and what we have now." She looks up at Ben, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "I'm with you, and that makes everything feel so much lighter."

Ben smiles down at her, his heart warming at her words. "Exactly. We can only move forward together, right? No more looking back."

"Right," She agrees, her voice soft and confident. "You make it easy to move forward, Ben. I can face anything as long as I have you by my side."

He squeezes her hand gently, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "And I'll always be here for you. No matter what comes our way, we'll face it together." His gaze was sincere, filled with a fierce protectiveness that made Elisa's heart swell.

The comfort of his presence wrapped around her like a warm blanket, easing her anxiety and fears. As she nestled closer, the weight of the world seemed to melt away. "I never knew love could feel this safe." She confesses, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's amazing, how just being with you makes everything else fade into the background."

Ben hums, his hand intertwined with hers was resting on his chest, the beating of his heart was steady and calming. "Yeah," He murmurs, his voice just as soft. "I've never felt this way before either."

"Not even with Audrey?" She couldn't help but ask, a hint of bitterness in her tone. She was trying to keep her voice steady, but a flicker of insecurity crept in.

Ben's expression shifts slightly, as if he sensed the change in her mood. He looked down at her, his eyes searching hers. "Audrey was... different. We had a connection, sure, but it was more about status than anything else. It was a relationship for appearances, and I knew that. I cared about her, but I wasn't in love with her. Not like this." He moves to sit up more, his back against the headboard. She moves with him, her head now on his chest and his arms now around her waist. "You're different. You're special, Elisa. You've changed my life. I never thought I could love someone as deeply as I love you." His voice was low and husky, his gaze full of adoration as he spoke. "You make me happier than I ever thought possible. When I'm with you, everything just feels right. Like it was always meant to be. You are the love of my life, and nothing will ever change that."

Elisa felt her breath catch in her throat, overwhelmed by the weight of his words. The sincerity in his voice wrapped around her like a warm embrace, pushing away the remnants of her insecurities. She looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears of gratitude and joy.

"Ben," He whispers, her voice trembling slightly. "I don't even know how to respond to that. You make me feel so cherished."

He smiles softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You deserve to feel that way. You've been through so much, and yet you radiate strength and kindness. I admire you more than you know."

Elisa felt a flush rise to her cheeks, a mixture of embarrassment and warmth. "I've never had someone speak to me like this before. It's... it's beautiful."

Ben's eyes softens, his expression tender. "I mean every word. With you, I can be myself. I don't have to put on a facade or worry about what people think. I can just be me, and that's enough. You accept me, flaws and all. That means the world to me."

Her heart swelled as she listened to him, each word piercing through the walls she had built around herself. "You have no idea how much that means to me. I've felt so lost for so long, and now..." She paused, searching for the right words. "Now with you, I've found a home. I've found a safe place where I can just be."

Ben's heart swelled at her words, and he pulled her a little closer, savoring the moment. "You are my home too, Elisa. My heart will always be yours. I will never stop fighting for us, for what we have. You are worth every battle, every struggle. I'll always be here, standing by your side." His voice was resolute, filled with an unwavering commitment that made Elisa's heart race.

Tears brim in her eyes, not from sadness but from a profound sense of belonging. "You make me feel so valued, Ben. I never thought I could find someone who sees me for who I truly am." She pauses, taking a deep breath to steady her emotions. "I've spent so much time trying to be strong, to carry my past without letting it weigh me down, with acting like I'm always fine. But with you, I can be vulnerable. I can be myself."

Ben's fingers brushes lightly against her arm, sending tingles of comfort through her. "That's what love is supposed to be about—supporting each other through the highs and lows. I want you to know that it's okay to lean on me. You don't have to carry everything alone." He gently cups her face, his thumb wiping away a stray tear. "We're a team, and I want to share the load with you."

A rush of gratitude filled her heart, and she turns to kiss the inside of his palm of his hand cupping her face. "You have no idea how much it means to me to hear you say that. I love you so much, Ben." She reaches up to cup his face in her hands, her thumbs brushing gently over his cheeks. "You're the love of my life. I will always fight for us, for what we have. I will never give up on us." Her voice was steady and firm, her eyes shining with determination. "I want to share the load with you too...Being a king, especially at a young age isn't easy I bet, and I want to help you shoulder the weight. You've done so much for me, and I want to return the favor. To support you and stand by your side. Always."

He smiled, his expression filled with gratitude and love. He leaned in and kissed her, his eyes closing as he lost himself in the moment, savoring the warmth of her lips against his. The kiss was slow and tender, a silent promise of their commitment to each other. When they finally pulled away, Ben's forehead rested against hers, their breaths mingling in the intimate space between them. He held her gaze, his eyes shimmering with a depth of emotion that took her breath away.

"I love you." He murmured, kissing her again.

"I love you too." She mumbled against his lips, her heart fluttering with joy. They stayed like that for a while, the silence enveloping them as they basked in each other's presence. No words were needed; the simple act of being together was enough. Finally, they settled down, the exhaustion from the day taking its toll. They fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms, their hearts and souls connected in a way that could never be broken.

Their hands intertwined, a gesture that solidified their bond as they settled into a comfortable silence, simply enjoying each other's presence. In that moment, surrounded by the gentle rhythm of each other's hearts, they knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them hand in hand, united in their love, together standing on the edge of great.