Chapter 4 - The Lion's Den
Tessa woke up the next morning to the smell of cedar wood and expensive coffee.
She opened her eyes to find herself in a massive bed with white silk sheets, in a room surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the misty Chicago skyline. A soft, gray cashmere sweater had been left on the chair beside the bed, along with a clean pair of trousers in her size.
She dressed slowly, her joints aching from the struggle the night before. When she stepped out of the bedroom, she found herself in a sprawling penthouse that looked more like a gallery than a home.
Salvatore sat at a large marble island in the kitchen, a cup of black coffee in front of him. He was dressed in a clean black shirt, his hands bandage-wrapped around the knuckles. He looked up as she entered, his gray eyes scanning her face for any sign of pain.
How do you feel? he signed, his movements slow and gentle.
I’m okay, she signed back, sitting on the stool beside him. Where is Danny?
He is in the guest room downstairs, Salvatore signed, gesturing toward the hallway. Caleb brought him here last night. He is safe. My men are guarding the design studio. No one will touch him.
Tessa let out a long breath, her shoulders finally dropping. Thank you, Salvatore. Again.
Do not thank me, Salvatore signed, his eyes darkening. They came after you because of me. Valetti thinks he can use you to find a weakness in my territory. He does not understand that by touching you, he has ensured his own destruction.
I don't want you to kill anyone for me, Tessa signed, her hands moving with a sudden, desperate intensity. I don't want to be the reason someone dies.
Salvatore watched her hands. Then, he reached out and took both of her hands in his, his wrapped knuckles rough against her soft skin.
In my world, Tessa, there is no peace without war, he signed, using one hand while holding hers with the other. But I promise you this: I will protect you and your brother with everything I have. You do not have to hide anymore. You do not have to be invisible.
Why? she signed, her gray eyes searching his. Why do you care so much about a waitress from Bellamy’s?
Salvatore looked at her for a long moment. Then, he lifted his hand to her face, his thumb gently tracing the line of her jaw.
Because when I was in the dark, you were the only one who spoke to me, he signed. You gave me a voice when the world wanted me silent. I am not letting you go, Tessa.
The intimacy of the moment was broken by the sound of the elevator doors opening. Caleb stepped out, his face serious as he looked at Salvatore.
"Boss," Caleb said, his voice deep and urgent. "The shift manager from Bellamy’s—Brett Mallory. He’s downstairs. He says he has information about Valetti's men. He’s trying to sell it to us."
Salvatore’s eyes turned cold. He stood up, his broad shoulders squaring as he looked at Caleb.
Bring him up, Salvatore signed.
May you like
Tessa stood up, too, her chest tightening. "Salvatore—"
Stay here, he signed to her, his expression turning into that unyielding, kingly mask. It is time to clean the house.
