Chapter 5 - The War for Chicago
Over the next month, my life was completely upended.
Despite my protests, Roman didn't just protect me—he reshaped my entire world. My landlord mysteriously called to inform me that my building had been bought, my apartment renovated, and my rent paid in full for the next ten years. The hospital called to announce that Grace's remaining debts had been cleared by an anonymous donor. And a full scholarship to the state’s top nursing program was dropped right onto my doorstep.
Every night after my classes, a sleek black car would sit outside, not forcing me inside, but simply waiting to ensure I reached home safely.
And then came the night Roman showed up in person.
He walked into my small apartment, wearing a tailored black suit, looking towering, immaculate, and entirely recovered. Sophie ran in behind him, jumping into my arms with a squeal of delight.
"You shouldn't be here," I said, my heart betraying me by racing at the sight of him. "It's dangerous."
"The Morettis are gone, Evangeline," Roman said softly, stepping closer until I could smell his expensive cologne and the subtle leather of his jacket. "I dismantled their entire operation over the last three weeks. Chicago is secure."
"Then why are you here?" I asked softly, backing against the kitchen counter as he closed the distance between us.
Roman stopped inches away from me. The dangerous syndicate boss who held an entire city in his palm looked almost vulnerable as he reached out, his thick, calloused thumb gently tracing the line of my jawline.
"Because I can't sleep," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "For thirty-five years, I thought the world was made of shadows and blood. I thought everyone could be bought, bribed, or broken. And then a woman with nothing to her name ran into a house of death just to save a child's father."
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My breath hitched. "Roman..."
"You didn't want my money, Evangeline," he whispered, his eyes burning with an intense, unwavering devotion. "So now I'm offering you the only thing I have left that's worth anything."
