Chapter 7 - The Dawn of Redemption
The clock on the library mantle chimed 5:45 AM. The sky outside the safe room windows was turning a pale, pearlescent blue as the snow storm began to taper off.
Hannah sat in the rocking chair near the crib, her hands cold, her eyes burning with exhaustion. Frankie stood near the door, his hand resting on his sidearm, checking his watch every thirty seconds. The private jet was prepped at Teterboro; time was running out.
Suddenly, the heavy oak doors of the foyer slammed open. Heavy footsteps echoed down the grand corridor.
Frankie drew his weapon, stepping in front of Hannah. "Stay back," he warned.
The door to the nursery suite swung open.
Adrian stood in the threshold. He was uninjured. His suit was immaculate, his face clean, though his eyes showed the deep exhaustion of a man who had fought for his soul and won. He stepped past Frankie, dropping his leather gloves onto a table.
Frankie slowly lowered his gun, a massive grin breaking across his scarred face. "Boss?"
"Falcone is in federal custody," Adrian said quietly. "The entire network was dismantled overnight. The streets are clear." He looked at Frankie. "Stand down, Frankie. Go home to your family."
Frankie nodded, bowing his head respectfully before quietly stepping out and closing the door behind him.
Adrian walked slowly across the room toward Hannah. She stood up from the rocking chair, her knees trembling.
Without saying a word, Adrian reached out, pulling her into his arms. He buried his face in the warm crook of her neck, breathing in the scent of cinnamon, flour, and sweet baby soap that hung around her. Hannah wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, sinking into his strength, weeping silent tears of pure relief against his shoulder.
"I didn't lose," Adrian whispered into her hair, his arms tightening around her waist. "I didn't lose my way back to you."
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He pulled back slightly, his hand gently wiping a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "I’m done with the shadow world, Hannah. I transferred all shipping operations into a transparent public trust. I am no longer a mob boss. I’m just a man... a man who wants to spend the rest of his life making you and Lucas happy."
Hannah raised herself on her tiptoes, pressing her lips to his in a soft, sweet, unhurried kiss that tasted of freedom. "You already do," she murmured.
