Chapter 4 - The Safe House
By midnight, the estate was locked down like a military fortress. The four visiting dons, shaken by the revelation of Victoria’s treachery, reaffirmed their allegiance to Damiano, pledging their support to wipe out the remaining Romano loyalists in Chicago.
While the city prepared for an inevitable mob war, Damiano moved Emma and me to his personal safe house—a secluded villa built into the cliffs overlooking the Hudson River.
The villa was warm, luxurious, and surrounded by thirty elite guards. I sat on the edge of the plush bed in the master bedroom, watching Emma sleep peacefully after an exhausting night.
A soft knock came at the door, and Damiano stepped inside, holding two glasses of warm tea. He wore a simple black sweater, looking surprisingly vulnerable without his armor of suits and weapons.
"She’s a brave little girl," Damiano said softly, setting a glass on the nightstand and looking down at Emma.
"She doesn't fully understand what happened," I replied, looking up at him. "Damiano... why did you do that tonight? Why did you tell those men that Emma and I were your family?"
Damiano sat in the leather armchair across from me, his intense gaze holding mine. "Because it was the truth, Sophia."
I blinked, stunned. "We're just your staff. I clean your house."
"You've worked in my home for two years, Sophia," Damiano said, his voice dropping into a deep, emotional register. "Do you think I didn't notice you? Do you think I didn't watch how hard you worked, how gently you cared for your daughter, how your eyes light up when you smile? I stayed away because my world is violent and dark. I was going to marry Victoria purely for a business alliance. But tonight, when I realized you and Emma were in danger... I realized I couldn't pretend anymore."
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My heart hammered against my ribs. "Damiano..."
"I love you, Sophia," he said plainly, without a shred of hesitation. "And I already consider Emma my daughter. I will burn the entire city to the ground before I let anyone bring harm to either of you."
