Chapter 7 - UNDER HIS ROOF
I moved into the Moretti guesthouse temporarily.
It felt strange waking beneath a roof protected by armed guards.
Noah loved it immediately.
He ran through the gardens, laughing for the first time in weeks.
I watched from the terrace, smiling.
Lorenzo stood beside me.
“He looks happier.”
“He feels safe.”
Lorenzo nodded.
“So do you?”
I looked at him.
“I don't know yet.”
He accepted the answer.
That surprised me.
Later that evening, Elena found me alone in the library.
“You think my son frightens you.”
“He does.”
She smiled.
“He frightens everyone.”
“Why doesn't he frighten you?”
“Because I know the man beneath the reputation.”
She touched my hand.
“Lorenzo became hard because he believed softness was dangerous.”
I looked toward the doorway.
He was standing there.
He had heard every word.
Our eyes met.
Neither of us spoke.
Then Noah rushed in.
“Emma! Come see this!”
I laughed and followed him.
Behind us, Elena whispered to Lorenzo, “You are falling in love.”
He gave her a warning look.
May you like
She only smiled.
For the first time in years, the terrifying Mafia boss looked genuinely nervous.
