Chapter 7 - Safe Haven in the Lion’s Den
The master suite of the Rossi estate was vast, luxurious, and unexpectedly warm. A crackling fire burned in the stone hearth, casting long, dancing shadows across leather armchairs and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
Leo had immediately taken a liking to the grand space. After a warm glass of milk, he was fast asleep in the center of Matteo's king-sized bed, surrounded by a fortress of plush pillows. Thor, his shoulder neatly bandaged, was resting on a rug beside the bed, acting as a giant, vigilant bodyguard.
Nia sat on the edge of the hearth, wrapped in a oversized cashmere sweater that Matteo had lent her. She held a warm glass of red wine, watching the flames flicker.
Matteo stepped into the room, having changed into a dark turtleneck and trousers. He set a tray with hot soup and bread on the table beside her. "You should eat. You've had a traumatic night."
"I don't think I can swallow anything," Nia said softly, though she took a small sip of the wine. "It feels like I stepped into a movie. Twelve hours ago, my biggest problem was finding a lost stuffed animal. Now I'm taking refuge in a fortress."
Matteo sat down in the armchair across from her, crossing his long legs. "I apologize for bringing this chaos into your life, Nia. Tomorrow morning, I can arrange for a private security team to escort you and Leo anywhere in the country. A safe house, a resort... whatever you want, until I finalize my business with Valenti."
Nia looked at him, studying the sharp line of his jaw, the tired shadows beneath his striking dark eyes. "And what happens when you 'finalize your business'?"
Matteo’s expression hardened into steel. "The Valenti syndicate will cease to exist. They have terrorized this city for two decades. They took my family. They threatened yours. It ends this week."
"And after that?" Nia pressed gently. "What happens to you, Matteo? Do you just live in this big, empty house with your cameras and your guns?"
Matteo fell silent. He looked away, his gaze drifting toward the sleeping toddler on his bed. "I built this life to survive, Nia. I never thought about what comes 'after'."
"Maybe you should," Nia said softly, setting her wine glass down. She stood up, walking over to stand in front of his chair. "Because you're not a monster, Matteo. I saw how you looked at Thor when he was hurt. I saw how you stood between that intruder and my home. You have a heart. You've just spent four years trying to freeze it solid."
Matteo looked up at her, a strange, powerful emotion swirling in his dark eyes. He slowly reached out, his hand wrapping around her waist, pulling her gently toward him. Nia didn't pull away. She stepped between his knees, resting her hands on his broad shoulders.
"You are dangerous, Nia Santos," Matteo whispered, his voice thick with uncharacteristic vulnerability. "Not because of what you can do, but because you make me want things I have no right to possess."
"Like what?" she whispered back, her heart racing.
May you like
"Like a life," he murmured.
He leaned up, his lips brushing against hers in a slow, deeply tender kiss that tasted of rain, fire, and unspoken promises. Nia closed her eyes, melting into his embrace, wrapping her fingers in his dark hair as the storm roared outside, completely forgotten.
