34Emilia’s POVThe hospital was its usual blur of activity when I arrived. I made my way through the familiar hallways, taking the elevator up to Matteo’s floor with a sense of relief. Finally, today was the day he’d get out of here and move into his new apartment. I couldn’t deny that the thought gave me a sense of closure. All those weeks of worry and sleepless nights had felt endless, but now, knowing he’d be in a place of his own, I could breathe a little easier.When I reached his room, Matteo was sitting on the edge of the bed, a mixture of excitement and impatience on his face. He was fiddling with the edge of his shirt, his casted arm making it a bit awkward. Despite everything he’d been through, he still looked like the brother I’d known my whole life—tough and stubborn, even if his body wasn’t quite as ready as his mind to take on the world.“Ready to go?” I asked, giving him a soft smile as I entered the room.He looked up, his face softening when he saw me. “God, I’ve bee
36Alaric’s POV My office was silent, broken only by the occasional shuffle of papers or the ticking of the clock on the wall. Allesio sat across from me, sorting through the information we’d managed to piece together from the ambush. He had stacks of shipping manifests, receipts, and contact notes spread out between us on the desk. But nothing added up the way it should.I picked up one of the documents, the supposed shipping manifest for Guiseppe’s cargo that night. It looked official enough on the surface, stamped and signed, but something was wrong. The scheduled time didn’t line up; the seal on the bottom corner seemed off, almost too perfect, as if someone had gone through the trouble to make it look unremarkable.“Here.” I slid the manifest over to Allesio, tapping a finger over the time. “Does that seem right to you?”Allesio squinted, eyes narrowing as he read over the time. “It doesn’t. The ship wasn’t even scheduled to be at the port by that time of the night. Whoever orga
Alaric’s POV Francesca was bouncing around with excitement, her little voice full of determination as she clutched Emilia’s hand. I hadn’t planned on anyone else joining us for this trip to the park, but once Francesca had her mind set, it was near impossible to talk her out of it. She’d insisted that Emilia come along, pulling on her hand with wide, pleading eyes that somehow even I wasn’t immune to. I didn’t love it, but I wasn’t about to turn the day into an argument. If Francesca wanted Emilia there, then that was the way it was going to be.Emilia stayed quiet, seeming to be just as uncomfortable as I was. It was as if we had both came to an agreement to keep our distance from each other, but we tried as much as we can to act normal in front of Francesca. And while our distance bothered me at first, it didn’t anymore. She was Francesca’s nanny, nothing more, and it was about time I set some boundaries with myself. Distractions will only cost me more than necessary.Once we reach
37Emilia’s POV I turned around on my bed, blinking open one eye and wincing et the ray of sunlight that threatened to blind me. I closed my eyes and turned away from the window, then opened it and stared at the alarm clock on my night stand. It was almost ten in the morning, and there was that urge that always tugged at me every morning—an instinctive urge to check on Francesca. Maybe it was the way she looked at me, or how she’d laugh like she’d known me her whole life. Whatever it was, it had a hold on me, something fierce and protective.I pulled on a robe and padded quietly down the hall, heading to her room. I could hear faint voices as I neared, a woman’s gentle tone and Francesca’s soft giggles. Confusion and a little bit of panic washed over me. Alaric wouldn’t just allow any woman in this house, much less near Francesca’s room. He was Intensely private, and I doubted he’d invite anyone without good reason.My steps slowed, and I hesitated outside her door, feeling my pulse
38Alaric’s POV Driving through the city streets late at night, the tension inside the car was as thick as fog. Allesio sat beside me, eyes focused on the road ahead but occasionally darting toward me, waiting for my reaction each time we hit another dead end or picked up a new thread of evidence that led us in directions I didn’t want to consider. We’d been chasing this ambush for days now, and the pieces were falling together into a picture that was almost too twisted to believe.I slid my car into an old garage downtown. The owner, an older man named Rico, had been at the port the night of the ambush, keeping an eye on the shipments for Guiseppe’s team. He’d heard rumors floating around the neighborhood that something was off with the Cruz family’s involvement. I wanted to press him for more, see if he’d noticed anything else out of place, anyone unfamiliar lurking around.I stepped out of the car, slamming the door shut and walking straight into the garage without waiting for All
39Emilia’s POV I spent the rest of the morning trying to shake off the awkwardness of the encounter. My mind kept replaying the scene—Francesca running up to me, calling me “mommy” with all the innocence in the world, and the shocked look on the woman’s face. I couldn’t quite get a read on her reaction, but it was enough to rattle me. The idea that she could’ve been Francesca’s mother, even if it made no logical sense, had settled into my thoughts like a splinter.I hadn’t seen the woman since she left the room. Alaric hadn’t mentioned her either during breakfast, and I didn’t want to be the one to bring it up. Instead, I tried to busy myself with small tasks around the house, staying close to Francesca, who seemed blissfully unaware of any discomfort. It was just another morning for her—drawing pictures in the living room, her favorite stuffed bear by her side.By mid-morning, I decided to head to the kitchen. If nothing else, I could make myself a cup of coffee and try to clear my
40Alaric’s POV My meeting today was set to be the kind that would shake the ground beneath any man’s feet—just not mine. I’d built my life around avoiding these traps, these landmines of misplaced trust. Yet here I was, facing the reality that one of my own allies had potentially turned on us. I’d spent the past few hours steeling myself, sharpening the edge that would get me through this conversation.A few minutes later, Allesio joined me, a grim look in his eyes that mirrored my own.“Ready?” he asked.I nodded, reaching for my coat. “Let’s go.”I walked out of the house briskly, ignoring Irene who was just setting the table for breakfast. Allesio followed behind me and soon we were inside the dar, Allesio behind the wheels, and speeding out of the compound.The drive was silent. Allesio was as focused as I was, his gaze fixed on the road, hands steady on the wheel. He knew the stakes just as well as I did—if I was right about this betrayal, then everything we’d worked to build
41Emilia’s POV I walked out of the room, a frown forming on my face as I made my way to the stairs. Irene had called my phone a few minutes ago. She’d asked me to meet her in the main living room. Her tone had been light casual but it had seemed like she was holding back a smile.Finally, I got to the living room and halted, my eyes going wide. The room was filled with people I didn’t know, men and women. At least a dozen. And they were all dressed in crisp uniforms, standing in a neat line. I hesistated. They were not part of Alaric’s men that were always in the shadows of the house.Irene caught my eye and waved me over, her face warm with a welcoming smile. “Come on in, Emilia,” she said, gesturing for me to stand beside her. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet—or rather, someones.”I stepped closer, almost shrinking under the dozen curious eyes on me. It was strange; I had been living here for weeks now and had never seen any of these people before. I recognized the occasional
100Allesio’s POV “Allesio!”I halted on my tracks, turning around to look at her. She was hurrying after me, one hand fiddling with the low neckline of her dress. Her hair looked even worse that it was a few minutes back when I had left her. It looked like she had ran her hands through it and tugged at it a million times after I had left her there.“Rosa,” I murmured, giving her a tight smile. She stood in front of me, her mouth opening and closing like she didn’t know exactly what to say.“I’m sorry,” she said at last in a weak voice I didn’t like at all. I took a step closer to her.“For what?” I asked her with a raised eyebrow. She gulped visibly.“You were just trying to be nice and polite to me and I…I blew you off,” she murmured, avoiding my gaze.“I wasn’t just trying to be nice or polite to you, Rosa,” I murmured back, rubbing my face. “I like you. I really like you and you’re making it feel like it’s a bad thing to like like you. I don’t understand why.”“You shouldn’t,” sh
99Rosa’s POV I ran my hand through my hair, not minding that I would get it rough that way. All I could think of was how I was going to get my father’s latest assignment done. And a certain, hot man that had been plaguing my mind ever since that damned one night stand.“Pass the salt,” I said, not looking up as I reached across the table. My eyes were focused on my phone, and while that was a bad habit while we were all having dinner, I didn’t think anyone cared in particular.Before my hand even got close, the small silver shaker was already in front of me, Allesio sliding it into place with a faint smirk. “Always in a rush, Rosa.”I narrowed my eyes at him but didn’t say anything, my fingers brushing against the cool metal. “Thanks,” I muttered.“Anything for you,” he said, and though his tone was light, the words carried an undercurrent I couldn’t ignore. This had been going on for a few days now. Him helping me out when with the littlest things like this. Any other woman would h
98Allesio’s POVI walked into the living room, heading to the bar to take a drink but paused at the person I found in the living room, standing by the grand piano, her fingers trailing along the polished wood. She didn’t notice me at first, her expression distant, like her thoughts were worlds away. The soft glow from the chandelier sjone om her face and made her skin seem a little bit golden, and for a moment, I just watched her.“You know, most people actually play the piano instead of just admiring it,” I said, leaning casually against the doorframe.Rosa turned, her eyes narrowing as she registered my presence. “Most people aren’t me,” she shot back, her tone sharp but not unfriendly.“True,” I admitted, stepping into the room. “You’re definitely not like most people.”She rolled her eyes, but I caught the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips. Progress.“What do you want, Allesio?” she asked, crossing her arms.“Can’t I just enjoy some light conversation?” I replied, my t
97Rosa’s POV The air was sharp with the morning chill as I stepped out of the mansion and into the waiting car. My father’s message had been clear—today was important, a negotiation that could strengthen our family’s alliances. It was rare for him to call on me for something this significant, but I knew better than to question his motives. In our world, trust wasn’t given lightly, and every move had a purpose.The driver didn’t make small talk, which suited me just fine. My mind was already preoccupied with the task ahead. The meeting was with the Russo syndicate, a group that had built its empire on loyalty and calculated risk. My father wanted an agreement that would mutually benefit both families—sharing resources, protection, and, most importantly, influence.When we pulled up to the sleek high-rise downtown where the Russo family operated, I straightened my shoulders and adjusted my jacket. I wasn’t here to charm them, though it wouldn’t hurt to show confidence. Negotiation was
96Allesio’s POV The sun was still rising, filtering light through the curtains and windows of the mansion. I was walking to Alaric’s office but stopped dead in my tracks when Emilia turned the corner, a scowl on her face as she stormed towards me. I hadn’t even had my second cup of coffee yet, and there she was, her arms crossed, her face set in that unmistakable look that screamed ‘I know what you’re up to’.“I need to talk to you,” she said, her voice low but firm.“Good morning to you, too,” I replied, leaning against the wall with a lazy grin. “What’s on your mind, sunshine?”“Cut the crap, Allesio,” she snapped. “What’s with you and Rosa?”The grin faltered. I straightened slightly, crossing my arms to mirror her stance. “What about me and Rosa?”“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” she shot back. “You’ve been… nice to her.”“And that’s a problem because…?” I prompted, raising an eyebrow.She took a step closer, her tone dropping even lower. “I don’t trust you. Not with h
95Rosa’s POV The kitchen was quiet except for the soft hum of the refrigerator and the occasional clatter of Irene’s utensils. I leaned against the counter, cradling my coffee, still trying to shake the haze of sleep. Seeing Allesio standing there, pouring himself a glass of orange juice like he had all the time in the world, was not part of my plan for a peaceful morning.He looked too at ease, too perfect for this early hour. The way his hair fell slightly tousled, paired with his usual cocky smirk, made him look like he’d just stepped out of a dream—and not necessarily the good kind. I wasn’t ready for him.I tried to ignore him, focusing instead on the comforting warmth of my mug. If I didn’t engage, maybe he’d just go away. No such luck.“Good morning to you, too,” he said, his voice low but carrying just enough amusement to make me clench my jaw.I refused to look at him, taking a long sip of my coffee instead. Silence stretched between us, but I felt his gaze, sharp and probi
94Allesio’s POVThe smell of fresh coffee hit me as I entered the kitchen. Irene was already there, bustling around with her usual efficiency, her movements fluid and practiced as she diced vegetables and stirred something in a skillet. “Good morning,” she greeted me and I shot her a smile even though she wasn’t looking.“Good morning,” I replied.I poured myself a glass of orange juice, the cool tang of it refreshing after last night’s long, tense dinner. I hadn’t slept much, thoughts of Alaric’s plan and Rosa swirling in my head like a storm I couldn’t quite escape. Rosa, with her sharp tongue and the fire in her eyes, had occupied more of my thoughts than I cared to admit.As if summoned by my thoughts, the door to the kitchen creaked open, and there she was. Rosa, her hair slightly mussed from sleep, wearing an oversized shirt that brushed just above her knees. She looked surprised to see me, but her expression quickly settled into a mask of indifference.“Morning,” Irene chirped
93Rosa’s POV The guest room smelled like lavender, a scent I recognized as distinctly Emilia’s. Her love for all things calming and soft hadn’t changed. I sat cross-legged on her bed, my suitcase tucked neatly in the corner. Emilia shuffled around the room, fussing with pillows and blankets like she thought I’d complain about the arrangements.“You don’t have to try so hard,” I teased, a smirk playing on my lips.She glanced over her shoulder, her expression caught between a laugh and a frown. “I’m not trying hard. I’m just making sure you’re comfortable.”“Emmy,” I said, using the nickname I’d called her since we were kids, “you could stick me on a couch and call it a night. I’d survive.”She rolled her eyes but finally stopped adjusting the already-fluffed pillows. “Fine. But don’t complain if you get cold.”“Noted.”She climbed into bed beside me, curling her legs under the blanket. For a moment, we sat in silence, the dim glow of the bedside lamp reflecting on the walls. It felt
92Allesio’s POV Walking into Alaric’s office, I could feel the thick tension rising and it was practically almost cutting my airflow. Too thick and suffocating. I could already tell this wasn’t going to be a casual conversation.Alaric was leaning against his desk, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. The door shut behind me with a heavy click, and for a moment, the only sound was the faint hum of the air conditioning.“You needed me?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral.He nodded toward one of the chairs. “Sit.”I didn’t like the way he said it, but I complied anyway. Alaric rarely ever spoke to me with that ‘Capo’ tone of his unless he had a plan brewing, and those plans were rarely simple.He stayed silent for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. Finally, he said, “I saw the way she was looking at you during dinner.”I didn’t need to ask who he was talking about. Rosa. And I didn’t like it at all. I could already te that I wasn’t going to like this conversation one bit