Mafia Heir’s Broken Vows (Rosewood Hall Broken Vows)

9. Alessandro

ALESSANDRO

T he iron gates groan as they open, revealing my estate shrouded in mist and gray skies. The driveway stretches ahead, lined with towering hedges that cast long shadows against the gravel. Every inch of this place is designed for one purpose: control. And today, it feels more like a fortress than ever before.

From my vantage point, I see Serafina holding Leo's hand. She's tense, her shoulders rigid, her eyes scanning the estate as if looking for the nearest exit. She doesn't want to be here. But she's here anyway—because I left her no choice.

Leo clutches a stuffed lion in one hand, his steps hesitant as he takes in the towering mansion. His small voice carries in the stillness. "Mommy, is this our vacation?"

Her reply is gentle, but I hear the tension behind it. "Just for a little while. Somewhere fun. You'll like it."

I catch the lie in her tone. She doesn't believe a word of it. Neither does the boy. He looks back at her, his confusion clear. The sight twists something in my chest—something unfamiliar, unsettling. I force myself to look away, my focus shifting to the guards stationed along the perimeter.

Enzo steps up beside me, his sharp gaze scanning the estate with practiced precision. "Perimeter's secure," he says quietly. "But Marco's not the kind to sit and wait. He'll make a move. It's just a matter of when."

I nod, my jaw tightening. "Double the patrols. No one gets near this place."

Enzo hesitates. "Bringing them here, boss... it puts a bigger target on all of you."

I glance back at Serafina and Leo as they approach the front steps. She's gripping his hand too tightly, her knuckles white. He's asking her questions—innocent, curious—but she's too tense to respond properly. She's afraid. And she should be.

"This is the safest place they can be," I say, my voice cold. "Marco's not getting anywhere near them."

Enzo doesn't argue, but his silence says enough. He doesn't think this is just about protection. He thinks this is personal. And maybe he's right.

"Make sure the guest wing is ready for them," I add, my tone brooking no argument. "And keep your men sharp. If Marco wants a war, we'll give him one."

As Enzo strides off, I stay where I am, watching Serafina and Leo disappear into the mansion. She may hate being here, but at least here, I can keep her safe.

And Marco? He'll have to go through me first.

Enzo lingers in the study, his stance cautious but firm. "Patrols are in place, and we've doubled the watch. But Marco's unpredictable. You know that better than anyone."

I nod, leaning back in the leather chair, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "Marco's not patient. He'll make a move sooner rather than later."

My jaw sets. "They were already targets. This way, I control the situation."

He studies me for a moment, his gaze sharp. "And what about Serafina? She doesn't seem thrilled to be here."

"She doesn't have to be thrilled," I snap, the words coming out harsher than intended. "She just has to be safe."

Enzo's silent for a beat, then nods. "Understood. I'll keep the men ready."

As he leaves, the silence in the room feels heavier. I glance out the window, the faint glow from the guest wing catching my eye. Serafina's shadow passes behind the curtains, and I can picture her pacing, restless and furious.

My mind drifts, unbidden, to the last time I saw her brother—my best friend. The warehouse had been engulfed in flames, the air thick with smoke and screams. He'd been furious with me, his last words a condemnation of the life I'd chosen and the woman I couldn't stay away from. I can still see the anger in his eyes, the betrayal, as the explosion tore through the building.

I close my eyes, trying to block out the memory, but it doesn't help. The guilt is a weight I'll carry forever. And now, with Leo here, with Serafina back in my life, that weight feels heavier than ever.

The photo of Leo sits on my desk, his dark eyes staring back at me. He doesn't know who I am. Doesn't know what I've done. And maybe that's for the best. But Marco's threat changes everything. I can't let the boy grow up thinking the world is safe and fair—it's not. And if Marco gets his hands on him...

I grip the edge of the desk, my fingers curling so tightly that the wood creaks beneath the pressure. Serafina will fight me every step of the way. She doesn't trust me. Hell, I don't blame her. But whether she likes it or not, I'm not leaving her or Leo vulnerable. Not again.

The study door creaks open, and Enzo steps back in, his expression grim. "We're all set, boss. If Marco tries anything, we'll be ready."

"Good," I say, my voice hard. "We have to be."