Chapter Two
Luciano
I tap the brake at a red light, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel. My mind hums with tension. Mia is in the passenger seat, cradling her son. The kid’s big eyes stare at me like I’m some kind of monster. Maybe I am.
I glance in the rearview mirror. The street behind us is empty. One or two cars, nothing suspicious. I’ve spent most of my life looking over my shoulder. Tonight is no different.
Mia’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “Where are we going?”
I keep my gaze fixed on the road. “To my place.”
She exhales, frustration creeping into her tone. “You can’t just?—”
“Relax,” I say sharply. “It’s secure. No one will find you there.”
She opens her mouth, ready to argue, then presses her lips together. I sense the war inside her—protective mother instincts battling with her distrust of me.
Her baby wiggles in her arms. I catch a glimpse of his chubby cheeks and wide, curious eyes. He looks too innocent for the world he’s been dropped into.
The light turns green. I press the gas, feeling the engine’s smooth power beneath my palms. This SUV has been my reliable fortress for years. Bulletproof windows, reinforced doors—the works. If Mia knew how I’ve used this vehicle in the past, she’d probably leap out onto the street.
I sneak another look at her. She’s wearing a threadbare sweater and jeans that have seen better days. Her hair’s pulled into a ponytail, a few strands falling around her face. It strikes me how small she looks, how vulnerable. Yet there’s a spark in her eyes that says she’s not the type to give up.
I clear my throat. “How long have you been back in the city?”
She’s silent a moment. “A few weeks.”
I wait for more, but she doesn’t elaborate.
I nod. “You got family here?”
Another pause. Her shoulders tense. “No. It’s just me and Theo.”
Theo. So that’s the kid’s name.
I take a sharp turn onto the highway ramp. The SUV gathers speed. Headlights blur around us, and the hum of traffic swallows the silence.
“Strange,” I say after a beat. “You don’t act like someone who’s comfortable leaning on people. Yet you let me drive you out of that dump.”
She bristles. “I didn’t have a choice.”
I fight a grim smile. “You could’ve said no.”
She scoffs. “And go where? The streets? A homeless shelter? No thanks.”
Her honesty is raw, and it stings me in places I didn’t know could hurt anymore. She’s desperate. And I’m the only option she’s got.
We ride the rest of the way in silence. I navigate off the highway, weaving through side streets until we reach a heavily wooded neighborhood. Wrought-iron gates tower on either side. I punch a code into the security panel.
She watches, eyes wary. “Nice place.”
I nod. The gate slides open, and I steer the SUV down a long, curved driveway. White gravel crunches beneath the tires. An imposing mansion comes into view. I see it every day, but I never get used to it—three stories of old stone, complete with balconies and heavy wooden doors.
A bitter taste fills my mouth. This was my father’s stronghold. Now it’s mine.
I park by the front steps. “Stay close,” I tell her.
She hesitates before opening the door. The baby is squirming in her arms, restless. “How safe is this place?”
“Very.”
I climb out, scanning the area. Usually, I have a guard or two posted, but I sent them off on errands to keep prying eyes away. Mia doesn’t need an audience right now.
She lingers by the SUV, uncertain. I extend a hand to help her, but she doesn’t take it. Instead, she clutches Theo protectively and steps onto the gravel.
Her eyes flick to the house. “This is yours?”
I nod. “Inherited.”
She doesn’t say anything, but her expression is a mix of intrigue and caution. I lead her up the broad steps, insert a key into the massive oak door, and push it open.
Warm light spills into the foyer as I flick on a switch. I shut the door behind her, bolting it securely.
She spins in a slow circle, taking in the high ceilings, the ornate staircase, the antique furniture. “You live here alone?”
“Yeah.”
She lowers her voice. “Why?”
I shrug. “Because nobody else does.”
I can feel her confusion, but I don’t elaborate. I’m not in the habit of explaining my private life to strangers—especially not strangers with babies.
I point to a hallway. “There’s a guest suite down that way. It has its own bathroom, and a crib stored in the closet if you need one. From when my sister visits with her kids.”
Mia’s eyes flicker. “You have a sister?”
My jaw tightens. “Is that surprising?”
She shrugs, shifting Theo to her other hip. “I don’t know anything about you.”
I fold my arms. “Let’s keep it that way.”
Her gaze narrows. “You brought me here, remember?”
I stare back. Silence stretches between us.
Finally, I break eye contact and head down the hall. “Come on. Let me show you the room.”