Chapter 10
The towering iron gates of the Moretti estate swung open slowly, the heavy motors groaning against the driving rain. Luca navigated the armored SUV up the winding, tree-lined driveway, the bright cinematic headlights sweeping across the sprawling, fortress-like mansion. Armed guards in dark raincoats patrolled the perimeter, but tonight, Luca trusted no one. He bypassed the main entrance entirely, driving around to a secure, private garage attached directly to the family’s inner sanctum.
He parked the heavy vehicle, killed the engine, and let out a long, exhausted sigh. The adrenaline that had fueled him through the charity gala, the betrayal, and the violent confrontation in the sub-basement was finally beginning to ebb.
Luca unbuckled his seatbelt, turning in his seat to look at the back. Hannah Carter was still sitting perfectly still in her mint-green service dress, holding his sleeping daughter. The white lace apron was wrinkled, and her soft blonde-brown bun was a mess, but to Luca, she looked like an absolute angel.
"We are safe here," Luca said softly, his deep voice echoing in the quiet cabin. He opened his door, stepping out into the dry, brightly lit garage, and walked around to open Hannah’s door.
"Let me take her," Luca offered, reaching out his large, muscular hands. His dark tattoos were stark against his fair skin, but his touch was incredibly gentle.
"She's okay, I can carry her," Hannah whispered, not wanting to disturb the fragile three-year-old. But as she tried to shift her plus-sized frame, her legs trembled violently from the sheer terror and exhaustion of the night.
Luca saw her struggle. Without a word, he reached in, effortlessly sliding his strong arms beneath Sophia and lifting the little girl against his broad chest. Sophia murmured in her sleep, her curly golden-brown hair resting against his dark suit jacket, completely undisturbed.
Luca then offered his free hand to Hannah. His piercing, intense eyes were filled with profound warmth and gratitude.
Hannah looked at his hand, then up at his exceptionally handsome, rugged face. She placed her trembling hand in his. His grip was firm, grounding, and incredibly safe. He helped her step out of the SUV, supporting her weight until she found her balance on the concrete floor.
"Welcome home, Hannah," Luca said quietly.
They walked together toward the private elevator that led to the family wing. The cinematic lighting of the estate cast a warm, golden glow over them, a stark contrast to the dark, violent world lurking just beyond the fortified walls.
As the elevator doors closed, taking them up to a life of unimaginable luxury and absolute security, Hannah looked at the beautiful pale-yellow floral dress of the little girl she had saved, and then at the terrifying, powerful man who had sworn to protect them both.
She had walked into a charity gala as a catering waitress, hiding from ghosts and terrified of the shadows. Now, she was walking into a fortress, standing beside the most powerful man in Chicago, bound to a miracle child she loved like her own.
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Luca looked down at his sleeping daughter, a soft, genuine smile gracing his masculine features, before shifting his gaze to Hannah. The war with the Falcone syndicate was looming on the horizon, promising blood, betrayal, and violence. But looking at the two people who had restored his soul, Luca knew one thing for absolute certain.
He had never been more ready to fight.
