Chapter 3 - The New Terms
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I stared at his hand resting on my suitcase, the sheer physical power of the man completely overwhelming the small space of my bedroom.
"You don't get to insult me, reduce my entire life to a pathetic joke, and then demand I stay because it's convenient for your son," I said, lifting my chin to meet his intense gaze.
Victor’s jaw feathered. He let go of the suitcase, taking a half-step back, though his presence remained suffocating. He ran a hand through his dark, messy hair, looking more vulnerable than any mafia boss should ever allow himself to look.
"I didn't mean it," Victor said softly. The admission seemed to cost him physical pain. "What I said last night... I was angry. The police, the sirens, the mess at the docks. I took it out on you because you were standing there, and you looked at me like I was a monster."
"I looked at you like you were a father who was failing his child," I corrected fiercely. "Finn doesn't care about your businesses. He cares that the loud noises terrify him and his father tells him to 'get over it'."
Victor flinched. The micro-expression of guilt was undeniable.
"If I stay," I continued, crossing my arms over my chest, "things change, Victor. I am not just the hired help anymore. I have full authority over his routine, his schooling, and his therapy. And you will start showing up. For dinner. For bedtime. You will act like a father."
"You are demanding terms from me?" Victor asked, a dark, dangerous amusement flickering in his gray eyes.
"I am demanding respect," I fired back. "If you can't give me that, I will walk out that door right now, and you can explain to your son why the only person who makes him feel safe is gone."
The silence stretched between us, thick and heavy. Victor stared at me, analyzing my absolute refusal to back down. I wasn't a capo he could intimidate or an enemy he could eliminate. I was a woman holding the fragile pieces of his family together.
"Agreed," Victor finally whispered, his voice incredibly rough. "You have your terms. Just don't leave him, Harper."
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"I'm staying for Finn," I clarified, turning back to my suitcase to begin unpacking.
"I know," Victor murmured, his eyes lingering on me for a fraction of a second too long. "I know."
