Chapter 15 - The New Normal
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Leah didn't say yes immediately. She couldn't.
She had spent her entire life following the rules, keeping her head down, and working herself to the bone to survive. Stepping into the arms of the city's most feared mafia boss wasn't just a leap of faith; it was jumping off a cliff.
"I need time," she had whispered in that hospital corridor.
Dante had simply kissed her forehead, a lingering, burning touch, and said, "Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere."
Three weeks later, Leah was standing in the expansive, sunlit kitchen of the brownstone Dante had bought her. It was located in a quiet, heavily secured neighborhood. Matteo was running around the backyard, his laughter carrying through the open French doors. His color was back; he hadn't coughed in days.
Leah was slicing apples, the diamond-encrusted watch on her wrist a stark contrast to the faded scars from her waitressing days.
The front door opened. Heavy, familiar footsteps echoed in the foyer.
Dante walked into the kitchen, loosening his silk tie. He looked exhausted, the weight of his empire pulling at the corners of his eyes, but the moment he saw Leah, his entire demeanor softened.
He walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing a kiss to her neck.
"How was your day?" Leah asked, leaning back against his solid chest, the warmth of him making her feel safer than she ever thought possible.
"Boring," Dante lied smoothly, burying his face in her hair. "Bribed a judge. Bought a casino. Missed you."
Leah smiled, turning around to face him. She reached up, running her hands through his dark hair. "Matteo asked if you were staying for dinner. He wants to show you his new train set."
Dante's eyes darkened with affection. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."
For a moment, it was perfect. It felt like a normal, domestic life. A life Leah had dreamed of but never thought she deserved.
May you like
But as Dante held her, Leah's eyes drifted to the window. Parked across the street, just beyond the wrought-iron gates of the community, was a sleek black town car with heavily tinted windows. It had been parked there for twenty minutes.
It wasn't one of Dante's security details. They drove SUVs.
