Chapter 24
Three weeks later, the chaos of corporate espionage and tactical security operations felt like a distant, faded nightmare.
Julian had kept his promise. He had delegated the day-to-day operations of Rossi Enterprises entirely to his newly vetted executive board in New York, completely unplugging his satellite phones and turning off his secure servers.
They had traveled to the Amalfi Coast, renting a breathtaking, secluded villa perched high on a dramatic cliff overlooking the sparkling, azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The air smelled of lemon blossoms and salty ocean breezes.
It was absolute paradise.
Elena stood on the sun-drenched balcony, wearing a flowing white linen dress that billowed gently in the wind. She leaned against the stone railing, watching the luxury yachts glide silently across the horizon. She had never felt so incredibly peaceful, so completely free from the haunting ghosts of her traumatic past.
She heard the soft padding of bare feet against the warm terracotta tiles. Julian stepped out onto the balcony, wearing only a pair of casual linen trousers, his muscular chest tanned by the Italian sun. He carried a sleeping Isabella in his arms, the baby’s head resting securely against his broad shoulder.
"She finally went down," Julian whispered, gently placing the baby into a shaded, padded bassinet near the sliding glass doors.
He walked over to Elena, wrapping his strong arms around her waist from behind and pulling her back against his chest. He pressed a soft, lingering kiss to the bare skin of her neck, making her shiver with delight.
"This is incredible," Elena murmured, leaning her head back against his shoulder. "I don't think I ever want to leave."
"We don't have to," Julian replied, his voice a low, soothing rumble. "I can buy the entire cliffside. I can buy the ocean if it makes you smile."
May you like
Elena laughed, turning around in his arms to face him. "I don't need you to buy the ocean, Julian. I just need you. Here. With me."
"You have me," Julian promised fiercely, his dark eyes locked onto hers with absolute devotion. "Forever."
