Chapter 3 - The Sanctuary on the Third Floor

|
The guesthouse was where Alessandro’s inner circle stayed when they visited from the East Coast. It was reserved for high-level syndicate members, family lieutenants, and blood relatives.
Alessandro’s eyes narrowed slightly, a subtle signal that his men instantly understood.
"Rocco," Alessandro commanded. "Take two men and secure the guesthouse. No one enters, no one leaves. If anyone resists, break their legs."
"Yes, Don Alessandro," Rocco replied, bowing his head before disappearing into the dark corridor with three armed guards following behind.
Alessandro turned his attention back to the terrified mother and child sitting on the floor.
The anger in his face vanished, replaced by an absolute, ironclad protective instinct. He walked over to Emma and crouched down so he was at eye level with the four-year-old girl.
"Lily," Alessandro said gently.
The little girl peeked out from behind her mother’s blonde hair. "Yes, Mr. Moretti?"
"You were very brave tonight," he said, reaching out to gently pat her head with his large, calloused hand. "You saw something wrong and you told me the truth. You saved this house."
Lily smiled faintly, clutching her mother’s sleeve. "Is Daisy going to be sick?"
"Daisy is going to rest," Alessandro promised. "And so are you."
He stood up and looked at Emma. The maid was trembling, her hands white as she held her daughter.
"Emma," Alessandro said. "Pack a bag for yourself and Lily. You are moving up to my personal suite on the third floor tonight."
Emma gasped softly. "Mr. Moretti, I couldn't possibly... that's your private wing—"
"It is the safest place on this continent," Alessandro cut her off firmly. "It has reinforced steel doors, bulletproof glass, and an independent security grid. Gianni will stand guard outside the door. No one touches my people in this house. Do you understand me?"
May you like
Emma looked into his fierce, unyielding eyes and felt an overwhelming wave of relief wash over her.
"Thank you, sir," she whispered. "Thank you."