Chapter 15 - The Confession
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That night, the estate was locked down tighter than a military base. Every guard was heavily armed, and the perimeter was flooded with spotlights.
Nora sat in the large leather armchair in her bedroom, staring out the window. Her arm throbbed, but her mind was racing. The reality of her new life had fully set in. She was a target. But instead of fear, she felt a strange, fierce possessiveness over the family she had inherited.
A soft knock on the door broke her thoughts.
Arthur entered. He was out of his suit, wearing dark sweatpants and a tight black t-shirt. He looked exhausted. He carried a glass of water and a pain pill.
“You need to take this,” he said, setting it on the nightstand.
“Are the boys asleep?” she asked.
“Yes. Leo is sleeping on the floor of their room with a baseball bat.” Arthur gave a dry, humorless chuckle. “He refuses to leave them.”
Arthur sat on the edge of her bed, leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He stared at the floor for a long time.
“Carmine Romano ordered the hit,” Arthur said quietly. “He found out I bought your debt. He viewed it as a public insult. He wanted to send a message.”
“What are you going to do?”
Arthur looked up, his eyes cold and dead. “I am going to kill him. Tomorrow.”
Nora’s breath hitched. She knew he was a mob boss, but hearing him speak so plainly of murder sent a chill down her spine.
“Arthur...”
“No,” he interrupted, standing up and pacing the room. “He aimed at my children. He aimed at my wife. There is no negotiation anymore. We are at war.”
He stopped in front of her chair, kneeling down so he was eye-level with her.
“When I bought you, Nora, I thought I was making a practical business transaction. I thought you would be a quiet, convenient fixture in my house.” He reached out, gently tracing the line of her jaw. “I was wrong. You are the strongest person I have ever met. You are the heart of this family now.”
Nora looked into his eyes, her heart pounding.
“Arthur...”
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He didn’t let her finish. He leaned in and kissed her. It wasn’t a chaste wedding kiss. It was deep, desperate, and filled with all the terror and relief of the day. Nora melted into him, her good arm wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer.
The business arrangement was officially over.
