CHAPTER FIVE
The Price of Protection
The night did not end when the lights dimmed.
It sharpened.
Seraphina lay awake long after the house settled, staring at the ceiling as shadows crawled slowly across it. Her door was locked. Not that it mattered. Locks here were symbolic. Permission mattered more.
Alessandro's words replayed in her mind.
You are safe. From everyone else.
That distinction sat heavy in her chest.
She rolled onto her side, eyes open, listening. The estate had a rhythm now she was beginning to understand. The guards changed at predictable intervals. The quiet deepened between two and three in the morning. That was when men confessed things to themselves. That was when mistakes were made.
A soft knock broke the silence.
Once.
She did not move.
The knock came again.
She rose slowly, silent as breath, and crossed the room. She did not open the door.
Who is it.
Me.
Matteo.
She exhaled once and unlocked it. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
You should not be here, she said.
Neither should you.
He leaned against the wall, arms crossed. His eyes searched her face, sharp and unreadable.
Ferraro made contact tonight.
I noticed.
He requested permission to escort you during tomorrow's meeting.
Her stomach tightened.
And you said no.
I did not answer.
That means yes.
Matteo's jaw flexed.
You are bait whether you like it or not.
She met his gaze. Then protect me better.
A pause.
He studied her more carefully this time.
You are not scared.
I am selective with my fear.
A corner of his mouth twitched despite himself.
You push him.
She did not ask who.
That is dangerous.
So is boredom.
Matteo straightened.
I am not your enemy.
She believed him. Mostly.
Then stop pretending I am his weakness.
His eyes darkened.
You already are.
Before she could respond, footsteps sounded in the hall.
Matteo swore under his breath.
Get back in bed.
He opened the door just as Alessandro appeared.
The temperature in the room dropped.
Explain, Alessandro said calmly.
Matteo did not hesitate.
Ferraro requested access. I came to warn her.
Alessandro's gaze flicked to Seraphina. She stood her ground.
Good, Alessandro said. Leave us.
Matteo hesitated only a second. Then left.
The door closed.
Silence pressed in.
Alessandro stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He did not lock it.
You do not sleep, he said.
Neither do you.
He stopped a few feet away.
Ferraro is impatient.
So are his handlers.
You know who they are.
She nodded. One of them.
Alessandro's eyes sharpened.
You are certain.
I would not gamble your life on a guess.
He considered that.
Tomorrow, he will try to corner you.
I know.
You will let him.
Her head snapped up. No.
You will not be alone.
That is not comforting.
It is strategy.
She crossed her arms.
I am not disposable.
Neither am I.
They stared at each other, tension coiled tight between them.
Why are you really angry, she asked.
He did not answer.
She stepped closer.
You hate that they see me.
His jaw tightened.
You hate that I am visible.
His gaze dropped to her mouth again. Then lifted.
You enjoy provoking me.
You enjoy being provoked.
A beat.
This ends badly, he said.
Everything worth wanting does.
For a moment, neither moved.
Then Alessandro reached out and grasped her wrist. Not hard. Firm. Grounding.
Do not mistake my restraint for weakness.
She did not pull away.
Do not mistake my cooperation for surrender.
His thumb brushed her pulse.
It jumped.
He released her abruptly.
Sleep.
He turned and left.
The door remained unlocked.
Morning came with fog and unease.
The meeting took place in the east wing conference room. Glass walls. Long table. Men seated like chess pieces.
Ferraro sat across from her.
He smiled too easily.
Seraphina sat beside Alessandro. Not touching. Close enough to feel his presence.
We have a proposal, Ferraro said.
Alessandro gestured. Speak.
There are rumors. About documents. Dangerous ones. If they exist, they threaten us all.
Seraphina watched his hands. Calm. Controlled.
I believe cooperation would benefit everyone.
Alessandro glanced at her.
What do you think, Seraphina.
The room stilled.
She smiled politely.
I think fear makes men sloppy.
Ferraro chuckled.
And confidence makes women reckless.
Alessandro's hand closed around hers under the table. A warning.
She squeezed back.
Confidence keeps women alive.
Ferraro's smile thinned.
Later, she was escorted to the garden while the men continued talking. Guards flanked her at a distance.
Ferraro followed anyway.
You play a dangerous game, he said quietly.
So do you.
You should consider changing sides.
She laughed softly.
I already did.
He leaned closer.
Alessandro will destroy you when you are no longer useful.
She stepped closer instead of back.
If you believe that, you do not understand him.
Ferraro's eyes hardened.
You think you do.
I know enough.
Enough to get you killed.
Before she could reply, a shot rang out.
The sound cracked the air.
Guards shouted. Chaos erupted.
Alessandro was on her in seconds, pulling her down, shielding her body with his own as they hit the ground.
Another shot.
Glass shattered.
Stay down, he ordered.
She felt his heart pounding against her cheek. Fast. Furious.
Men moved. Guns fired. Orders barked.
Then silence.
Alessandro lifted his head.
Clear.
He helped her up, hands firm on her arms, searching her face for blood.
Are you hurt.
No.
His exhale was sharp.
Ferraro lay on the stone path, blood pooling beneath him.
Matteo stood nearby, gun lowered.
He ran.
He will not run far, Alessandro said.
Seraphina stared at the body.
This was meant for me.
Yes.
You knew.
I suspected.
She turned to him.
You used me.
His gaze did not soften.
I protected you.
By putting a target on my back.
By ending it.
She looked at Ferraro again.
This is not over.
No.
It is beginning.
He took her hand.
Come inside.
She did not pull away.
That night, she sat in his office while reports came in. Ferraro's network exposed. Names surfaced. Arrests made.
Your father was thorough, Alessandro said quietly.
She nodded.
He would have liked you.
The words surprised her.
Why.
Because you are ruthless when it matters.
She looked at him.
You saved my life today.
His gaze met hers.
Do not assign meaning to it.
Too late.
Silence stretched.
Then he spoke again.
You will move into the west wing.
Closer to you.
More secure.
More watched.
She smiled faintly.
You are tightening the leash.
I am ensuring you breathe.
She stood.
One day, you will have to decide whether you are protecting me.
Or protecting yourself from losing me.
His eyes darkened.
That day will cost me everything.
She stepped closer.
Then choose wisely.
She left him standing there, alone with his empire and the truth settling deep in his bones.
The price of protecting Seraphina Moretti was rising.
And Alessandro De Luca was beginning to realize he was willing to pay it.