It was a place I created, and to me, it felt like home since I spent more hours here than I did in the small house I bought years ago.
“That’s not even possible,” Toni scoffed. “It’s literally for keeping you calm and relaxed.”
Slipping off my heels and setting them beside the desk, I laughed. “That doesn’t negate the nausea.” I flexed my toes into the carpet under my desk and let out a silent sigh of relief. Work was a balm for me because numbers didn’t lie and paperwork didn’t pretend to love you only to drop you without explanation.
“I think you’re full of it, no offense,” she added with a chuckle. “How was the date?”
“Terrible,” I answered, already focused on the new nanny hires this week. Several files sat on my desk with CPR certifications, background checks, and skills. They were ready to find families, and I had a waiting list of parents who were about to get good news. “Never again, Toni.”
Business was booming, a dream come true.
“Maybe you need one of those fancy matchmaking services, kind of like the one you own and operate.”
I rolled my eyes. “That’s a hardno thank youfrom me.” I preferred my long dates and late nights. The rest of Houston could deal with first dates and tight smiles. “He told me I was hot…for an older chick.”
“I’ll kill him,” she growled and immediately sighed. “Sorry.”
“No need for murder or apologies. I had a fantastic glass of Barolo that was the highlight of the evening. I appreciate the sentiment, if not the outcome, but it’s late and I’m sure Brady is missing you.”
Toni sighed dramatically. “He’s needy like that,” she joked. “I’ll be in bright and early tomorrow. We’ll talk more then. Bye,” she said quickly, ending the call before I could tell her she could stay home, not that she would listen.
I lost track of time, working on matching my new hires with families until the blue light of the screen dried out my eyes. When I finally shut down my laptop, the office was silent, but not the comfortable silence of an empty office. It was the kind of lonely silence that reminded me no matter how capable or successful I was, some nights just felt empty.
I gathered my things, slipped back into my heels, and locked up behind me. The Houston heat had cooled slightly, but the air still felt thick, like the night was at a standstill. My footsteps echoed as I crossed the parking lot.
Maybe it was the leftover irritation from Samuel. Maybe it was the lateness of the hour. Maybe it was just the weight of being in my forties with a life that looked perfect on paper and felt…fine. Just fine.
Nothing more. Nothing less.
I wasn’t sad or lonely, just realistic. I wanted love; I could admit that much to myself. But I no longer believed in the concept, and therefore, I couldn’t hope to find success in finding it myself. I believed in it once, a long time ago. I’d beenrecklessly, foolishly, and completely in love, and it had burned every layer of skin I had until it reached the bone.
Love was a sham, and finding it was a crapshoot, one I was no longer willing to take a risk on. I built a life that worked for me, a business that mattered, and a reputation I was proud of. That was enough.
I guarded my heart and gave it to no one.
Not ever again.
Chapter 2
Enzo
“You have to leave. Now.” Luca stood in the doorway of my home office, shoulders tight, jaw locked, dark brown eyes sharp enough to cut glass. He didn’t raise his voice—he didn’t need to. The tension rolling off him told me everything. “It’s not safe here, not for Matteo.”
I leaned back in my soft red leather chair, the familiar weight of responsibility settled around my shoulders. The desk lamp created a warm circle of light over the desk filled with scattered invoices and security reports. On top of all those were surveillance photos of my seven-year-old son leaving school. Playing on the swings with a delighted smile. Having ice cream after school with the last nanny.
The Russians had gone from threats to this. Threatening a child. These men were built different. Nobody was safe or off-limits when they wanted something. It was just one more reminder that power invited enemies.
“There is nowhere to hide from the Russians,” I said quietly. “You know that.” Leaving would just be running away, putting not just the DeRossi organization but the lives of everyone I cared about at risk.
“Maybe not, but there are places where they would have less access,” Luca countered. “Places where Mattie wouldn’t be a walking target. My job is to keep you safe. I take that shit seriously. You and Mattie are leaving. Tonight.” Luca’s voice cracked just slightly on the name. For all his bravado, Luca loved Matteo like he was blood. We’d known each other all our lives; he was family in every way but blood.
I scrubbed a hand over my face as frustration clawed at my chest. Every instinct in me wanted to fight, to stay and retaliate, to put an end to this once and for all. That was the way I’d been raised. You don’t run from a fight. You don’t hide. You stand your ground.
But then I glanced at the photos of my son’s small, smiling face, and my jaw tightened. “Where would we go?” I hated the words the moment they left my mouth. It wasn’t in me to run. I didn’t disappear. But Matteo... He was worth doing things differently.For now.
Luca stepped into the room and closed the door. “I know just the place and it’s all ready for you. It’s big, quiet, and most of all, it’s secure. And it’s in the land of guns and ribs. Texas.” His grin was wide and proud, and slightly fucking amused.
I stared at him in shock. “Texas? No. Fuck that.” I shook my head. “I’m not a cowboy. And we’ll stick out like a sore thumb.”
