His expression softened fractionally. "What do you see?"
"Someone I could trust. Someone who came for me when I was taken." I swallowed hard. "Someone I was starting to—"
I couldn't finish the sentence. The word was too big, too frightening to acknowledge.
Vittorio stepped closer, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body. "You were terrified I'd see you differently."
"I was terrified you'd see me as just the mother of your heir instead of… me." The admission left me feeling naked, exposed.
His hand came up to cup my cheek, his touch unexpectedly gentle. "Never. You're everything."
The intensity in his eyes stole my breath. Before I could respond, the study door opened, and Enzo stepped in, his expression grim.
"Boss, we've got—" He stopped short when he saw me. "Sorry to interrupt."
"What is it?" Vittorio didn't take his eyes off me.
"Antonio's reached out. He's requesting a meeting. Tomorrow night."
My blood ran cold. "He knows." The words were barely a whisper.
Vittorio's jaw tightened. "Of course, he knows. That's why he sent this." He gestured to the photographs on his desk. "He's making his move."
"What does he want?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
"You." Vittorio's voice was flat. "And now, the child."
The reality of our situation crashed over me like a wave. I wasn't just caught between two brothers anymore—I'd become the battleground for my child's future. Antonio wouldn't stop. He'd use this baby as leverage, as a way to hurt Vittorio, as a means to regain control.
"I won't let him near either of you." Vittorio's voice cut through my panic, steady and sure. "This ends now."
Enzo cleared his throat. "The meeting location is neutral ground. The old cathedral in the city center. He's bringing three men, no more."
"It's a trap," I said immediately.
"Of course it is." Vittorio's smile was cold. "But Antonio sent the photos and your medical file for a reason—he wanted us to know. Which means we can use that knowledge against him before he expects it."
"I'm coming with you," I said, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.
"Absolutely not," Vittorio growled.
"He'll expect me to be there. If I'm not, he'll know something's wrong." My hands moved instinctively to my stomach. "This is my fight, too."
"You're carrying my child." Vittorio said, his expression dark. "You're not going anywhere near him. It's too dangerous." His voice left no room for argument.
A tense silence filled the room. Enzo looked between us, clearly uncomfortable being caught in the crossfire.
"Enzo, tell Antonio I'll meet him. And double the security on the estate perimeter."
After Enzo left, Vittorio turned back to me. His hand reached out, hovering over my still-flat stomach before gently resting there. My own hand covered his, our fingers intertwining over the place where our child grew.
"He'll never touch you," Vittorio said, his voice a vow. "Never touch our child. I promise you that."
In that moment, with his hand warm against my belly and his eyes fierce with protection, I believed him.
CHAPTER 13
Vittorio
