I follow Luca, Enzo still wrapped in my arms.
His small body feels heavier now, exhaustion replacing adrenaline.
He hasn't spoken since we left the cottage, his face pressed against my neck, damp with tears.
Alessandro walks ahead, barking orders at men who move quickly and efficiently, securing entrances, checking windows.
"You'll stay in my room," Luca says, his hand at the small of my back as he guides us up the grand staircase. “Enzo too.”
I nod, too drained to argue.
The smell of gunpowder and blood clings to him.
Some of it has transferred to my robe.
To Enzo.
When we reach Luca's rooms, he pushes the door open. "I'll have guards posted outside," he says, checking the windows, the bathroom, the closet. "I need to meet with my brothers, figure out our next move."
He's all business now, the tender lover from hours ago replaced by the ruthless enforcer.
After he leaves, I carry Enzo to the massive bed, settling us among pillows that smell like Luca.
Enzo finally lifts his head. "Are the bad men gone?"
"Yes, baby. Your daddy made sure of it." I smooth his hair back from his forehead. "You were so brave."
His bottom lip trembles. "I was scared."
"Being brave doesn't mean you're not scared. It means doing the right thing even when you are scared." I press my forehead to his.
As I hold my son, rocking him gently until his breathing steadies, guilt continues to overwhelm me.
I could have prevented this.
If I'd gone to Luca immediately after Maksim's call, if I hadn't hesitated…
Pyotr's face flashes in my mind, not as he was in death, but as the brother who taught me to ride a bike, who held my hand at our parents' funeral.
Another failure.
Another person I couldn't save because I waited too long to act.
Now Enzo has paid the price for my indecision.
My beautiful boy, traumatized by violence no child should witness, all because I was too afraid to choose.
I kiss Enzo's forehead as he finally drifts to sleep.
The sound of hushed voices filters through the door.
Our protection.
The fortress is locked down.
But fortresses can be breached.
We learned that lesson today.
