I got out immediately and crossed to him. We met on the sidewalk and I pulled him into my arms, not caring about the remaining press or the photos they were taking.
"I've got you," I said. "You're okay. I've got you."
He held on to me, shaking slightly. "I was so scared."
"I know. Me too." I pulled back to look at him. "But we made it through day one."
"Day one." He laughed without humor. "How many more days until trial?"
"A lot. But we'll get through them. Together."
Jessica came out behind Valentino. "Mr. Romano. Good to finally meet you in person. I'm Jessica Torres."
"Thank you for taking care of him." I shook her hand.
"Of course. Emilio and I work together frequently." She turned to Valentino. "Remember—no contact with witnesses. Stay in New York State. If you need to leave for any reason, call me first."
"I will. Thank you."
Sandro and Matteo got out of the car. Both of them immediately came over.
"Valentino." Sandro pulled him into a hug. "You okay?"
"I think so. It's all kind of a blur."
"Let's get you both home." Matteo opened the car door. "You've had enough for one day."
We got in the car—me, Valentino, and Matteo in the back, Sandro driving with Emilio beside him. The moment we pulled away from the courthouse, some of the tension eased.
"Elio and the others are at your penthouse," Sandro said. "They wanted to wait there in case you needed anything."
"They don't have to—"
"They want to," Matteo interrupted. "Let them help. Let us help."
I reached for Valentino's hand. He threaded his fingers through mine and held on tight.
"Thank you," Valentino said quietly. "For being here. For having our backs. I know we're dragging you all into this."
"You're not dragging us anywhere," Sandro said firmly. "We're family. This is what family does."
We drove back to my building in relative silence. All of us processing. When we arrived, Sandro pulled around to the garage entrance instead of the main doors—avoiding press and cameras.
In the elevator up to the penthouse, Valentino leaned against me. "I can't believe this is our life now. Under indictment. Facing trial. Ankle monitors and bail conditions."
"I know. It's surreal."
"Are we going to be okay?"
"Yes." I said it with more confidence than I felt. "We're going to fight this. And we're going to win."
The elevator opened directly into the penthouse. And immediately we were surrounded.
Elio, Julian, Stefan—all of them there. All of them looking concerned and supportive and ready to help.
"Welcome home," Elio said. "Such as it is."
"Thank you all for being here." I looked around at the found family we'd built. "I appreciate it more than I can say."
