Chapter 5 - The Fortress
The Rosselli compound high in the hills was a modern fortress of stone, steel, and high-security glass. Surrounded by twelve-foot stone walls and patrolled by armed security teams operating in total silence, it was the safest sanctuary in the state.
The SUV came to a complete stop in the subterranean garage.
Dante stepped out first, adjusting his burgundy jacket, then offered his hand down to Alina.
Alina looked at his broad, tattooed hand—the dark dragon tail weaving across his wrist—and then up into his dark eyes. Hesitantly, she placed her hand in his. His grip was warm, solid, and incredibly strong as he helped her out of the vehicle.
A head housekeeper, a kind elderly woman named Rosa, hurried over holding a thick cashmere blanket and a warm bottle of milk.
"Take Leo to the nursery," Dante instructed gently, handing his son over to Rosa.
Leo let out a tiny whimpering noise as he was pulled away from Alina, but Dante softly stroked his son's dark curls. "It's alright, Leo. Your cousin isn't going anywhere."
Rosa carried the baby up the private elevator, leaving Dante and Alina standing alone in the grand garage.
Alina wrapped her arms around herself, looking around at the high-tech security monitors and pristine luxury vehicles. "So this is how you live."
"This is how I keep my family alive," Dante corrected quietly. He motioned toward the private residential elevator. "Come upstairs. You need clean clothes, a warm drink, and the truth."
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Alina followed him into the elevator. "What truth?"
Dante stared at his reflection in the polished steel doors as the elevator ascended to the top floor penthouse. "The truth about why your mother left... and why the Moretti family is trying to kill us."
