THE DUCAS' REDEMPTION

When I returned to the master suite, Mia was still asleep, but Elena was pacing the floor. She had washed her face and removed the restrictive maid's uniform, changing into one of my oversized black shirts. The sight of her wearing my clothes sent an unexpected possessive thrill through my veins.

"What happened?" she asked, rushing toward me as the heavy doors locked shut again.

"Renata is dealing with the consequences of her actions," I said vaguely. "But I need the truth, Elena. Everything. Why did you come here of all places?"

She sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed and pulling the black-and-gold pendant from beneath her collar. "I didn't know it was your house. I swear it. When I was on the run, I changed my name. I lived in shelters. Then I had Mia, and I needed stability. The agency placed me here, and I only learned who 'Mr. Duca' really was last week when I saw your face in the study."

"Why didn't you come to me?" I demanded, frustration bleeding into my voice. "You saved my life! You are the only reason I breathe!"

"Because you are dangerous!" she fired back, her eyes blazing with fierce maternal protection. "You are the head of the most powerful crime syndicate on the East Coast! You destroy people, Lorenzo! I have a daughter to protect. I couldn't risk bringing her into a world of blood and bullets. I planned to pack our bags and flee tonight. But Renata planted that clock before I could."

I froze. Her words stung, not because they were cruel, but because they were true. I had become a monster to survive the monsters who killed my family. But looking at her, I wanted to be a man again.

"You don't have to run anymore," I said softly, sitting beside her. I reached out, my calloused fingers gently tracing the line of her jaw. "For fifteen years, this empire was built on a foundation of vengeance. But from this second forward, its sole purpose is to protect you and Mia. I will burn the Falcone family to ash before the sun rises."