Chapter 4 - THE GOLDEN CAGE
By midnight, the peace summit had turned into a war council. I was taken to the penthouse of Damiano's impenetrable skyscraper in Manhattan. It was a fortress of glass, steel, and luxury. Emma, exhausted, had fallen asleep in a bed the size of our entire apartment, clutching her rag doll.
I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the city lights, when the door opened. Damiano walked in. He had showered, changing into a dark henley that showcased the lethal, muscular build usually hidden by his suits. He poured two glasses of scotch and handed me one.
"You can't keep us here," I said, my voice trembling but defiant. "I have a life. Emma has school."
"Your life as you knew it ended the moment Emma saw that bomb," Damiano said bluntly. "Isabella's father, Don Rossi, knows you exposed his daughter. He will send hitmen to your apartment, your daughter’s school, everywhere. The only place you are safe is by my side."
"I don't belong in this world, Damiano!"
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He stepped close, invading my personal space. The scent of sandalwood and danger rolled off him. "You belong wherever I can keep you breathing, Sophia. You saved my empire today. I don't forget a debt. And I don't let anyone touch what I claim."
The intensity in his eyes made my breath hitch. I realized, with a terrifying jolt, that the most dangerous man in New York wasn't just guarding me—he was captivated by me.
