Chapter 8 - Safe Haven
For the next three weeks, the penthouse was their sanctuary.
The federal raids swept through Chicago like a cleansing fire. The Moretti family was dismantled in a matter of days, their leaders arrested, their assets seized, and their corrupt network exposed to the light of day. The Salvatore family, too, went quiet, transitioning their remaining legitimate holdings into a transparent, corporate trust under Marco’s management.
During those weeks, Dominic learned what it was like to live a normal life.
He spent his mornings drinking coffee that was actually hot, watching Sofie draw pictures of dragons and superheroes at the kitchen table. He spent his evenings talking to Elena, learning about her dreams of returning to medical school, her favorite books, and the quiet, stubborn love she had for her sister.
They were sitting on the plush leather sofa one evening, the snow outside falling in gentle, peaceful flakes.
"I should start looking for an apartment," Elena said softly, her head resting against the back of the sofa, close to Dominic’s shoulder. "The city is safe now. We can't stay here forever, occupying your space."
Dominic turned his head, looking at her. The bruises on her face had faded, leaving only her radiant, beautiful skin.
"Do you want to leave?" he asked.
Elena paused. She looked down at her hands, then up at him, her blue eyes reflecting the warm glow of the fireplace.
"No," she whispered. "I've never felt safer than I do here. With you."
Dominic reached out, his hand gently cupping her cheek.
"Then don't leave," he said. "Stay here. Let me take care of you. Both of you."
May you like
Elena’s breath hitched. She slid her hand into his, her fingers fitting perfectly between his scars.
"You already have, Dominic," she said, leaning forward to press her lips to his in a soft, tender kiss that carried the promise of a completely different future.
