Bring Her to Me! The Mafia Boss Froze After Seeing the Bruises Covering His Plus Size Maid

Morning arrived at Villa Vale under a pale, misty sky.

Claire woke up slowly, disoriented by the softness of the Egyptian cotton sheets beneath her. For a moment, she panicked, expecting the harsh blare of her morning alarm in her cramped, cold apartment, or the terrifying sound of Julian kicking at her front door.

Then the scent of cedar, burning pine, and rich coffee filled her senses.

She sat up, pulling the thick duvet around her shoulders. Standing near the window, looking out over the misty estate gardens, was Dominic. He had changed into a dark charcoal sweater and slacks, looking relaxed yet impeccably sharp. On the breakfast table near the window sat a silver tray loaded with fresh pastries, fruit, poached eggs, and coffee.

"Good morning, Claire," Dominic said softly, turning to look at her.

"Good morning," she whispered, her voice raspy from sleep. She instinctively pulled the covers higher, suddenly self-conscious about her messy hair and lack of makeup.

Dominic noticed her hesitation immediately. He walked over to the bed, sitting down on the edge, his expression incredibly gentle.

"You don't need to hide from me," he said softly. "Julian is gone. He will never come back to this city. He is on a boat heading south, and his debt records have been shredded."

Claire stared at him, her eyes wide. "He's... gone? Just like that?"

"Just like that," Dominic confirmed. "You are safe, Claire. You will never have to look over your shoulder again."

A massive wave of relief washed over her, so overwhelming that she felt lightheaded. The dark cloud that had hovered over her life for three long years had vanished in a single night. But right behind that relief came a deep, unsettling anxiety.

"And... what about my job?" Claire asked, looking down at her hands. "Do I go back to the kitchen today? Should I put on my uniform?"

Dominic reached out, taking her hand in his. His grip was strong, warm, and reassuring.

"You are done cleaning this house, Claire," Dominic said firmly. "You are no longer a maid here."

Claire felt her stomach drop. Her eyes filled with sudden panic. "You’re... you’re firing me? Dominic, please! Where will I go? I don't have enough savings to rent a new place yet!"

"Claire, listen to me," Dominic interrupted gently, his hands moving up to cup her face, forcing her to look into his dark, earnest eyes. "I am not firing you. I am removing you from the staff because you do not belong in the servants' quarters. You belong here. With me."

Claire froze, her heart stopping in her chest. "With... with you? As what? Your mistress?"

The word left a bitter taste in her mouth. She knew how mob bosses operated. They took women, gave them fancy clothes and apartments, used them until they grew tired, and then discarded them.

Dominic’s jaw tightened, a look of profound offense crossing his face.

"Do not insult yourself, and do not insult me," Dominic said, his voice dropping into a fierce whisper. "I do not want a mistress, Claire. I want you. I want to wake up next to you every morning. I want to take you to dinners, introduce you to this city as my woman, and give you everything you were ever denied."

Claire shook her head, tears threatening to spill over again. "Dominic, look at me! I’m a plus-size woman with scars and no background! The society people in this city will destroy you if you show up with me! They’ll laugh at you behind your back!"

Dominic leaned in close, his lips brushing against her cheek, right over the yellowing bruise that was already starting to fade.

"Let them laugh," Dominic murmured against her skin, his hand sliding down to rest securely over her voluptuous hip, squeezing gently, making her gasp. "Let them say whatever they want. In Ravensport, my word is law. Anyone who disrespects you will answer to me. And as for your body..." He trailed off, his hand pressing firmer against her curve, his breathing heavy. "I have never wanted a woman more than I want you right now."

Claire looked into his eyes and saw no pity, no deceit, no hidden motives. There was only raw, unadulterated passion and an absolute, unyielding protective instincts.

For the first time in her life, Claire felt truly seen. She reached up, her small hand resting against his muscular chest, feeling the heavy, thunderous beat of his heart.