Chapter 3 - The Sanctuary on the Lake
The drive to the North Shore was made in quiet luxury. The SUV’s heated leather seats warmed Chloe’s frozen body from the inside out, while Marco provided her with a thermos of hot cocoa and a dry pair of soft cashmere socks.
When the vehicle finally turned off the main highway, it passed through massive iron gates bearing a crest of a silver wolf, moving down a winding drive lined with towering, snow-dusted pine trees.
The Russo estate wasn't just a house; it was a fortress of limestone and dark wood overlooking the grey, churning expanse of Lake Michigan. Warm light poured from floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a golden glow across the manicured lawns.
When the SUV came to a smooth stop in front of the grand entrance, two uniformed staff members opened the doors immediately, holding wide umbrellas to shield Chloe from the sleet.
Chloe walked into the grand foyer, her eyes wide with wonder. The air smelled of expensive pine, polished wood, and rich coffee. Soaring ceilings held hand-blown glass chandeliers, and a massive stone fireplace crackled merrily in the central hall.
"Miss Hayes," a soft voice called out.
Chloe turned. Walking down the grand oak staircase was Dominic Russo.
Up close, he was even more intimidating than he appeared in newspaper photographs. He was thirty-five years old, towering over six feet tall, with lean, broad shoulders encased in a dark charcoal sweater and black trousers. His dark hair was slightly damp from the rain, and his pale gray eyes held an intense, penetrating clarity that made Chloe’s pulse jump.
Yet, as he approached her, his posture wasn't arrogant. It was filled with a rare, humble sincerity.
"Mr. Russo," Chloe stammered, clutching the velvet blanket around her wet clothes. "I... I hope your father is okay."
Dominic stopped two feet away from her. His gaze moved over her damp hair, her bruised, wet shoes, and the pale fatigue on her face. A flicker of genuine pain passed over his striking features.
"My father is resting upstairs," Dominic said, his voice deep, smooth, and resonant. "The doctor checked him over. Aside from mild chill and fatigue, he’s completely unhurt. Because of you."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small laminated employee badge he had retrieved from the floor of Le Jardin. He held it out to her.
"My security team gave me a brief background check on you while we drove here, Chloe," Dominic said quietly. "You earn fourteen dollars an hour. You have no living family. You were four days away from being evicted from a tiny apartment in Pilsen."
Chloe swallowed, feeling a sudden pang of defensive pride. "I work hard, Mr. Russo. I pay my bills."
"I know you do," Dominic said gently. "Which makes what you did today extraordinary. You knew Gregory Bell would fire you. You knew you couldn't afford to lose your job. And yet, you chose to protect a confused old man who couldn't offer you a single thing in return."
Dominic stepped closer, his presence warm and overwhelming.
"In my world, Chloe," Dominic whispered, looking deep into her brown eyes, "people sell their souls for a fraction of what you sacrificed today for a stranger. You showed my father honor when he was helpless. I never forget a debt."
"You don't owe me anything, Mr. Russo," Chloe said softly. "It was just a bowl of soup."
"It was humanity," Dominic corrected firmly. He turned toward a warm, kindly woman standing near the hallway. "This is Mrs. Gable, my house manager. She has prepared the guest suite for you. There are dry clothes, a hot bath, and dinner waiting."
"Mr. Russo, I should probably go back to my apartment—"
"Your apartment is currently being packed by a professional moving crew," Dominic informed her casually.
May you like
Chloe stared at him, bewildered. "What?!"
Dominic smiled—a rare, devastatingly handsome curve of his lips that sent a strange shudder down Chloe’s spine. "You aren't going back to that cold, unsafe apartment, Chloe. Starting tonight, you work for me."
