Chapter 3 - The Estate on the Lake
I had expected to be taken to a cold, high-security penthouse or a dark fortress hidden away in the city. Instead, Dominic’s blacked-out SUV caravan pulled up to a breathtaking, gated estate sitting along the quiet, pine-lined shores of Lake Michigan.
The mansion was warm, elegant, and bathed in natural light, surrounded by manicured gardens and heavy security perimeter walls that were subtly disguised by climbing roses.
Dominic personally opened my car door, holding my hand to steady me as I stepped onto the cobblestone driveway.
"This is the Russo family estate in Gold Coast," Dominic said as we walked through the grand mahogany front doors. A team of house staff stood in the foyer, bowing respectfully as we entered. "It has been in my family for three generations. It is the safest place in Illinois."
"Dominic... this is overwhelming," I admitted, looking around at the soaring ceilings and priceless art hanging on the walls. "Four hours ago, I was just a woman drinking decaf tea in a small café."
"Four hours ago, you were carrying my heir in silence," Dominic replied, turning to face me. He took off his dark suit jacket and draped it over his arm, revealing the dark leather shoulder holster fitted over his crisp white shirt. "I know my world frightens you, Chloe. You saw what happened at the Starlight Gala. You know who I am."
"I know what people say you are," I corrected him gently.
Dominic paused, studying my face carefully. "And what do you think?"
"I think the man who held me in that dark study for six hours spent the entire night making sure I didn't get hit by stray bullets," I said, meeting his intense gaze. "I think you gave me your silk handkerchief when I cried, and you didn't touch me until I asked you to."
A faint, rare smile touched the corner of Dominic’s lips. "You have a dangerous habit of seeing the good in dark things, Chloe."
May you like
"Maybe," I whispered. "Or maybe I just see you."
Dominic stepped closer, his hand coming up to gently cupped the back of my neck, his thumb resting over my racing pulse. "Starting today, your life changes. You will have the best doctors in the country, the highest security, and anything your heart desires. But more than that... you and this baby are mine to protect. No one will ever disrespect you again."
