Chapter 2 - The Warmth of Stolen Time
The east wing guest suite was larger than Olivia’s entire apartment.
A roaring fire crackled in the stone fireplace. A plush king-sized bed was made with silk sheets, and on the wooden table near the balcony window sat her flower cart—completely unharmed, every bucket of winter roses and eucalyptus standing upright, exactly as Gabriel had lifted it from the square.
Olivia stood before the fire, her wet shoes set aside, warming her red hands over the flames.
A knock came at the door. Maria walked in carrying a tray of hot tea, fresh soup, and a soft ivory cashmere sweater along with dark wool trousers.
"The Boss thought these might fit you better than your wet clothes, Miss Brooks," Maria said, setting the tray on the coffee table. "They belonged to no one. They were bought new for the house stock."
"Thank you, Maria," Olivia murmured. "Is... is Mr. Duca always like this?"
Maria paused, a soft, sad smile touching her lips. "The Boss is a man of stone to the world, child. Ever since their mother passed three years ago... he built walls around this house that no one could climb. The girls haven't spoken to a stranger in six months. They haven't asked anyone to come home since the day their mother died."
Olivia felt a sharp knot form in her chest. "Why me?"
"Because children know where water runs in a desert," Maria said simply, turning toward the door. "Dinner is served at seven. Mr. Duca expects you."
An hour later, dressed in the oversized ivory sweater that smelled faintly of lavender, Olivia walked down the grand oak staircase.
The dining room was vast, but the table was set cozy near a smaller fireplace. The twins were already seated in high-backed chairs, swinging their legs. Gabriel sat at the head, reading through a leather-bound folder.
When Olivia walked in, Gabriel set the folder down. His eyes tracked her as she moved to the empty chair beside Emma.
"You look better," Gabriel remarked smoothly.
"Your clothes are very comfortable, Mr. Duca," she said, sitting down. "I still feel like I’m intruding."
"You are not an intruder," Ella spoke up suddenly. It was the first full sentence the quiet twin had uttered all evening. Her gray-blue eyes looked directly into Olivia’s. "You smell like white lilies."
Olivia’s heart melted. "White lilies are my favorite, Ella. Did you know they can survive even in the coldest frost if you protect their roots?"
"Like us?" Emma asked innocently.
The table went completely still. Gabriel’s hand tightened around his wine glass, his jaw setting hard.
Olivia looked at the two little girls, seeing the quiet, unspoken grief that still hung over them despite all the wealth in the world. She reached out and gently laid her hand over Emma's small fingers.
May you like
"Yes, sweetheart," Olivia whispered gently. "Just like you."
Gabriel watched them, his steel-gray eyes softening into an emotion so raw and intense that Olivia had to look away before her own heart betrayed her.
