Chapter 10 - A Safe Haven
One year later.
The sun set in brilliant shades of pink and gold over the Mediterranean coastline.
The private villa in Amalfi sat atop a high cliff overlooking crystal-blue waters, surrounded by blooming lemon groves and terraced gardens.
I stood on the stone terrace, wearing a flowing white linen sundress, holding a glass of chilled white wine. My skin was warm from the Italian sun, my heart lighter and more peaceful than it had ever been in my entire life.
Behind me, glass doors slid open smoothly.
Roman walked out onto the terrace. He was barefoot, wearing linen trousers and an unbuttoned shirt, his dark hair tousled by the sea breeze. He looked younger, happier, his broad chest showing the faint, silver scar on his left side—a reminder of the night that had brought us together.
He walked up behind me, wrapping his arms securely around my waist, pulling my back against his chest, resting his chin on my shoulder.
"The doctor in Naples confirmed the appointment for next month," Roman murmured softly, his hand resting gently against my flat stomach, where a tiny, miraculous new life was just beginning to grow.
I smiled warmly, resting my hand over his large, scarred fingers. "And what did Frank say when you told him we're staying in Italy until spring?"
"Frank grumbled about security protocols, then immediately booked three extra guards for the local nursery," Roman chuckled, a deep, rich sound that echoed against the sea breeze.
I turned around in his arms, wrapping my hands around his neck, looking into those dark obsidian eyes that had once terrified me, but now felt like my home, my sanctuary, and my entire world.
"Do you ever miss it?" I asked softly. "The city? The financial district? Being the ghost story everyone whispered about?"
Roman looked at me, his smile warm and utterly devoted as he leaned down to press his lips gently against mine.
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"I didn't have a life before you opened that door, Nora," Roman whispered against my mouth. "I had an empire. But with you... I have a home."
Outside, the waves crashed gently against the ancient cliffs below, singing a sweet, timeless song of freedom, healing, and an unshakeable love born in the darkest hours of the night.
