“My associates will handle the legal transitions,” Dante said. “I want a quiet life.”

He looked down at Lily, who had fallen asleep under her pink blanket.

“I want a safe future,” Dante added. “For all of us.”

I realized then that his offer of protection was never about controlling me.

He had risked his life tonight to prove that he wanted to build something real.

The car turned onto a quieter, tree-lined street in a wealthier neighborhood.

We pulled up to a set of tall, wrought-iron gates that opened slowly.

Behind them stood a beautiful brick townhouse, its windows glowing with warm yellow light.

“Is this where we are staying?” I asked.

“This is your home now,” Dante said.

The driver stopped the car in the brick driveway.

Dante got out and opened my door, helping me out of the vehicle.

I carefully lifted Lily from her seat, shielding her face from the cold wind.

We walked up the stone steps to the front door.

Dante unlocked the heavy oak door and pushed it open.

The hallway inside was warm, smelling of polished wood and fresh flowers.