Page 49 of Tormented Hearts

For the first time in what felt like months, there was a sense of peace in Phoenix’s life. Luca had kept his promise, ensuring that the dangers of his world stayed far away from her and their unborn child. And now, as she stands at the edge of their vast new property, the rolling hills stretching out before her, Phoenix felt like she could finally breathe.

The country home was a dream. Set deep in the countryside, far from the chaos of Palermo, it was surrounded by acres of land, with thick woods providing natural cover and a sense of isolation. The house itself was stunning—a sprawling estate with high ceilings, expansive windows, and a warmth that felt like home the moment Phoenix stepped inside.

Luca had surprised her with it a few weeks after their confrontation with Bianca, knowing that Phoenix needed a place where she could feel safe, where they could start their family without the constant threat of his enemies hanging over them.

But even here, in the peaceful countryside, Luca hadn’t taken any chances. Guards were stationed discreetly around the property, their presence felt but rarely seen. It was a fortress disguised as a haven—a place where Luca knew his family would be protected at all times.

And now, as Phoenix runs her hand over her growing belly, she smiles to herself, imagining the life they were building. She could already picture the nursery she would decorate for their baby, the laughter that would fill these walls. It was a future she hadn’t dared to hope for, but now that it was here, she felt a deep sense of gratitude.

Inside the house, Phoenix had already begun planning for the baby’s arrival. The room that would become the nursery was bright and airy, with large windows that let in soft, natural light. Phoenix had spent the last few days looking through catalogues, picking out furniture, and imagining how the space would look once it was finished.

She sat on the floor, her back propped up by pillows, flipping through another catalogue of cribs and baby bedding. Her heart fluttered with excitement as she looks at all the possibilities, imagining what their little one would be like. Would it be a boy or a girl? She still didn’t know, but Luca had been asking her that same question every night as they lay in bed, dreaming about their future.

Luca had been spending most of his time working from the home office in the country house, which meant they were together almost all the time now. It was a new kind of normal, one Phoenix cherished. He was still very much in control of his empire, but he had delegated much of the day-to-day business to Miguel and Gabriel his most trusted men. When Luca did have to go into the city for meetings, Phoenix missed him fiercely, but she knew it was necessary.

As Phoenix picked up her phone to take pictures of some nursery ideas to show Luca later, she heard footsteps approaching. She looks up and smiles as one of the guards, Marco, walks into the room. Marco had been stationed at the house for weeks, and in that time, he had become a friendly presence—someone Phoenix felt comfortable around. He was young, probably in his late twenties, with an easy-going personality that makes him approachable. Unlike many of Luca’s soldiers, who kept their distance and maintained a strict professionalism, Marco had a way of making her feel at ease.

“Everything okay, Mrs. Tempo?” Marco asks with a warm smile as he leans casually against the doorframe.

Phoenix nods, returning his smile. Even though she wasn’t married to Luca, most of his men insisted on calling her Mrs. Tempo. “Yes, everything’s fine. Just planning the nursery,” she replies, holding up the catalogue. “I think Luca’s going to have a heart attack when he sees how many options there are for cribs.”

Marco chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I’m sure the boss will handle it just fine. But if you ask me, he’s going to spoil that baby rotten.”

Phoenix laughs, shaking her head. “I’m afraid you’re right.”

For a few moments, they chat casually about the nursery, and Marco even offers some suggestions based on what he had seen with his own nieces and nephews. Phoenix appreciates the light-hearted conversation—it made the house feel less like a guarded fortress and more like a home.

But just as Marco was about to leave, Miguel appears in the doorway, his expression dark and unreadable. Phoenix notices the tension immediately, the way Miguel’s eyes flicker from her to Marco with barely concealed irritation.

“Marco,” Miguel calls, his voice low and firm. “You’ve got your rounds to finish.”

Marco stiffens slightly, his smile fading as he nods. “Yes, sir.”

As Marco leaves the room, Phoenix frowns, sensing something was off. She turns to Miguel, her eyebrows raised in confusion.

“What was that about?” she asks, crossing her arms.

Miguel hesitates, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looks at her. “You need to be careful, Phoenix.”

Phoenix blinks caught off guard by the warning in his tone. “Careful? What do you mean?”

Miguel takes a step closer, his voice low as he speaks. “Marco’s friendly, I get it. But Luca... Luca doesn’t handle things like that well. If he sees one of his men getting too close to you—especially now, with the baby coming—he’ll lose his shit. And Marco... he’s not helping his case.”

Phoenix’s heart skips a beat, her chest tightening with unease. She hadn’t thought much of Marco’s friendliness—it had seemed harmless. But now, hearing Miguel’s warning, she realized how Luca might interpret things.

“You think Luca would—” Phoenix started, but Miguel cut her off.

“I know Luca,” Miguel says firmly. “He’s possessive. You know that. And with everything that’s happened... he’s on edge. I’m just telling you to be careful. Marco’s a good guy, but if Luca thinks for a second that something’s off, it won’t end well.”

Phoenix swallows hard, her heart racing as she processes Miguel’s words. She knew Luca could be possessive—she had seen it before. But the idea of him losing control, of doing something drastic because of a misunderstanding, scared her.

“I’ll talk to Marco,” Phoenix replies quietly, her voice filled with resolve. “I don’t want Luca to get the wrong idea.”

Miguel nods, his expression softening slightly. “Good. Just... keep things in check. For everyone’s sake.”

That evening, as Phoenix and Luca sit together in the cozy living room, the fire crackling softly in the hearth, Luca leans over and kisses her on the forehead. He had been working all day in his home office, and now, as they sit together in the quiet of their country sanctuary, he can finally relax.

“I’ve been thinking,” Luca confesses, his voice low and warm.

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