Page 52 of Mafia Heir's Broken Vows

"Just… thinking," I reply, my voice softer than I intended. I try to smile, but it feels thin, forced. Alessandro reaches across the space between us, his hand warm as it covers mine.

"We're safe, Serafina." His voice is steady, as though willing me to believe it. "I've taken care of everything."

I want to believe him. I really do. But the scars I carry—both the ones you can see and the ones you can't—won't let me trust so easily.

"I know you have," I say, squeezing his hand. "It's just… hard to let go."

He nods, understanding in his eyes. "You're not letting go alone. I'm right here. And I'm not going anywhere."

His words settle something in me, if only for a moment. I lean into his touch, letting the warmth of his hand anchor me tothe present. To this moment where, for now, we are safe. Where Leo's laughter fills the cabin, and Alessandro's presence reminds me that I'm not carrying this weight alone.

As the jet soars higher, breaking through the clouds, I take a deep breath. The city is gone, swallowed by the distance. And with it, I hope, the danger we left behind.

But the fear doesn't vanish. It lingers like a silent passenger on this journey. A reminder that freedom is never given easily.

Still, I grip Alessandro's hand tighter, holding on to the hope that, maybe, this time, it will be worth the fight.

The villa isunlike anything I imagined. Nestled among sprawling orchards and tall cypress trees, it feels like a hidden world, untouched by time. The sound of waves crashing against the cliffs below mingles with the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. It's beautiful in a way that doesn't seem real—like something out of a dream.

Leo bounds ahead of us; his excitement is palpable as he explores the gardens. He's already pointing out flowers and asking questions about the trees. His laughter rings out, pure and unrestrained, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I don't feel the need to hush him. Here, he can be loud. He can be free.

Alessandro stands beside me, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back. "What do you think?" he asks, his voice low and cautious, as if afraid I might not like it.

I turn to him, taking in the way the sunlight catches in his dark hair, the way his eyes hold a glimmer of hope. "It's… perfect," I whisper, the word catching in my throat.

A small smile tugs at his lips, and he nods. "This is home now."

We step inside, the villa's rustic charm enveloping us. The stone floors are cool beneath my feet, and the warm, golden light streaming through the windows bathes everything in a soft glow. The air smells faintly of lavender and citrus, carried in from the orchards outside. It's nothing like the cold, impersonal mansions I remember from Alessandro's family. This place feels alive. Warm. Safe.

Leo darts past us, his little feet pattering against the floor as he explores every corner. Alessandro watches him with a softness I'm still getting used to. He's different here—lighter, freer. As if leaving the city has stripped away some of the weight he's carried for so long.

I move to the window, looking out at the endless expanse of blue water. The sea stretches out before us, vast and infinite. It feels like a promise—a new beginning. But beneath the surface, I can't shake the fear that it's all too good to be true.

Alessandro comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. His warmth seeps into me, chasing away the lingering chill of uncertainty.

"We're safe here," he murmurs, his lips brushing against my temple.

I close my eyes, leaning into him. "I want to believe that."

He turns me gently, his hands cradling my face. "Then believe it. I'll make sure of it."

For the first time, I let myself hope. Maybe this is where we can finally stop running. Where we can finally breathe. Where we can finally be free.

ALESSANDRO

The morning sun pours through the massive windows of the villa, reflecting off the stone floors. The sound of distant waves mingles with the chirping birds, creating a symphony that feels almost unreal. I stand on the terrace, coffee in hand, watching Leo in the garden below. The corners of my mouth lift as memories of what Serafina and I did out here last night flood my mind.

His small figure is crouched near the flower beds, fingers digging into the earth as he studies his latest treasure. The kid's curiosity is endless; his room is already overflowing with rocks, shells, and all the 'important' things he finds.

I go down the steps, not wanting to disturb him. The grass is cool beneath my bare feet, dew still clinging to the blades. I approach slowly, hands in my pockets. Watching him in these moments—so happy, so free—feels like seeing the world through new eyes.

"What have you found, little man?"

Leo looks up, a wide grin breaking across his face. "There's a lizard! But he's too fast. I think he knows I'm here. I can't catch him."

I chuckle, crouching beside him. "Lizards are smart like that. But you know, sometimes if you stay very still, they think you're part of the garden. You have to be patient, then he might just come close enough to catch. But if you do catch him, his tail might fall off and wiggle around in your hand all on its own."

Leo's eyes widen with fascination. "Really? Yuck."

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