Page 21 of Ruined By Protection
"I make it my business to know about things that matter." His eyes were kind, his voice soft. "It's not right, what you're going through. A woman like you shouldn't have to work so many hours just to keep her family afloat."
One dinner turned into two, then three. Elliott was charming, attentive, generous. He sent flowers to my apartment, gift cards to my mother, a laptop for my brother. When Momlost her job at the insurance company—budget cuts, they said—Elliott was there with connections and promises.
"I know people," he assured me. "We'll find her something better."
But weeks turned into months and no one would hire her. The bills kept coming. Dad's condition worsened, requiring more expensive treatments that we couldn't afford. Jake's college applications were due but the scholarship he was counting on fell through.
Then Elliott proposed.
Six months after our first date he took me to a private rooftop garden overlooking the city. Under a canopy of twinkling lights, he dropped to one knee and opened a velvet box containing a diamond ring that caught the light like a small sun.
"Marry me, Hazel," he said, his voice full of promise. "Let me take care of you. Let me take care of all of you."
I stared at the ring, at his hopeful face, at the future he was offering.
"Your mother will have a job at Montgomery Industries," he continued. "The best health insurance for your father. A full scholarship for Jake at any university he chooses."
My heart hammered in my chest. This wasn't how I'd imagined my life unfolding. But what choice did I have? My family was drowning and Elliott was throwing us a lifeline.
"Your family won't suffer anymore," he promised, sliding the heavy ring onto my finger. "Say yes, and everything changes."
I looked into his eyes, kind and earnest. I made my choice.
"Yes," I whispered.
The wedding was a lavish affair, covered by local society magazines. Elliott spared no expense. My mother wore designer clothes for the first time in her life. Jake looked handsome in his tailored suit. Dad was able to walk me down the aisle thanks to a new treatment Elliott had arranged.
As promised, Mom got a position in the HR department at Montgomery Industries. Dad's medical care was covered by the company's premium insurance. Jake received a full ride at UT Austin.
Everything changed, just like Elliott said it would.
I set my empty glass in the sink and stare out the kitchen window at the manicured garden beyond.
I made my choice. I saved my family.
And I've been paying for it ever since.
Matteo
I lean back in my chair, studying the blueprints spread across the conference table. The Venetian Rose Casino's new security system is impressive—maybe too impressive.
"These camera blind spots are intentional?" I tap my finger on three separate locations marked in red on the schematics.
Daniel nods, his military-short hair catching the light from the overhead fixtures. "Damiano's orders. Some conversations need privacy, even from our own security feed."
"Smart." I trace the path from the main gaming floor to the private rooms. "But risky. The Sartori family could exploit these gaps if they knew about them."
"They don't." Daniel's voice is certain. "These plans are eyes-only for Feretti security leadership."
I nod, appreciating the thoroughness. This joint venture with the Sartori family requires a delicate balance—partnership on the surface with careful protection of our interests underneath. The casino represents millions in legitimate business, plus the additional benefit of having a neutral meeting ground for more sensitive discussions.
"What about staff rotation?" I ask, flipping to the personnel schedules. "I'm seeing too many Sartori people on the main floor during peak hours."
Daniel's jaw tightens. "I noticed that too. Riccardo keeps pushing for more of their dealers during high-stakes play."
"Unacceptable." I make a note on the margin. "We need equal representation at all times, especially when whales are in the building."
My phone vibrates against the table. Damiano's name flashes on the screen. I glance at Daniel, who immediately starts gathering the papers.
