Page 31 of Ruined By Protection
Hazel
The Feretti mansion looms before us, sprawling and magnificent against the morning sky. My breath catches as we approach the enormous gates that swing open automatically, revealing Italianate landscaped grounds that stretch in every direction.
This isn't a house. It's a fortress disguised as a palace.
I press my forehead against the cool glass window, trying to calm my racing thoughts. The proximity to Matteo in the car’s confined space has my nerves fraying. His broad shoulders fill the seat in front of me, his strong hand grips the center rest— a hand that once explored every inch of my body.
Stop it.
That night meant nothing. It was just sex. Amazing, mind-blowing sex, but still just a one-night stand. That's why I left before dawn, slipping out while he slept. I didn't want the awkward morning-after conversation, the empty promise to call, the inevitable waiting only to be followed by disappointment.
The car rolls to a stop at the huge entrance, where massive double doors of dark wood and ornate iron await. My stomach twists with anxiety. What am I doing here?
"We're here," Evelyn announces unnecessarily, squeezing my hand. "You're safe now."
Am I? I glance at Matteo as he exits the car, his movements fluid and controlled. He hasn't given any indication he remembers me, which is both a relief and oddly painful.
Noah opens my door, offering his hand with a gentle smile that doesn't match his intimidating frame. "Welcome to the Feretti residence."
I step out on shaky legs, clutching my small bag to my chest like a shield. The mansion is even more impressive up close—limestone walls rising three stories high, windows gleaming in the sunlight, every detail speaking of old money and power.
The front doors swing open and a petite woman with long dark hair rushes out. She's beautiful in an intense way.
"You must be Hazel!" she calls, approaching with surprising speed on her high heels. "I'm Lucrezia Feretti."
Before I can respond she embraces me like we're old friends. The unexpected warmth catches me off guard and I awkwardly pat her back with my free hand.
"Thank you for inviting me to stay," I manage, my voice smaller than I'd like.
"Of course! Any family of Evelyn's is welcome here," Lucrezia says, pulling back to examine my face. "You must be exhausted from your flight."
"A little," I admit, acutely aware of Matteo watching us from where he stands by the car.
"Would you like to rest first? I can show you to your room," Lucrezia offers, already guiding me toward the porch. "Or are you hungry? Our chef can prepare something."
The thought of food makes my stomach turn. What I really need is a moment alone to process everything.
"Actually, I'd love to take a few minutes to freshen up," I say, forcing a smile. "The flight was long."
"Of course," Lucrezia nods sympathetically. "You need some time to decompress."
When we enter the foyer I try not to gawk at the soaring ceilings, the marble floor, the crystal chandelier. Everything gleams with wealth and power, making me feel even more out of place in my simple jeans and sweater. Elliott is rich but I have a very different feeling being here in this opulent palace and I can't explain why.
"I'll show you to your room," Lucrezia continues, leading me toward a grand curving staircase. "It's in the east wing where you'll have plenty of privacy."
I follow her up the stairs, grateful to be moving away from Matteo's penetrating gaze. I need space to think, to breathe, to figure out what I'm going to do next.
That night in Austin feels like a lifetime ago. A different Hazel. Before Elliott. Before everything fell apart. BeforeIfell apart.
It didn't mean anything. I repeat this to myself like a mantra as we walk down a long hallway lined with artwork that belongs in a museum.
It was just one night. The best night of my life maybe, but still just one night.
And now, somehow, I've ended up in his world. A world that seems far more complicated and dangerous than I imagined.
"Here we are," Lucrezia announces, stopping at a heavy wooden door. She pushes it open with a flourish. "This will be your room for as long as you need it."
My breath catches as I step inside. The space is enormous—easily three times the size of my bedroom back in Austin. A king-size four-poster bed dominates one wall, draped in crisp white linens that look cloud-soft. Huge windows showcase the estate grounds, with gauzy curtains that filter the morning light.
