Page 50 of Devil's Embrace
Two people from different worlds finding unexpected connection in the aftermath of violence.A beginning or an ending—perhaps both at once.Whatever came next, whatever impossible path we were forging together, I knew with bone-deep certainty that none of us would emerge unchanged.
And despite everything—the danger, the violence, the impossibility of our situation—I couldn't bring myself to regret it.
Epilogue
Emory
One Year Later
I pinned the silver horn to Mina's headband, making sure it was secure before stepping back to admire my handiwork.My little unicorn.The pure white costume with its rainbow-trimmed hooves and tail made her blue eyes shine even brighter in the soft glow of the pumpkin lights Luca's men had strung around our living room.One year.We'd survived one entire year since that blood-soaked night when everything changed.When Luca had killed for us.When I'd helped him do it.
"Is it straight, Mama?"Mina reached up to touch the horn with careful fingers.
"Perfect."I brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear."The prettiest unicorn in all of Havenview."
She twirled, the costume's tail swishing behind her.At six years old, she'd grown taller, stronger, her face losing some of its baby roundness.But her smile—that hadn't changed.Somehow, despite everything she'd seen, everything we'd been through, my daughter still smiled with her whole heart.
Our home wasn't large, but it was ours—mostly.Luca had purchased it when I’d been hesitant to remain at the Moretti compound.The cameras outside, the reinforced doors with their state-of-the-art locks, the carefully casual presence of his men in the neighborhood—all of it spoke to something deeper than mere protection.
I glanced at my watch.Two hours since my last support group meeting.Dr.Keller had suggested it three months ago."Shared trauma recovery," she'd called it.I hadn't shared the exact nature of my trauma, of course."Home invasion" was what I'd told them.Close enough to the truth.
"Can I hold my candy bucket now?"Mina bounced on her toes, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Sure, sweet pea."I handed her the plastic purple pail, another gift from Luca.He never came empty-handed, each present for Mina more thoughtful than the last.
I forced a smile, pushing away thoughts of our relationship.Tonight was for Mina.For normal childhood experiences.For pretending we were just like any other mother and daughter heading out for Halloween.
The doorbell rang, its chime followed by the distinctive pattern of knocks that had become our private signal.Mina squealed, rushing toward the door."It's Luca!"
"Wait for me to open it," I reminded her gently, placing a hand on her costumed shoulder.Old habits.Necessary precautions.I checked the security panel beside the door and saw Luca's familiar figure on the small screen.
I opened the door, and there he stood.Luca Moretti, the Devil himself, dressed in an immaculate black coat over a charcoal suit, his blue-gray eyes finding mine immediately.My pulse jumped at the sight of him, my body's response as immediate and traitorous as ever.Not fear—not anymore—but something more complicated.Something that still woke me in the night, breathless and aching.
"Trick or treat!"Mina chirped, bouncing on her toes.
Luca's face transformed, the hard lines softening as he crouched down to her level."Look at you.A unicorn, just like you wanted."
"With a real horn and everything," she confirmed proudly, pointing to her headband."Mama made it special."
His eyes flicked up to meet mine, something warm and appreciative in their depths."Your mama is very talented."
He reached into his coat and produced a small gift bag, its handles tied with purple ribbon."I brought something for your costume."
Mina took the bag reverently, her excitement tempered by a deliberate care."Can I open it now?"
"Of course," he replied, still crouched at her level.
She pulled out a small box and opened it to reveal a delicate silver bracelet with tiny unicorn charms dangling from its links."It's beautiful."
"May I?"Luca asked, taking the bracelet when she nodded.His large hands, capable of such violence, fastened the clasp gently around her small wrist."There.Now you're a true unicorn princess."
"Thank you!"She threw her arms around his neck, a gesture that still made him stiffen momentarily before his arms came around her in a careful embrace.
I watched them, this strange pair—my daughter and the man who had killed to protect her.The man who still visited three times a week with gifts and stories.The man whose men watched our home day and night.The man I sometimes let into my bed after Mina was asleep, though he never stayed till morning.
Luca rose to his full height, his gaze finding mine again."You look beautiful."
I glanced down at my simple black sweater and jeans, accessorized with a witch's hat for the occasion."Hardly."
