Chapter 2 Is something wrong

The next morning, Emma woke to the soft sounds of Alessandro babbling in his crib. The nursery was warm, bathed in the golden light of early dawn. For a brief moment, everything felt normal, almost peaceful.

She stretched and glanced at the baby monitor, noting the green light blinking steadily. It was her lifeline in this massive, guarded mansion, and she hadn't dared turn it off even once during the night.

"Good morning, little guy," she whispered, lifting Alessandro from his crib. He gurgled happily, his tiny hands reaching for her face.

Her phone buzzed on the changing table. She balanced Alessandro on her hip and swiped the screen. It was a text from Kara.

{ Kara: How's your new "mafia boss" boss? 😏 Still alive? }

Emma rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. She typed a quick reply.

{ Emma: Barely. The baby's cute, though. Makes it worth it. }

She hit send, but before she could set the phone down, a sharp knock at the door made her jump.

"Come in?"

The door opened, and Leo stepped inside, his expression unreadable. He looked impeccable as always, his tailored suit a stark contrast to her oversized sweater and leggings.

"Good morning," he said, his voice low but firm.

"Morning," Emma replied, trying to keep her tone steady.

Leo's gaze softened slightly as he looked at Alessandro, who squealed and reached for him. For a fleeting moment, Leo's hard exterior cracked, and he smiled-a real, genuine smile. He took Alessandro from her arms and cradled him effortlessly.

"I have to step out today," Leo said, his voice back to business. "You'll stay in the house. Security has been doubled, but you're not to leave the property under any circumstances."

Emma frowned. "Is something wrong?"

Leo's jaw tightened. "Nothing you need to concern yourself with. Just follow the rules."

Before she could press further, Alessandro tugged at his tie, earning a small chuckle. "Be good for Emma, little man." He kissed Alessandro's forehead, handed him back to her, and left without another word.

---

By midday, Emma was starting to feel the weight of Leo's warning. The house was eerily quiet, the silence broken only by Alessandro's occasional giggles. She tried to focus on him, playing with blocks and feeding him his lunch, but she couldn't shake the unease creeping up her spine.

Her unease turned to alarm when the baby monitor crackled to life. A faint noise-a door creaking open-came through the speaker.

Emma froze, her heart pounding. She glanced at Alessandro, who was contentedly gnawing on a teething ring, then back at the monitor.

The sound came again.

Someone was in the house.

She scooped Alessandro into her arms and pressed the panic button on the monitor, which Leo had insisted she keep within reach at all times. A high-pitched alarm blared through the mansion, and within seconds, heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway.

The door burst open, and two armed guards rushed in.

"Stay here," one of them barked, his weapon drawn.

Emma clutched Alessandro tightly, her pulse racing as the guards disappeared down the hall. She could hear shouting, the sound of doors being slammed open, and then...silence.

Moments later, Leo appeared in the doorway, his expression thunderous.

"What happened?" he demanded.

"I-I don't know," Emma stammered. "I heard something on the monitor. Like a door opening."

Leo's gaze darkened. He turned to the guards. "Find out how they got in. Now."

The men nodded and hurried off.

Emma sank into the rocking chair, her legs trembling. "Is Alessandro okay?" Leo asked, his voice softer now.

She nodded, unable to speak.

Leo crouched in front of her, his intense eyes locking onto hers. "You did the right thing. The alarm likely scared them off. But this..." He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident. "This shouldn't have happened."

"Who are they?" Emma asked before she could stop herself.

Leo's jaw tightened. "No one you need to worry about."

"Leo," she said, surprising herself by using his first name. "I can't protect Alessandro if I don't know what's going on."

For a long moment, he said nothing. Then, with a heavy sigh, he rose to his feet.

"They're after me, Emma. But they'll use anyone-anything-to hurt me. That includes my son."

His words sent a chill down her spine.

Leo's gaze softened slightly as he looked at her. "That's why I need you here. I need someone I can trust."

Emma swallowed hard, her grip on Alessandro tightening. "You can trust me."

"I hope so," Leo said, his voice laced with an emotion she couldn't quite place.

As he left the room, Emma looked down at Alessandro, who was now dozing peacefully in her arms.

"I'll keep you safe," she whispered. But deep down, she wondered if she'd made a promise she could keep.