Chapter 3 What's that supposed to mean

That night, Emma barely slept. Every creak of the old mansion, every whisper of the wind against the windows, set her nerves on edge. Alessandro, blissfully unaware, slept soundly in his crib. She sat in the rocking chair beside him, the baby monitor in one hand and her phone in the other, texting Kara.

{ Emma: Something's going on here. Someone broke into the house today. }

{ Kara: WHAT?! Are you okay? }

{ Emma: I'm fine, but it's not just a "babysitting" job. There's danger everywhere. }

{ Kara: Emma, get out of there. No amount of money is worth this. }

Emma looked at Alessandro, who sighed in his sleep, his tiny hand clutching the edge of his blanket.

{ Emma: I can't. }

She locked her phone, tossed it onto the side table, and leaned back. The truth was, she couldn't leave. Not just because of the money, but because of Alessandro. Something about his innocent vulnerability called to her in a way she couldn't explain.

The next morning, Emma was feeding Alessandro in the kitchen when Leo entered, his presence filling the room. He wore a dark sweater instead of his usual suit, but the casual clothing did nothing to soften his commanding aura.

"How did you sleep?" he asked.

Emma glanced up, startled. "Fine," she lied.

His eyes narrowed slightly, as though he could see right through her. "I'm assigning you additional protection. You'll have someone with you whenever you're with Alessandro."

Emma frowned. "Is that really necessary? I don't think having a bodyguard hovering over us will make Alessandro feel safe."

"It's not up for debate," Leo said firmly.

She wanted to argue but held her tongue. Instead, she focused on Alessandro, who was happily smearing applesauce across his face.

Leo watched them for a moment, his expression unreadable. "You're good with him," he said quietly.

Emma looked up, surprised. "Thank you."

He hesitated, then added, "I don't trust easily, Emma. But you've done well so far. I need you to keep it that way."

Before she could respond, one of Leo's men entered the kitchen. "Boss, we need you in the study."

Leo's demeanor shifted instantly, the warmth vanishing from his face. He nodded and left without another word.

Later that afternoon, Emma took Alessandro for a walk in the sprawling garden behind the mansion. It was a crisp, sunny day, and the fresh air seemed to lighten her mood. She pushed his stroller along the stone path, pointing out the birds and flowers to him as he babbled in response.

Her moment of peace was interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind her. She turned to see a tall man in a leather jacket, his sharp features softened by a friendly smile.

"You must be Emma," he said.

Emma tightened her grip on the stroller handle. "Who are you?"

"Elio," he said, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace. "Leo sent me. I'm your new shadow."

"Shadow?"

"Your bodyguard," he clarified.

Emma studied him for a moment, unsure whether to trust him. But he seemed harmless enough, and the fact that Leo had sent him was reassuring-at least slightly.

"Fine," she said, turning back to the stroller. "Just stay out of our way."

Elio chuckled. "I'll try."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the garden, Emma felt a strange unease creeping over her. She glanced back at Elio, who was scanning the area with sharp, practiced eyes.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

"Not yet," he said. "But stay close to the house. It's safer."

Emma nodded, her heart pounding as she hurried back toward the mansion. She couldn't shake the feeling that someone-or something-was watching them.

That night, after Alessandro was asleep, Emma sat in the living room with a cup of tea, trying to unwind. The house was quiet, but the silence felt oppressive.

Elio entered, his presence as casual as it was commanding. "You should rest," he said, sitting across from her.

"I'm fine," she replied, though her exhaustion was evident.

He leaned back, studying her. "You're tougher than I thought."

Emma raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Most people wouldn't last a day in this house, knowing who Leo is and what he does."

"I'm not most people," she said firmly.

Elio smirked. "No, you're not. But don't let your guard down. Things are about to get dangerous."

Her stomach twisted at his words. "What do you mean?"

"Leo has enemies. A lot of them. And they'll stop at nothing to take him down-even if it means going through you."

Emma's grip on her teacup tightened. She thought of Alessandro, sleeping peacefully upstairs, and a surge of determination rose within her.

"Let them try," she said quietly.

Elio's smirk faded, replaced by something resembling respect. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. Just be careful, Emma. This world isn't kind to people like you."